Sustainable travel is expensive and far too complicated. Think again. Sustainability can be expensive and complicated…if you make it so. Especially when it comes to hygiene, it can cost a lot of money if you want to be on the safe side and buy high-quality, biodegradable care products. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Baking soda, a simple and versatile mineral, has proven to be a little miracle cure for sustainable travel. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what baking soda is, why it’s sustainable and how you can use it for various biodegradable products such as deodorant and laundry detergent.

What is baking soda?

Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring mineral found in many parts of the world. It is known for its many uses in the food industry, as a cleaning agent, odor absorber and much more. It is an alkaline salt that is available in both powder and crystalline form. You’re sure to have seen baking soda in your grandma’s cupboards, as it has been used for generations as a household remedy for all everyday situations.

Why is baking soda suitable for sustainable travel?

The sustainability of baking soda stems from its versatility and environmental friendliness. Unlike many conventional products, which can contain harmful chemicals, baking soda is a natural substance that is not only biodegradable, but is also available in large quantities and at relatively low cost.

How does baking soda help me when traveling?

It is super easy to make your own biodegradable care products with baking soda. These include, for example:

Deodorant

Conventional deodorants often contain aluminum and other chemical ingredients that are not only harmful to the environment, but can also pose health risks. However, a simple, biodegradable deodorant can easily be made with baking soda. By mixing baking soda with coconut oil and essential oils, you can make an effective and environmentally friendly deodorant that neutralizes odours and does not irritate the skin.

For this you need:

• 3 tbsp baking soda
• 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 2 tbsp corn starch or potato starch
• Essential oils to taste (e.g. lavender, tea tree oil)

Instructions:

    

1. mix the baking soda, melted coconut oil and starch in a bowl.
2. add a few drops of essential oils to taste and mix well.
3. pour the mixture into a clean container and leave to cool until solid
4. apply the deodorant under the arms as needed

Tooth Paste

Another application for baking soda is the production of biodegradable toothpaste. By mixing baking soda with water and a few drops of essential oil, a natural toothpaste can be made that cleans and whitens teeth without harming the environment.

To make the toothpaste you need:

• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted)
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

1. mix the baking soda and melted coconut oil in a bowl until a smooth paste is formed.
2. gradually add the peppermint essential oil and stir well.
3. pour the toothpaste into an airtight container to store it.
4. use the homemade toothpaste as usual by applying a small amount to your toothbrush and brushing your teeth.

Detergent

Conventional detergents often contain chemical substances that not only pollute the environment, but can also cause allergies and skin irritation. However, baking soda can be used as an effective and environmentally friendly detergent. By adding a small amount of baking soda to your wash load, stains can be removed and odours neutralized without the need for harmful chemicals.

For this you need:

    

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup washing soda (optional)
• 1 cup finely grated curd soap or castile soap

Instructions:

1. mix all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight container.
2. for a load of laundry, add 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture directly into the washing machine.

Of course, there are other possible uses for baking soda. Hopefully we have been able to show you with this short introduction that sustainability can also be fun and doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. If you ever try baking soda, please think of us and leave us a message with your experiences!

Warning: Although baking soda has many positive properties, not everyone reacts well to it. Some people may have sensitive skin or be allergic to certain ingredients. Therefore, take good care of yourself and go to the doctor at the slightest sign of skin irritation or allergies!

Summary

Baking soda is brilliant. From its versatility to its environmental impact, it offers numerous benefits for those who want to travel eco-consciously. By carrying baking soda in our travel backpacks and using it for biodegradable products such as deodorant, toothpaste and laundry detergent, we can reduce our ecological footprint while preserving the beauty of our environment. This shows again: sometimes the knowledge of older generations is already a key to sustainability.

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