Despite the advances in medical sciences, why we are not healthy.
With all the technology at our disposal, why condition of our rivers continues to deteriorate.
Ever wondered if there is any connection between river health and our health….
Here is a short clip on the subject..
Toxin-free-living
The Problem – Polluted Rivers aka Sewers
A General Fact/Revelation
Of the total pollution load in the river, Domestic wastewater contributes about 70% or more!
What pollutes Domestic wastewater mostly?
The toxic chemicals in most of the various domestic products we use daily!
Domestic products like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, detergents, cosmetics etc. contain toxic chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Triclosan, Sodium Fluoride, Cocamide diethanolamine, Monoethanolamine, Triethanolamine Isopropyl Alcohol, Carmoisine, Benzalkonium chloride etc.
Domestic wastewater carrying these toxic chemicals is discharged daily in sewers, subsequently mixing with rivers and other water sources as also the soil.
Rivers have a self-cleansing property. But they are not equipped to cleanse or treat these toxic man-made chemicals.
Further –
The contaminated river water is used to irrigate farms and grow crops. The toxic chemicals in this water are thus absorbed by the crop plants thereby entering the natural food chain harming living organisms and landing on our food plate as well.
These toxic chemicals are linked to cancer, stomach disorders, skin diseases, respiratory diseases etc.
Conclusion –
What is harmful to the rivers is harmful to us!
The Solution – a Change in Lifestyle
Since as much as 70% of river pollution is due to Domestic wastewater, it also means it is in our hands to eliminate as much as 70% of river pollution right from our homes!
All we need – albeit gradually – is a change in lifestyle!
The simple logic behind the solution –
The river flows from source to sea providing water to all life along its course. Nature has a superb mechanism in which the river has the capacity of self-cleansing its waters along its course.
Now, we divert this flow of clean water from the river through our homes and release it back into the river after using. But the nature of the water that we release into the river from our homes is far from clean – in fact it is such that it cannot be treated / cleansed by the river.
So all we need to do is – release such wastewater that can be treated / cleansed by the river!
How do we do this?
By using bio-degradable toxin-free domestic products! And therein lies the lifestyle change!
Instead of using toxin-ridden domestic products, we need to switch back to using time-tested non-toxic and bio-degradable ones!
By consuming such products, we not only safeguard our health but also automatically conserve our rivers and the environment in turn!
And our wise forefathers had thought of exactly this aspect. They have already done the research and have brought into use such products that are best suited to our environment, using locally available, natural material.
What are these products and from where to procure them?
Jeevitnadi has put together an ‘Eco-friendly Family Starter kit’ with options for toothpaste, bath soap, shampoo, detergents, household floor and toilet cleaners.
The idea is to get you started rightaway!
Details about the kit follow…
The kit caters to the daily basic cleansing needs of a family and as the name implies, it is a starter kit. You can buy from the market later or prepare the kit items at home with the DIY-Do It Yourself- recipes we have given.
Alternately you can buy the kit or individual items directly from Jeevitnadi volunteers or send us a mail to order or order online/on mobile with the Sustainable Living InstaDelight application. Details are provided at the end.
You can also explore other bio-degradable options available in the market – and let us know too so we can upload them on our website for everyone’s benefit.
Or – experiment away and come up with your own bio-degradable products that ensure both personal health and the health of our waterways!
Conclusion –
Let’s move towards a ‘Toxin-free Lifestyle’!
Let’s Rejuvenate our Rivers & Safeguard our Health….!
Eco-Friendly Family Starter Kit
Given below are the contents of the starter kit, recipe of the individual items as also directions to use.
Currently, the kit contains 8 items that caters to daily, basic personal hygiene and household cleaning needs.
Various options for procuring the items –
- From Ayurveda shops or your grocer
- By ordering online/on mobile with the link: https://goo.gl/Ph695w (Sustainable Living InstaDelight application).
- From Jeevitnadi Living River Foundation (Contact number given at the end)
- By sending a mail to jnlrf.tfl@gmail.com mentioning your contact details and order details.
- Sustainable Living Store (Address at the end)
- Agraj food products (Address at the end)
You can also prepare the items at home with the help of the recipes given
All details are given at the end.
Contents of the kit (8 items)
| Personal Hygiene Items1. Dental Care (Dantamanjan)
2. Body Wash (Utane) 3. Hair Wash
|
Household Cleaning Items1. Shikakai powder
2. Ritha powder 3. Baking soda 4. All Purpose Cleaner (Vinegar) 5. Toilet Cleaner (Vinegar) |
Personal Hygiene Items
- Dental care (Dantamanjan) – (Blend of medicinal herbs)
Properties – Natural astringent, fights bad breath and tooth decay, tightens and strengthens gums
Recipe
Ingredients –
Hirda (Terminalia chebula)
Lavang powder (Syzigium aromaticum)
Bakul powder (Mimusops elengi)
Kadulimb bark powder (Azadirachta indica)
Babhul bark powder (Acacia nilotica)
Saindhav (Rock salt)
Method –
Sieve all ingredients and mix well in the following proportion –
a) 1 part each of Bakul powder and Neem bark powder
b) 2 parts each of Hirda powder, Babhul bark powder and Saindhav.
c) ½ part Lavang powder
Dantamanjan is ready. Store in an airtight container.
Directions for use –
Use a pinch of Dantamanjan on a wet toothbrush or finger and brush as usual.
For best results massage gums with finger, dip wet toothbrush in Dantamanjan and brush as usual.
For children use any green toothpaste (Vicco, Meswak etc..).
- Body Wash (Utane) – (Blend of medicinal herbs)
Properties – Gives long lasting fragrance, exfoliating, has a cooling effect, moisturises, disinfectant, makes skin soft
Recipe
Ingredients –
Chandan – Sandalwood (Santalum album)
Gavhla kachora (Hedychium spicatum)
Tulas (Ocimum sanctum)
Kachora (Curcuma zedoaria)
Gulab – Rose petals (Rosa centifolia)
Santra saal –Orange peel (Citrus sinensis)
Multani mati (Fullers earth)
Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)
Bavchi (Cullen corylifolium)
Vala (Chrysopogon zizanioides)
Ambehalad (Curcuma amada)
Method –
Sieve all ingredients and mix well in the following proportion –
a) 1 part each of Chandan, Gavhla kachora, Tulas and Kachora
b) 2 parts each of Gulab, Santra saal, Multani mati, Nagarmotha, Bavchi, Vala and Ambehalad.
Utane is ready. Store in an airtight container.
Directions for use –
For normal and oily skin – Make a paste of 1 tablespoon powder and water and apply to skin or sprinkle over wet skin directly and scrub. For best results, leave for 1-2 minutes and then rinse.
For dry skin – Make a paste of 1 tablespoon powder and milk or cream and apply as above
- Hair Wash – (Blend of Shikakai, Ritha and medicinal herbs)
Properties à Mild hair cleanser, effective against dandruff and hair fall, conditions hair naturally, maintains natural texture and natural oils, keeps hair healthy and smooth, prevents scalp infection (antifungal)
Recipe
Ingredients:
Shikakai – Soap pod powder (Acacia concinna)
Ritha – Soap nut powder (Sapindus laurifolius)
Masala –
Avala powder (Phyllanthus emblica)
Orange peel powder (Citrus sinensis)
Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus
Bavchi (Cullen corylifolium)
Kachora (Curcuma zedoaria)
Vala (Chrysopogon zizanioides
Method –
Mix all ingredients well in the following proportion –
1 kg Shikakai, 100gms Ritha, 1 ready pack Masala
Directions for use –
For normal and oily hair – Add 2 tablespoons powder to a glass of lukewarm water (For best results, boil the powder in 1 glass water, strain and then use). Rinse hair in lukewarm water and apply mixture while massaging your scalp. Then wash clean.
For dry hair – Add 1 tablespoon powder to a glass of lukewarm water and wash as above.
Caution: Avoid contact with eyes. In case of irritation or burning to eyes, clean eyes liberally with water
Household Cleaning Items
Note: The items given below (1 to 5) can be used separately or in combination, depending on the cleaning activity.
You can prepare liquid soap (recipe given below) using Shikekai, Ritha and Vinegar and use it to clean a number of surfaces like kitchen platforms, table tops, bathroom tiles etc as also for washing clothes.
You can prepare cleaning powder (recipe given below) using Shikekai, Ritha and Baking soda to clean utensils. You will notice that you require less water to rinse and clean the utensils.
1. Shikakai powder (Soap Pod)
Properties – Mild, natural soap, Surfactant, First-class softener, Anti-fungal, Natural astringent
Directions for use –
You can use shikekai as soap……
2. Ritha powder (Soap Nut)
Properties – Natural soap, Surfactant, Excellent cleaning agent for clothes to ornaments, Anti-microbial, Insecticidal, Anti-inflammatory
Directions for use –
Use to wash your silks and delicates….
3. Baking Soda
Properties – pH regulator, Excellent cleaning agent, Natural Deodoriser, Therapeutic agent, abrasive
Directions for use –
Sprinkle on kitchen sink and wash basins, scrub and wash. You will notice that the kitchen sink will not clog if cleaned daily with baking soda as it is a dirt buster and cuts across grime as it washes.
4. All-purpose cleaner (Vinegar)
Properties – Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Excellent cleaning agent, Natural Deodoriser, Sanitizer, Fabric Softener, Colour fastener, Stain remover, Food Preservative
Recipe
Ingredients:
Acetic acid of 50% concentration
Distilled water
Method –
To prepare 1 litre of all-purpose cleaner, add 100ml acetic acid to 900ml distilled water.
Directions for use –
Add 1 cap of the cleaner into half a bucket of water to mop the floor or to clean the kitchen platform.
In addition, you can add 2 drops of citronella (essential) oil / lemon grass oil / mint oil to ward off flies and insects.
Please note –
You can also use regular white (cooking) vinegar available in the market.
You can water your plants with the water you used for mopping the floor.
Caution:
1. Cleaner not to be used on marble floor. It may cause corrosion or leave white marks.
2. In case the cleaner is swallowed by mistake, please drink 1 litre of water immediately.
5. Toilet cleaner (Vinegar)
Properties – Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Excellent cleaning agent, Natural Deodoriser, Sanitizer, Fabric Softener, Colour fastener, Stain remover, Food Preservative
Recipe
Ingredients:
Acetic acid of 50% concentration
Distilled water
Method –
To prepare 1 litre of toilet cleaner, add 200ml acetic acid to 800ml distilled water.
Directions for use 1 –
Sprinkle baking soda and scrub the desired surface (washbasin, bathroom tiles, bathroom floor and toilet bowl). Add 1 cap of toilet cleaner to half a bucket of water and then wash the scrubbed surface with this solution.
Directions for use 2 –
Mix 2 spoons of baking soda with half cup vinegar in a mug & pour on desired surface. Let it sit for few minutes and scrub as usual. You can use the same mixture for scrubbing sanitary fittings and fixtures (other than chromium plated) like taps, showers, health faucets etc. Boring water stains are removed. Baking soda acts as abrasive so taps and shower nozzle holes are cleared resulting in good flow of water.
Caution:
1. Cleaner not to be used on marble floor. It may cause corrosion or leave white marks.
2. In case the cleaner is swallowed by mistake, please drink 1 litre of water immediately.
Liquid Soap and Cleaning Powder
Recipe for Natural Liquid Soap
Ingredients –
Ritha powder/Ritha seeds
Shikekai powder
Vinegar
Method 1 –
Add 2 tablespoons Ritha and 1 tablespoon Shikekai to 1 litre water and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. Strain after the mixture cools. Add 1 cup all-purpose cleaner to this liquid soap for good shelf life (approx 2 months) and store. You can re-use the remains after straining to make a mild liquid soap to clean the kitchen platform or kitchen sink etc.
Method 2 –
Soak 6 medium sized soap nuts (ritha seeds) overnight in water. Next morning, crush slightly and add to 1 litre of water along with 1 tablespoon Shikekai. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously. Strain after the mixture cools. Add 1 cup all-purpose cleaner to this liquid soap for good shelf life (approx 2 months) and store. You can re-use the remains after straining to make more liquid soap that cleans any greasy surface like the gas stove etc or to clean the kitchen platform or kitchen sink.
Washing clothes in a washing machine –
Directions for use 1 –
Take 2tsps each of Shikakai and Ritha powder in an old sock and tie a tight knot.
Add the sock to your normal wash load.
Add 1 cup of all-purpose cleaner to the softener dispenser of the washing machine. Wash as usual.
Directions for use 2 –
Soak 6 medium sized Ritha seeds for a couple of hours in water. Crush and put the seeds and 2tsps of Shikakai powder in an old sock and tie a tight knot.
Add the sock to your normal wash load.
Add 1 cup of all-purpose cleaner to the softener dispenser of the washing machine. Wash as usual.
Directions for use 3 –
Pour 100 ml of the natural liquid soap in the detergent dispenser. Add 1 cup of all-purpose cleaner to the softener dispenser of the washing machine. Wash as usual.
Recipe for Natural Cleaning Powder
Ingredients –
Ritha powder
Shikekai powder
Baking soda
Method –
Mix well 2 parts each of Ritha powder and Shikekai powder and 1 part of Baking soda and your cleaning powder for utensils is ready for use.
If desired, you can experiment and add lemon powder or orange peel powder. Amala powder & salt can be added for cleaning greasy utensils.
Useful Hints:
- You can fill body wash and baking soda in old salt/pepper shakers or talcum powder shakers for ease of use.
- You can re-use old hand wash dispensers for all-purpose and toilet cleaner or for the Reetha + Shikekai liquid soap.
- You can also use lemon peel powder, orange peel powder, salt, to keep your house clean or any such traditional bio-degradable items of daily use that have been used by your grandparents that are readily available in every kitchen.
Simply experiment away and use!
All the kit items are natural, bio-degradable and non-toxic.
Store all items in a cool and dry place in an airtight container to avoid contact with moisture.
Options for ordering/Products available at/Enquiry:
- Send an email to jnlrf.tfl@gmail.com
- By ordering online/on mobile with the link: https://goo.gl/Ph695w (Sustainable Living InstaDelight application).
- Sustainable Living Store –
Timings – 10am to 8pm
Address – Madhavbaug Clinic,
Plot no. 34, Shivgayatri, Kulashree Society Lane 2,
Near Sai-Vihar Phase 2 Society,
Karvenagar, Kothrud, Pune
Contact no. – 7720087799 - Agraj Food Products, Desai Enterprises
Timings : 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 9pm
Address : Kumar Sahvas, Shop no. 6 & 7, New Baner-Pashan Link road, Pashan
Contact no. – 9881890921 - Jeevitnadi Living River Foundation
Timings – 11am to 6pm
Contact no – 9049652922