Where to start with DIY - The 80/20 approach

So, you’re ready to dive into the wonderful world of DIY and low-tox living? Fantastic! We get it—living naturally and reducing toxins sounds amazing, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, though. You don’t need to ditch all your products and live like a modern-day pioneer. The secret to success is the 80/20 approach - 80% low-tox awesomeness, 20% flexibility (because life happens and that’s okay!). This approach helps you make lasting changes while keeping things stress-free.

Let’s talk about how you can start DIY’ing your way to a healthier, greener lifestyle - without feeling like you need to do it all at once!

Why DIY? DIY’ing isn’t just a fun way to get creative, it’s also the best way to know exactly what’s going into your products. No more mysterious ingredients with names you can’t pronounce! You’re in control. Plus, DIY’ing can cut down on waste (hello, less packaging!) and save you money. And who doesn’t love the idea of whipping up their own natural products tailored exactly to their needs?

Where to Start with DIY’ing? Starting small is the way to go—you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Pick one or two areas of your life to DIY and slowly build from there. Ready? Let’s jump in!

1. DIY Household Cleaners
   The cleaning cupboard is a great place to kick off your DIY journey. Why? Because a lot of store-bought cleaners are packed with harsh chemicals you don’t need. But don’t worry—DIY cleaners are super easy to make, using stuff you’ve probably already got hanging around the house. Here's a couple of our fave go-to recipes to get you started:
• Surface Cleaner
• Glass Cleaner
2. DIY Personal Care Products
   Skincare, haircare, all the care! Many personal care products are loaded with questionable ingredients, but making your own at home is fun and easy. Plus, you can customise everything to your heart’s content!
• Fun Recipe Idea: Make a luscious body scrub with 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of coconut oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil. You can get creative and incorporate coffee grounds or dried herbs too. You’ll smell amazing and your skin will thank you!
3. DIY Laundry Detergent
   Ditch those chemical-heavy detergents! Making your own is easier than you think and it’s gentle on clothes, skin and the environment.
• Fun Recipe Idea: Grate a bar of castile soap, then mix it with 1 cup each of organic sodium bicarbonate and washing soda. Store it in a jar and use 1-2 tablespoons per load. Fresh, clean laundry without the toxins!

The 80/20 Approach to DIY’ing 
Let’s be real: you’re not going to DIY every single product in your life and that’s totally fine! The 80/20 approach is all about balance—80% of the time, you’re rocking your low-tox lifestyle with homemade goodies and 20% of the time, you give yourself a break. We've also done all the hard work for you, with our carefully curated collections, you can be sure the products we have at Natural Good Life also tick your boxes for low tox living.

Remember, this is a journey, not a sprint. Small changes add up over time, so pat yourself on the back for each little step forward.

Tips for DIY Success:

• Start Simple: Don’t overcomplicate it. Choose easy projects that use ingredients you already have.
• Quality Matters: Use good-quality, natural ingredients for the best results (and because you deserve it!).
• Trial and Error: It’s all part of the process! Experiment and have fun tweaking your recipes.
• Be Kind to Yourself: You don’t have to DIY everything. Pick and choose what works for you and let go of the rest.

Whether you’re whipping up a cleaner, a scrub or laundry detergent, remember that every little bit counts. You’ve got this!