You can't really dive into the tiny house or massage therapy cultures without running into a few hippie ideas.
Like, making your own deodorant for example.
My classmate explained how she purchases ingredients and then makes her own deodorant from scratch. This blows my mind. I just found out about the whole, "aluminum in deodorant is bad" thing. Because of that, I did try a more "natural" product for my b.o. and I didn't like how I smelled so I'm back to Secret Gels, but my classmate says she can convert me with her recipe.
I feel like I'm falling down a rabbit hole.
First, there was no meat. I can live with that because to me, the meat industry does have its flaws and meat in general has no appeal unless it's been way worked over. Not to mention, food that has a ton of rules attached to it to prevent you from getting poisoned by it just doesn't seem worth messing with.
Then, there was skin products. I stopped wearing makeup to try and help with my blemishes. Currently, all I ever put on my face a philosophy cleanser and a lush toner. Too soon to tell if it will help zits, but my face feels less worked over.
Finally, there's the new obsession I have with going trash free. This is becoming almost as popular as any natural, healthy, clean living campaign I've ever seen. The idea is to promote the elimination of unnecessary waste and reduce the strain in our landfills. I find myself pondering ways to shop whole foods, remember to pack cans and bags, and finding a way to recycle.
I first stumbled on it, here, if you want to check it out.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYDQcBQUDpw
Stepping back, just who am I becoming? How do I know if I've gone too far?
Well, for starters, I'm beginning to question my ideals of going tiny.
I had a camping trip a few weekends back....only I forgot that I donated my sleeping bag because I never go camping. Three fuzzy blankets does not replace that sub-zero material. It may be only for a once a year event, but it's worth having around. Maybe I'm more of an experientialist? True, I could have avoided problems if I had thought to ask to borrow or could find a local rent shop last minute, but I couldn't, and I froze for it.
As for going trashless, I'd have to have a lot more time just to make half of the things I'd want to replace. While there are a few shops around here that could support that lifestyle, the options are fairly limiting. I think I'd rather purchase pre-made items in compost-able or recyclable materials.
Basically, if you want to live as clean, de-cluttered, and natural as possible, you have to be willing to work. You have to be a planner, you have to really enjoy making the things you use. I'm not sure if tiny actually saves time like so many people claim so much as it exchanges that time for a different kind of experience. Don't get me wrong, the idea of making your own deoderant, toothpaste, or laundry detergent sounds like a fun cooking adventure to me, but it wouldn't be for everyone. The thrill of knowing exactly what is in your product and never having to smell another chemical again may be worth it, but for me, it's going to be a slow transition.
As for going too far.
I'm definitely living a different life than my mom lived. I'm even living a different life than my crunchy sister and she's only ten years older. I feel like as technology and research continues to improve, life is going to continue to evolve into something previous generations wouldn't recognize or even understand. It may not be too far, maybe it's just a different way to take on life. I know there are many colors and flavors and styles to choose from in this spectrum of natural.
I'll tell you what I'm not going to do.
I'm not going to stop showering.
I'm not going to stop washing my hair or anything else that's hygienic.
If I stumble on a natural idea that makes me go, "ew," its not happening.
As for what in the air:
Until I find a toothpaste that does it better, I'm using fluoride.
Until I find cleaning supplies, products, or recipes that satisfy me, I'll be using normal.
Make up is make up. I stopped for a couple of weeks and I kind of like it. Maybe only for special occasions.
Trashless may be in my future. It's just a question of how.
