Pacific Northwest Summer Lovin'
I had the absolute time of my life teaching Permaculture workshops at the 2019 Camp Rahh! - an all adult, no-tech summer camp. Wow, what a dream! 80 strangers all together for 3 days in the beautiful Samish island, Washington, a true Pacific Northwest iconic backdrop just 2 hours from my hometown of Seattle, WA. Camp Rahh was a change to let loose, be free, connect, remember our inner child, play, learn, laugh, hug and unite!
Everyone should consider attending this. The most freeing and inspiring weekend possible!
I taught three workshops. Day 1: how to disconnect from the contrived grip of chemical companies selling us body products under the lie that we will be better, prettier, cleaner, more sanitized if we buy their plastic-laden creations. This was DIY deodorant, toothpaste and soap nut base to make shampoo, floor cleaner, laundry detergent etc.
All recipes listed below!
Day 2 was 5 medicinal plants we can grow at home, even if all you have is a windowsill! I am passionate about integrating plant medicine into our lives and detaching from the reliance on the corrupt + polluting pharmaceutical industry ( sensing a theme here? ;) ).
Day 3 was a big Compost 101. All you need to know about carbon:nitrogen ratio, about what can go in and what can't and how the heck all this aerobic digestion works.
I am so grateful for the opportunity! Truly a dream. I hope I can make it back next year too!
So, act radical! Make your own products! Liberate yourself from the lies of the beauty industry and get chemicals out of your bath, laundry, body, and mouth! All of these products work fantastically well, I use them daily and have never looked back. Sayonara chemical companies!
HERE IS HOW:
DIY DEODORANT:
For 4 Oz. Jar
4 T melted coconut oil
4 T arrowroot powder or cornstarch
2 T baking soda
10-20 drops your favorite essential oil
Stir all together! Store in a jar with a good seal.
DIY TOOTHPASTE:
2 Heaping TBL of Calcium Bentonite Clay
1/4 tsp pink rock salt
1/4 tsp fresh grounded clove
1 TB activated charcoal powder
10 drops peppermint essential oil
3/4 spoon Stevia Powder
Mix. Keep as powder. To brush, take a little in your palm and add a drop or two of coconut oil and put on your brush. Go for it!
SOAP NUT BASE
2L water
24 soap nuts
Boil to 1/2 the quantity.
Let cool from boil. Then de-seed all the soapnuts and squish all the pulp to get all the goods out and put aside to compost.
Sieve and extract all you can from the pulp.
Fresh for 7-14 days. Can refrigerate or freeze extra.
Some extra images, because my home, the Pacific Northwest, is just too damn beautiful not to share. All photos are taken by an absolutely legendary photographer and friend, AJ Ragasa (insta @ajragasa)
Check em: