Environmentally Friendly Hand Sanitiser
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends washing hands with soap and water whenever possible because thorough handwashing (You should wash your hands for the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice (around 20 seconds) reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on hands – and I can not stress the importance of washing your hands frequently during the COVID-19 outbreak).
But if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol can help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. The guidance for effective hand washing and use of hand sanitiser in community settings was developed based on data from a number of studies.
The drawback of hand sanitiser is the small plastic containers it is packaged in….check in with your local zero waste shop and see if you can refill your containers in store!
Or alternatively, make your own! In a small bowl, mix equal amounts each of pure aloe vera gel and grain alcohol with 5 drops of tea tree essential oil. To make it smell less pungent, add 5 drops of your favourite fragrance oil. Using a funnel, pour this blend into a bottle small enough to keep in your pocket or bag.
Please note: I see soooo many people in the supermarkets, wearing surgical gloves, but using them incorrectly – e.g. using gloved hands on their phone, to touch their face, etc. etc. Unless you NEED such gloves as a key worker during this time, you are better to ensure that you use hand sanitiser before entering and after leaving a shop – also, use your common sense: don’t use your phone, don’t touch your face etc. – this will only result in your spreading germs, not stopping them!
