Simple routines for personal health and the ecosystems around us
Living in a place like Torio changes your awareness of what you use every day.
What goes down the drain doesn’t disappear. It goes into the soil, into the water, into the systems that surround us — and eventually, back to us. In rural areas, where we rely on biodigestors, septic systems, or natural filtration through the land, the products we use matter even more.
Many conventional cleaning and personal care products contain chemicals that disrupt these natural systems. They can affect water quality, damage beneficial bacteria, and slowly impact both ecosystem health and our own.
Switching to biodegradable alternatives is a simple way to align daily life with the environment we’re part of. It’s also gentler on the body — on skin, hair, and overall health.
Over time, I’ve simplified my routine. Fewer products, more intention, and mostly things that are locally available or easy to make.
This is what I use.
Personal Care
I try to keep this minimal and natural.
Soap & Shampoo
I use biodegradable soap and shampoo from Amazilia. They are simple, effective, and work well with our climate.
Conditioner
Instead of conventional conditioner, I use a mix of:
- apple cider vinegar
- water
- a few drops of rosemary essential oil
It helps detangle, balances the scalp, and leaves the hair soft without buildup.
I wash my hair about once a week. Over time, the scalp adjusts and produces less oil.
Deodorant
I use a natural deodorant from Casa Árbol.
Deep Hair Clean (occasionally)
When I feel buildup, I use:
- raw egg
- water
- apple cider vinegar
- a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil
It gives a deeper clean while still being gentle.
Home Cleaning
For the house, I keep a few base ingredients that do almost everything.
General Cleaning & Dishes
I use liquid soap from Amazilia. It works for dishes, floors, and general cleaning.
Toilets
White vinegar + baking soda
Simple and effective, and safe for septic systems.
Surfaces
White vinegar mixed with water
Sometimes I add a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil.
Laundry — Simple & Biodegradable
Laundry is also very simple.
This is the mix I use — it works well and is compatible with biodigestors and natural water systems.
Ingredients
- Liquid soap (Amazilia)
- Borax (I get it at Novey)
- Washing soda
- Water
Recipe — 1 gallon batch
- 1 cup borax
- 1 cup washing soda
- 1 cup liquid soap
- Fill the rest with water (to complete 1 gallon)
I dissolve the powders first with a bit of warm water, then add the soap, then fill the rest and shake gently.
Use
- Small load: ~¼ cup
- Large load: ~½ cup
You can adjust depending on your machine and how dirty things are.
Natural Softener
Instead of conventional softeners, I use white vinegar.
- About ½ to 1 cup per load
- Added in the softener compartment or rinse cycle
It softens clothes, removes residue, and keeps everything fresh.
The vinegar smell disappears once dry.
Optional — Adding Scent
If you want a light scent in your laundry, you can do it simply.
- Cut pieces of an old cotton t-shirt
- Keep them in a container with white vinegar
- Add a few drops of essential oil (lavender is really nice)
Then use one piece in the wash or dryer.
I tried this at the beginning, but with time I realized I don’t actually need scent on my clothes.
Clean and neutral started to feel better — especially living close to nature.
Making Washing Soda (if you can’t find it)
If washing soda isn’t available, you can make it from baking soda.
- Spread baking soda on a tray
- Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 45–60 minutes
- Stir once or twice
- Let it cool and store it airtight
This transforms it into washing soda — a stronger cleaner that still keeps things simple and biodegradable.
A Simpler Way of Living
This isn’t about doing everything perfectly.
It’s about small, conscious choices.
Using fewer products.
Understanding where things go.
Working with natural systems instead of against them.
Living in a place like Torio naturally brings you closer to this way of thinking.
And over time, simplicity starts to feel not only enough — but better.
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