Ideas to Green Your Bath Time

Go Green in 2014: Week 35

In this post: 

*harmful effects of chemicals in bath products
*green bubble bath alternatives
*removing the chlorine from your bath water

Who doesn't enjoy a nice, relaxing bubble bath?

During my first year in college, Wednesday night was my "bath night". Why Wednesdays, I don't really remember. But I would draw myself a tub full of warm water and pour in the Avon bubbles (either Chocolate Covered Strawberry or Cinnamon Twist if I remember correctly).

Now... I rarely take baths anymore, but when I do, I never use bubbles. The chemicals that make bubble bath "bubbly" are not very nice, and considering that our skin - the largest organ in the human body - soaks up large quantities of these ingredients, I don't think it's a good idea.

What could possibly be so bad about bubble bath?

Let's take one of the ingredients, sodium lauryl sulfate, as an example. This is the compound that makes your bubble bath, shampoo, hand soap, and laundry detergent, among other household products, lather. This is not necessary to get you or your laundry, or anything else, clean. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a known human irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Other concerns may be organ system toxicity and ecotoxicology (source).

Is there such thing as green bubble bath?

Sure, you can purchase bath products that claim to be green and chemical-free, but you should always read the ingredients list before purchasing.

Also, these products will likely cost more than you want to spend. Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive options. They may not produce bubbles, but they can actually be quite beneficial to your health.

1. Epsom salts. Take a relaxing, green bath with epsom salts, which can get rid of toxins in the body and relax muscles due to the magnesium content in the salts. Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies readily absorb through the skin.
2. Magnesium flakes. Or, you could just add magnesium bath flakes (affiliate link) to the water. Not only will they help restore your magnesium levels, but you might notice a relief in aches and pains, improved mood, and healthier skin, among many other benefits.
3. Tea bags. Tea isn't just for drinking! Rather than steeping it in a mug, fill your bathtub with warm water and allow several tea bags to soak before getting in. Try green tea to help your body detox or chamomile for a soothing experience. And in case you missed it a few weeks ago, here are some simple ways you can "green" your tea (and/or coffee) habit.
4. Essential oils. If you miss your scented bubble baths, you can always add a few drops of essential oils for a relaxing, green soak. If your goal is to clear your mind and relax your body, which is usually the case when we take a bath, choose soothing scents, such as lavender, mandarin, and sandalwood.
5. Kitchen ingredients. Did you know that some of the ingredients in your kitchen are great, natural bubble bath replacements? Oatmeal is very soothing and can help calm sunburn, while milk and honey soften and exfoliate the skin.

What are your green bath time favorites?

Removing the chlorine from your bath water

While you are soaking up magnesium, tea, or whatever green bath ingredients you've chosen, your skin is also absorbing the chlorine that is in the water. Just a few weeks ago, I went over how and why you should be filtering your tap water; follow the link for a refresher on the harmful effects of chlorine and ideas for removing it.

If you want to take a bath and haven't had a chance to pick up a water filter yet, add a half cup of baking soda to help neutralize some of the chemicals in your water. As an added benefit, baking soda can promote healing. It can be added to your bath water along with any of the above green bath ingredients.

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and those who have diabetes or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before taking a detox bath. Keep the water at a safe temperature; if you begin to feel dizzy, the water may be too hot. Add a little cold water to cool it down.

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**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, take some time to yourself with a relaxing, green bath.

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**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**