We all love a home that smells nice, but is it worth risking our health and the environment? Many people use air fresheners without realizing the potential dangers they pose to both our health and the planet.

Air fresheners, especially the plug-in types, may seem better than sprays, which harm the ozone layer. However, they still contain harmful chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals can be hazardous to both the environment and human health. For example, research from the University of Washington found that many popular air fresheners contain acetaldehyde, a probable human carcinogen and a federally-designated hazardous air pollutant.

The chemicals in air fresheners can accumulate in our bodies over time, making it hard to link health issues directly to them. Although the newer plug-in air fresheners were initially seen as an improvement, they contain several toxic substances.

Some of these harmful compounds include:

– Phthalates: These chemicals are linked to reproductive issues and can interfere with testosterone production. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) found phthalates in many air fresheners, which can cause birth defects, reproductive harm, asthma, and allergies.
– Naphthalene: Common in many plug-in air fresheners, this chemical has been shown to cause tissue damage and lung cancer in lab rats and is suspected to affect humans similarly.
– Formaldehyde: A known human carcinogen, formaldehyde is associated with nose and throat cancer, chronic airway irritation, asthma, and respiratory issues.
– Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These compounds help disperse scents but are harmful. For instance, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, found in the bloodstreams of 96% of U.S. adults, is a known carcinogen and pesticide linked to lung damage. Dichlorobenzene has also caused deaths in pet birds.

Even occasional use of these air fresheners can increase the risk of asthma by up to 71%. It’s much safer to make your own air fresheners rather than expose yourself, your family, and the environment to these risks.

Make Your Own Gel Fresheners

You can easily freshen up your home with simple, homemade gel fresheners. They are customizable with your preferred scents and colors and are fun to make. Here’s how:

Supplies:
– 1 packet unflavored gelatin
– 3/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup vodka or 1 tablespoon of salt
– 15 drops essential oil (e.g., Plant Therapy Lemon and Spring Blossom)
– 1-2 drops food coloring
– Small glass jars (e.g., half-pint mason jars)
– Lids with vents or holes (e.g., mason jar lids with straw holes)
– Small saucepan
– Whisk

Instructions:
1. Bring 3/4 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan.
2. Add the gelatin packet and stir until dissolved. Turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
3. Add 1/4 cup of vodka (or 1 tablespoon of salt) to prevent mold.
4. Pour the mixture into small jars.
5. Add 1-2 drops of food coloring and stir.
6. Add 10-15 drops of essential oils and stir. Refrigerate until set.
7. Cover the jars with a vented lid to allow the scent to flow while keeping debris out. Without a lid, the gel fresheners will evaporate in about a month.

Fun Scent Combinations
Experiment with different essential oil blends to create your favorite scents. Here are some ideas:

– The Flower Garden: 7 drops lavender, 4 drops geranium, 4 drops grapefruit
– Pure Joy: 8 drops tangerine, 6 drops lavender, 3 drops lime, 3 drops spearmint
– A Walk in the Woods: 7 drops cedarwood, 6 drops white fir, 5 drops frankincense
– Citrus Refresher: 5 drops mandarin orange, 5 drops lemon, 5 drops lime, 5 drops grapefruit
– Bugs Be Gone: 5 drops lemongrass, 5 drops eucalyptus, 4 drops basil, 4 drops thyme
– Fall Cider: 7 drops ginger, 5 drops orange, 5 drops cinnamon
– Pumpkin Pie: 6 drops cardamom, 4 drops cinnamon, 3 drops clove bud, 2 drops nutmeg
– Candy Cane: 9 drops wintergreen, 6 drops sweet orange
– Christmas In the Air: 6 drops fir needle or spruce, 6 drops orange, 3 drops wintergreen

Other Homemade Air Freshening Alternatives

1. Scented Wood Blocks: Coat wooden cubes with essential oils.
2. Baking Soda/Essential Oils: Mix baking soda with essential oils in a jar.
3. Relaxing Room Spray: Combine distilled water, witch hazel, and essential oils in a spray bottle.
4. Simmer Pot: Boil water with ingredients like apples, cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
5. Potpourri: Blend fragrant herbs, essential oils, and dried flowers.
6. Coffee: Use bowls of fresh ground coffee to neutralize strong odors.

By making your own air fresheners, you can enjoy a pleasant-smelling home without compromising your health or the environment.