Social distancing is disrupting how we shop and having a big impact on small, local businesses. Grocery stores are low on supplies such as toilet paper, cleaning products and hand sanitizer. Here’s one way to keep money in the local economy and stay safe: buy local cleaning products.
For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective. These cleaning and sanitizing products have ratios that fall under those recommendations.
A number of local shops make unique products that meet those criteria. There’s a great opportunity to support local makers and get much-needed cleaning supplies to help flatten the curve.
Thyme to Liv
Thyme to Liv makes disinfecting, multi-purpose cleaners, hand sanitizer and antibacterial ointments. Thyme to Liv is located in Elton, but its products can be purchased online here.
Thyme’s multi-purpose cleaners include vinegar made from local rice and local soap and is 91% alcohol. Each bottle contains 16 ounces of concentrate. Thyme recommends diluting one part cleaner with two parts water.
Thyme’s hand sanitizer includes aloe vera from locally grown plants and essential oils and is also 91% alcohol.
Antibacterial ointment includes local beeswax, pecan oil, essential oils, along with handmade microbial and anti-bacterial oil made from fresh local herbal roots. While there is no evidence supporting that this product kills the virus, you can use it as a hand salve or balm to provide a natural barrier against the outside environment due to the beeswax. Use as well on cuts, scrapes, and open wounds.
Josey’s Goods
The popular farmers market vendor distributes hand sanitizer made by Cajun Creations (which has since closed). Since the Lafayette Farmers and Artisans Market closed, Josey’s is looking to distribute directly to consumers. The spray hand sanitizer has 90% alcohol and comes in a 2-ounce bottle. Perfect for carrying in your purse or vehicle.
Josey’s Goods can provide local delivery or ship. Click here to order.
Tous Naturels
Tous Naturels is located in Lafayette and is USDA Category E-3 approved. Its hand sanitizer, scented and unscented, is made with 95% non-GMO sugarcane alcohol. You can find the local company’s products at several restaurants, boutiques, salons, barbers and gift shops. Recently, Sandra’s Health Foods got a large shipment. Touts Naturels sells to retailers at wholesale prices and also sells directly to consumers. Buy its products locally or order here.