Insect repellents are an important part of outdoor activities, especially in summertime. But when you're out and about enjoying the outdoors, it's important to be conscious of our environment and use insect repellents that are not only effective but also eco friendly. So why should you choose an eco-friendly insect repellent? In this article we will discuss why these products are beneficial for both people and the planet.
Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent
Natrapel 8 Hour Insect Repellent is an effective and long-lasting insect repellent that can provide up to eight hours of protection from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. It contains 20% Picaridin, a safe synthetic chemical derived from natural sources such as pepper plants. This active ingredient works by blocking the ability of insects to detect carbon dioxide which humans give off when exhaling. Its non-greasy formula also helps prevent skin irritation caused by sweat or water exposure.
Pros:
- It does not contain DEET which has been shown to have adverse effects on aquatic wildlife when exposed to large quantities in watersheds or bodies of water.
- The active ingredient Picaridin is biodegradable so it will not remain in the environment for extended periods of time after use and disposal.
- It comes in a compact aerosol container making it easy to carry and transport without wasting resources like plastic bottles or paper packaging materials used with other bug repellents.
Cons:
- Aerosols cans still produce waste as most aerosol containers cannot be recycled due their internal components.
- The propellant used in the product is flammable so proper storage must be taken into consideration if using this product near open flames or heat sources (i.e barbecues).
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent is a natural, plant-based insect repellant that uses oil of lemon eucalyptus as the active ingredient. The product provides protection from mosquitoes and other biting insects for up to 6 hours, without the need for synthetic chemicals like DEET or Picaridin. It's designed for use by adults and children over three years old.
Pros:
- Free of synthetic ingredients like DEET, making it safer for people and wildlife.
- Contains natural oils instead of artificial fragrances which can be irritants to sensitive skin types.
- Uses recyclable packaging made from post consumer recycled materials (PCR).
Cons:
- Packaging isn’t completely biodegradable – most will end up in landfills after being used once.
- While not toxic itself, lemongrass oil can harm beneficial insects if sprayed directly on them.
- Manufacturing process may require energy intensive processes such as distillation which increases their carbon footprint
Murphy's Naturals Creamy Mosquito Repellent
Murphy's Naturals Creamy Mosquito Repellent is a DEET-free insect repellent designed to be safe and effective. It contains natural essential oils, including citronella, lemongrass and rosemary. The creamy formula has been found to work just as well as traditional sprays, but without the unpleasant odor or chemical irritation of other products. In addition to its effectiveness at keeping mosquitoes away from users in outdoor settings, it also contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil that can help protect skin from drying out during hot summer days.
Pros:
- Natural ingredients: All the active ingredients used in this product are 100% natural and sourced responsibly. This means no synthetic chemicals or pesticides which could potentially harm the environment once released into nature.
- Non-toxic: Unlike other chemical insect repellents that use DEET or picaridin (which can be toxic when overused), Murphy’s Naturals is free of such chemicals so it won’t have any negative impacts on your health if you use it regularly.
- Water resistant: The cream is water resistant so you don’t need to reapply after swimming or sweating – making it more convenient than traditional sprays!
- Plant-based packaging: The bottle for this product is made from plant plastics instead of petroleum based plastics which are more harmful to the environment upon disposal since they take longer to degrade naturally in nature compared to plant plastics.
The only real downside associated with this product would probably be its higher cost – since all natural formulas tend to be pricier than their synthetic counterparts due to being harder/more expensive for companies produce them safely without cutting corners on quality control measures taken by manufacturers (especially those targeting organic certification). However, considering all the benefits mentioned above combined with its limited side effects/risks when used correctly makes it well worth investing in despite being slightly pricier than most alternatives currently available on the market today!
Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray
Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray is an eco-friendly solution for keeping pests at bay. This DEET-free insect repellent uses a chemical compound called picaridin, which has been proven to be effective against mosquitoes and other biting insects without putting your health or the environment at risk. It's also long lasting, providing up to 12 hours of protection with a single application.
Pros:
- DEET-free formulation ensures it's safe for both humans and the environment.
- The active ingredient picaridin provides potent protection from mosquitoes and other biting bugs for up to 12 hours after a single application.
- Water resistant formula allows you to keep using it even when exposed to sweat or rain.
Cons:
- Can be harmful if ingested, so it should only be used as directed on external skin surfaces (not suitable for young children).
- May cause irritation in some users who have sensitive skin (test product on small area before full application).
Greenerways Organic Premium Bug Spray
Greenerways Organic Premium Bug Spray is an all natural bug spray formulated to provide a safe and effective defense against insect bites. It is made with plant-based, certified organic ingredients that are non-toxic, hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. The spray also features a pleasant scent derived from essential oils of Citronella, Lemongrass, Rosemary, Peppermint and Cedarwood.
Pros:
- Free of harsh chemicals - no DEET or synthetic fragrances
- All natural ingredients - plant based formula will not harm the environment
- Effective protection against mosquitos without irritating the skin * Made in USA using USDA Certified Organic Ingredients
Cons:
- Not waterproof - may need to be reapplied after swimming/perspiration
What is an Eco Friendly Insect Repellent?
An eco-friendly insect repellent is a type of product that uses natural ingredients or organic compounds to keep pests such as mosquitoes, ticks, gnats away without negatively impacting the environment. This can include essential oils like citronella oil, lavender oil or lemongrass oil which have been found to repel some insects naturally while still being safe for humans. Other environmentally friendly options may include non-toxic synthetic formulations with fewer chemicals than traditional bug sprays.
Why Should You Use Eco Friendly Alternatives?
Using eco-friendly alternatives to chemical based bug spray is just one way that everyone can do their part to help protect the environment. Not only do they reduce your carbon footprint by using fewer resources during production but they also help prevent water pollution from runoff and soil contamination caused by toxic materials used in chemical solutions for pest control purposes . Additionally , many conventional bug sprays contain DEET (N, N'-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) which has been linked to neurological damage in children when exposed over long periods . On the other hand , natural ingredients like essential oils are less harmful while still providing protection against bugs .
How Does ECO -Friendly Insect Repellent Work ?
Eco -friendly insect repellents work differently depending on what kind you use ; essential oil formulations rely on complex scents created by combining different plant extracts together whereas synthetic formulas tend to mimic certain smells found naturally occurring in nature—such as those given off by certain fruits/spices/herbs – then releasing them into the air so bugs can’t stand it ! These types of products usually come in either aerosol sprays or lotions which make them easy to apply all around your body before going outside .
What Are The Benefits Of Using An Eco -Friendly Insect Repellent ?
There are numerous benefits associated with using an eco -friendly insect repellent versus conventional methods : firstly , these types of products generally cost less than their chemical counterparts so they won’t break your bank account as easily ; secondly , because they don’t contain harsh toxins , there’s no need fear exposing yourself or loved ones ( including pets ) unnecessarily; thirdly , since many natural ingredients offer more subtle fragrances than DEET based sprays , users typically find them much easier on sensitive noses ! Overall then there really isn’t anything not love about this type of product if you want something safe yet effective at keeping those pesky critters away from you while still ensuring minimal environmental impact !
Conclusion
Overall then there really aren't any drawbacks associated with choosing an environmentally friendly alternative when it comes time for purchasing a new bottle or tube of bug spray! Not only does opting for a greener choice reduce your personal carbon footprint significantly but it helps ensure that future generations won't have any need worry about encountering potentially dangerous toxins left behind due careless disposal habits today! Investing in quality made ecologically sound pest prevention items certainly pays off dividends down line —so why wait any longer start protecting yourself now!
