Continuing from my blog posting yesterday of our addiction to petroleum and the mess that’s been created in the Gulf, I wanted to break the discussion down in to a more tangible realistic portrayal of how oil is used in our everyday lives. And realistically, what can we do on an individual scale, as consumers, by looking to alternative solutions to everyday products that we use, which contain derivatives of petroleum. I’m only touching the beginnings of potential. Be cre8tive and perhaps suggest some other ways, in the comment section below! I dare you to make a difference and contribution 
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SURPRISING USES OF OIL
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SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVES
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| Pantyhose | Silk, cotton and wool alternatives exist. Request if not available locally. |
| Lipstick | Ask for organic or chemical-free. Vegan and hemp alternatives exist. |
| Crayons | Beeswax and chemical free is essential. |
| Gum | GLEE GUMis a superb alternative and can be found at health food stores.Glee Gum is all natural chewing gum made with sustainably harvested rain forest chicle.In Canada, if you can’t find that, you might find Xylitol-based natural gums at a Korean Supermarket. |
| Aspirin | Please speak with a Naturopath or Alternative Medicine Practitioner. Willow bark is a powerful healer, when used with care. |
| Solar Panels | Dispose of these properly and ask about petroleum oil-free technologies. |
| Synthetic Fibers / Polyesters in Clothing | Eco-Friendly Fabrics are available. Try to avoid organic blends (where non-organic materials can be incorporated). |
| Contraceptives |
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| Toothpaste | My personal favourite: Toms of Mainetoothpaste was the first natural toothpaste to be given approval from the American Dental Association.Here’s a recipe from the Instructables site for making your own toothpaste! |
| Mouthwash | My recipe:
My homemade mouthwash recipe has a fabulous minty taste and helps prevent bad breath. |
| Baby food | Vita-Mix — make your own! |
| Petroleum jelly (otherwise known as petrolatum or soft paraffin) ~ sometimes blended with paraffin wax and used in medicines and in many toiletries and healing moisturizers |
Make your own with Beeswax as the main ingredient or try the natural vegetable product known as Cremerlin. |
| Petroleum (or paraffin) wax ~ used in packaging, candles, matches, shoe polish, and even candy making |
Beeswax or soy wax |
| Asphalt | Alternative asphalt solutions: Solid Earth, Ecogrid (a permeable paving solution) |
| Disposable Diapers | Cloth diapers, foregoing diapers or at least using disposable diapers that are chlorine-free or made from recycled materials. |