Ideal Bite

Got a stink that won't let you unplug your nose?

04.18.2008

Submitted by tmeronek on Fri, 04/18/2008 - 12:42am.

The Bite:

No need to "plug-it-in, plug-it-in." Instead, hit that stink with a stick: reed aromatherapy diffusers, which work like lightly-scented candles or air fresheners, but last longer and let you stick it to energy waste.

The Benefits:

Not "plugging it in." At about 2.1 watts, those plug-in deodorizers don't use tons of energy, but none is even better.
Sticking to what's essential. Some of those air fresheners are kinda dirty, containing chems such as carcinogenic phthalates; most reed diffusers use only essential oils.
The scents stick around. Diffusers last hundreds of hours - way longer than your average scented candle.
Hitting rooms with the pretty stick. Plug-in fresheners don't always go with your décor, whereas natural reeds in a beautiful glass look good anywhere.

Personally Speaking:

One of us on the team (who prefers to go unnamed) asks guests to shake the Botura bamboo reeds in her bathroom after they go.

Wanna Try:

Botura - great earthy floral scent with geranium and patchouli ($43).
Dani Eco Diffuser - comes in six nature-inspired scents, such as clover and fresh fir, and its packaging is biodegradable ($30).
Ilio Modern Air - made using sustainably grown rattan reeds; also in six fragrance choices, including clean- and sweet-smelling D'anjou Pear ($29).
Method Aroma Sticks - choose from cut-grass or sweet-water scents; has darker reeds and a ceramic vase ($15).
VI Reed & Cane Reeds - just reeds if you wanna create your own scent-and-bottle combo ($10-$16/100).
DIY Bite: Mix 15-20 drops of your fave essential oil with 3 cups of H2O in a spray bottle to use as a room spritzer.

Cocktail Fact

The plant with the largest cluster of flowers in the world - titan arum - is also one of the smelliest plants in the world; it's nicknamed "corpse flower" because it smells like a decomposing mammal.