Why is it demanding more green to live "green" ?
Well, actually it's not. The marketing just makes us think it does. Before the green revolution there was the industrial revolution and before that...we were truly green. Now, mind you, I am NOT saying that we need to go to pre-depression ways of living HOWEVER we need to relearn what the basics really are and redefine our own needs from our wants.
Cleaning:
Do some household research. Go through your cupboards and rethink anything that says: poison, danger, warning, or caution. Do you really want these in your home? Do the benefits out weigh the risks? (Please don't just throw them away and PLEASE do NOT pour them down the drain. Call your local town and find out when the Hazardous Chemical pick up day is. Most towns have at least one a year. Then place these some place safe until then!)
Rediscover Vinegar, Baking Soda and Lemon!
Vinegar diluted 1-1 with water is a great disinfecting and deodorizing (yes, that vinegar smell fades after it dries. We swear you won't smell like a Fish and Chip stall) all-purpose cleaner! Incredibly affordable and safe on MOST surfaces (Full strength vinegar is acidic and may damage marble surfaces or eat away at tile grout). Try it in:
Kitchen- Clean surfaces such as the stove top, counter tops, back splashes and floor! Plus try it inside your fridge, microwave and the outsides of appliances.
Bathroom - Bathtub, toilet, sink, counter tops, mirrors (use newspaper to wipe the vinegar solution off!) Remember the acidic full strength vinegar?! Use it in the toilet to get rid of rings. Flush the toilet to drop the water level and then spray the full strength vinegar around the inside of the rim. Scrub it down and voila! No creepy blue chemical dyes in your bowl or in the environment! Don't forget the floor. The dilution will eat away soap scum, hard water stains, and other grossness on your fixtures and tile! (spot check your tile first. Remember that marble and vinegar don't mix!)
Other Areas of the House-Door knobs, entryway floors, nurseries, offices! Got a laundry room? Vinegar is a natural fabric softener. Just ½ cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle not only softens but helps break down that detergent residue so your clothes come out really clean!
Lemon Juice
Uses:
Lemon juice cleans brass and copper, dissolves hard water deposits and soap scum and can even be used to polish your furniture (Mix with a Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and or baking soda to make cleaning pastes. Use the lemon to scrub dishes, surfaces, and stains by slicing it in half and sprinkling baking soda on it! Scrub away! Then.... throw the lemon in the garbage disposal for a quick deodorizing trick! This works with any citrus fruit by the way!
What NOT to use it for?
I would AVOID using it as a furniture polish. (I have read of a lemon/olive oil mix in some forums and in my opinion the risk of rancidity and hazing to my furniture is just not worth it. Dust your furniture and use some mild soap on a rag occasionally. If you need a polish...use a paste wax. But check the finish first. If in doubt, get an experts opinion)
Baking Soda
Uses:
Best scrub EVER! Use it like you do Comet! We all know it deodorizes the fridge and freezer and closet! Sprinkle in the litter box too! Have you tried it to wash your hair with? There is a "No Poo" (as in shampoo) movement that works great for most hair. (worked great for me til I started highlighting it. Tends to dry it out a bit too much now...now I splurge on Korres which I can usually find at TJ-Maxx for $4 a bottle!)
Baking Soda
Uses:
Best scrub EVER! Use it like you do Comet! We all know it deodorizes the fridge and freezer and closet! Sprinkle in the litter box too! Have you tried it to wash your hair with? There is a "No Poo" (as in shampoo) movement that works great for most hair. (worked great for me til I started highlighting it. Tends to dry it out a bit too much now...now I splurge on Korres which I can usually find at TJ-Maxx for $4 a bottle!)
YOU ARE USING WHAT???
Use washable MOPS, RAGS instead of paper towels and yes...it is time to give up on your reliance to the all mighty wipe. (I'm guilty. I switched from Clorox to Green Works and then to Method. But when this latest batch is done....so am I. Farewell my grapefruit scented wipes. How I loved thee convenience but not the cost.) If you need sponges PLEASE keep this in mind... the MAJORITY of sponges available in the U.S. are impregnated with a synthetic disinfectant. Now, the main one used is triclosan, which according to the EPA is a pesticide. Do you want to wash your home with this? Also be concerned about the frequent use of disinfectants and antibacterial wipes contributing to drug resistant bacterias. Yuck. That's a super bug I do NOT want in my home. So, for alternatives:
(they have a new green line which is available at Target. I like it. The price point is good)
Dressing:
We all like to look good. Whether that is to follow a trend or create our own... clothes come with a price both literally and figuratively. I do not suggest we throw out everything in our wardrobe that says Made in China or some other third world country. I suggest that we we must make a new purchase we consider Organic, Recycled, Reclaimed and the point of origin for it's manufacturer (hello, carbon fuels people!) Also, don't think because it says 100% cotton that it's a great choice. Our friends at Lucky Dog Organics just posted on the amount of chemicals in the production of cotton. Check it out here.
So, you need something new to wear. Or the kids do for school. Let's practice conserving rather than consuming:
Excuse for potluck! Host a Swap-EVERYONE has something they are tired of, haven't worn in years (yes years) and/or don't fit into anymore. SO, get everyone together over some good food and trade. The remainder can be donated to a local shelter!
Virtual Swap-I checked out a few with mixed reviews but it's all subjective! Here are a couple:
Consignment/Second Hand/Thrift Shops- You never know what you might find here! I have found things for $5 that I knew went for $500! Think of it as an adventure!
Bust out that SINGER (sewing machine that is)-Re-acquaint or get a book from the library and become best friends with a sewing machine (don't have one? Look on Craigslist!) and hem, re-style (jeans to shorts or even skirts!), or refurbish! Then charge all your friend's to do their hemming!
Entertain Me!
Now that the house is clean and you are dressed to impress... where to go and what to do?!
Most cities and towns have tons of FREE events happening all around you. The key is to plug in to them. How, you ask? Well Google your town or city with the keywords "free public events". This should help. You can also contact your local town and city hall, as they usually have listings of everything pending!
So, it's raining and the kids are BORED. Well, our new favorite blog has some fantastic stuff to offer. The BudgetEcoist has great tips for summer crafts with kids that won't force you refinance your mortgage.
Need books, music, movies? There is always the library OR you can check out this service that we are addicted to called Swaptree. It is the best media swap out there! Check them out today!
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I know that this barely covers the realm of going green but I hope it helps! Please feel free to leave me your own tips and I'll re post them in a follow up next Monday!
Thanks everyone!
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