My year of going green is turning out wonderfully, and getting to the point of me running out of new ideas. I keep searching high, and low of ways to be frugal, and help the environment. I am starting to get very creative. Now if the creativity could lead to re-modeling of the house, and of house repairs, I would be complete!
This year I made many goals, and have accomplished most.
My dryer is used about 2-3 times a week, and only for short stints. The longer a dryer runs the more energy it uses, and the thinner clothes get. Think about it, we always get lint off our clothes...that is from clothes rubbing thin! Clothes wear longer, and better when air-dried, especially elastic.
I still am using store bought detergent, but I use so little, that it is going to be awhile before I get to make my own. I am also looking for Fels-Naptha to make my own (reviews claim it to be the the best).
I only used fabric softner about once a week now too (on sheets, and blankets). This is because fabric softner is not as good as it claims to be. It is a fire hazard, and causes a film on clothes. I use Borax to soften the water, and Borax also helps with stains. So needless to say my 3 big bottles of softner will be used for mulitple purposes (watered down spray while ironing, room freshner, and clothes re-freshner).
I also make my own stain remover, or use dish soap/clear shampoo. This applies to my carpet shampooer too. I have not bought carpet solution in about a year.
I no longer buy cleaners, and I purely make my own. I even have made my cleaners smell delightful in the process (a few drops of essential oil). Others in the house no longer complain of the smell of white vinegar, but compliment on the wonderful smells after I am done cleaning. =) I have learned to love white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, rubbing alcohol, and salt for cleaning purposes!
My compost area is built (chicken wire off the back of the privacy fence), and we are currently dumping in the garden to cover it for winter. I plan on racking leaves to cover the rest, and get the most use of the leaves.
There are many areas of going green I have accomplished, and many more I wish to explore.
Accomplished task include:
-energy efficient items around the house (bulbs, showerhead, faucets, toliet, etc.)
-no more paper towel
-making all my cleaners
-turning the heat down when it is cold, and air conditioner at 80 while it is hot outside (I only do these while my other half is at work).
-minimal use of lights
-packing daughter's lunch in re-usable containers
-re-using grocery bags
-composting
-feeding dogs scraps (and this was a hard one to do)
-re-using other side of school papers in the printer
-do not drink pop (cut back on aluminum)
-using my blinds properly to save energy (yes there is proper use)
-washing late at night or early morning, same to dishes
-read for entertainment, or go out with a friend with minimal use of money
-if I go to the gym I make sure I enjoy myself, relax in the sauna, make use of the shower (it saves on my water bill, and I pay for the gym membership)..it is like having a mini-vacation if the daughter is not present. I even work out with friends for social time
-always find multiple uses for the same item. I have become very creative.
My future goals
-make my own cloth towels to clean up messes
-hang energy curtain panels with my blinds for even more efficiency
-make my own hankies
-make my own place mats
-cut the water heater back (this is going to be a hard one)
-make my own detergent
-get rid of cable (this is more of a $ saver)
-eat more wholesome (though we are almost there)
-have a garden, and keep it going the WHOLE season.
I know there is more out there to going green, and saving the environment while saving the wallet...I just have to find it!
Going green is a very healthy, cleansing process. It makes me happy to know I am doing all I can to keep the earth clean.
I challenge all to do one thing that is resourceful, and beneficial to the environment! Take something from my list, or think of something new! I am sure what you chose will save money in the process!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Earth Day!
Today is the day to celebrate Mother Earth, and all the wonderful things she provides!
I started my own go Green thing in January, and despite the lack of blogs, I am still going strong.
Each month I try to make a pledge on what I can do to improve the environment, and my wallet.
I have even done something things at work that others have not noticed. ;)
My first thing I did was not to use the dryer so much...I am lucky to use it 3-5 times a week now (that is better than 15/+ uses).
Then I cut back on how much detergent I use, and I am still on the same big box since mid-December (and I do laundry for 3 plus 3 dogs). I also cut back on fabric softner, and just recently added water to make it stretch farther.
I then started finding multiple uses for items. Dryer sheets I dust with, I use holey socks to dust with too, bath towels I use to mop the kitchen floor (because my mop broke, and I decided to resort to old-fashion ways). I even use vinegar and water to mop my floor, and it works wonders!
I also have decided no more store bought cleaners, and I am trying to find homes for the ones that I do have left (I think I will take them to work). I started cleaning with baking soda, and vinegar (and my lungs thank me). I cannot handle the harshness of chemical cleaners anymore (and that is why they have to go). I use rubbing alcohol for marker stains on the floor, and counter tops, and lemon juice to cut through grease.
My next possible goal is homemade laundry detergent, but I do not know if I can part my ways with Tide w/ Bleach. I am going to try.
I have a slop bucket, and bin...and plan on making a pile out back with chicken wire, and poles. I have reduced my trash bags to 1 a week ( I used to use 3-4). Using a compost pile helps plants, and reproduce soil that we have lost through the years.
I have done many other things, but those are my little secrets that I may share when I am older and when others are more open to resourcefulness.
I feel if we all stop buying harsh chemicals to clean with; we would have less health issues, and environmental issues.
I also feel this about many other aspects that many feel they just cannot live without. I have learned to live without many everyday 'needs', and I am happy despite it all!
Happy Earth Day to all!
I started my own go Green thing in January, and despite the lack of blogs, I am still going strong.
Each month I try to make a pledge on what I can do to improve the environment, and my wallet.
I have even done something things at work that others have not noticed. ;)
My first thing I did was not to use the dryer so much...I am lucky to use it 3-5 times a week now (that is better than 15/+ uses).
Then I cut back on how much detergent I use, and I am still on the same big box since mid-December (and I do laundry for 3 plus 3 dogs). I also cut back on fabric softner, and just recently added water to make it stretch farther.
I then started finding multiple uses for items. Dryer sheets I dust with, I use holey socks to dust with too, bath towels I use to mop the kitchen floor (because my mop broke, and I decided to resort to old-fashion ways). I even use vinegar and water to mop my floor, and it works wonders!
I also have decided no more store bought cleaners, and I am trying to find homes for the ones that I do have left (I think I will take them to work). I started cleaning with baking soda, and vinegar (and my lungs thank me). I cannot handle the harshness of chemical cleaners anymore (and that is why they have to go). I use rubbing alcohol for marker stains on the floor, and counter tops, and lemon juice to cut through grease.
My next possible goal is homemade laundry detergent, but I do not know if I can part my ways with Tide w/ Bleach. I am going to try.
I have a slop bucket, and bin...and plan on making a pile out back with chicken wire, and poles. I have reduced my trash bags to 1 a week ( I used to use 3-4). Using a compost pile helps plants, and reproduce soil that we have lost through the years.
I have done many other things, but those are my little secrets that I may share when I am older and when others are more open to resourcefulness.
I feel if we all stop buying harsh chemicals to clean with; we would have less health issues, and environmental issues.
I also feel this about many other aspects that many feel they just cannot live without. I have learned to live without many everyday 'needs', and I am happy despite it all!
Happy Earth Day to all!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Homemade Foaming Soap
So I remember when foam soap become a "hit", or as others would call it a must have! I will admit, I think foam soap is a nice invention....and sadly to say a rip off, and now I know how to make it far cheaper than it cost to buy it.
I have thought about this one for awhile (what is so special about that watery substance that comes out as a foam), and finally read what I have thought all along....this is one of the biggest rip offs of all time!
The secret...THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THAT WATERY SUBSTANCE. That substance is exactly as I have stated, a watered down version of soap (and I have always watered down my soap to wash hands). All one needs to do to save money on hand soap...just buy one foam dispenser, and use it accordingly. It is an initial cost, but in the long run will SAVE! After the store bought foam soap is used, all one needs is a bottle of refill soap, warm water, and (optional-if not good at eyeballing) measuring spoons....
On to the recipe...this is so simple I feel robbed.
1TBSP of soap
Warm water to fill it up ALMOST to the top...leave some room
Pump a few times to get the foam!
This recipe can be used for face wash....I will admit I bought Biore's foam face wash, and feel robbed...I will make my own foam face wash from now on.
This can also be used to wash a few dishes at the sink.
This inventive concept has made some one tons of money, and now knowing how to make your own will save you TONS of money!
I have thought about this one for awhile (what is so special about that watery substance that comes out as a foam), and finally read what I have thought all along....this is one of the biggest rip offs of all time!
The secret...THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THAT WATERY SUBSTANCE. That substance is exactly as I have stated, a watered down version of soap (and I have always watered down my soap to wash hands). All one needs to do to save money on hand soap...just buy one foam dispenser, and use it accordingly. It is an initial cost, but in the long run will SAVE! After the store bought foam soap is used, all one needs is a bottle of refill soap, warm water, and (optional-if not good at eyeballing) measuring spoons....
On to the recipe...this is so simple I feel robbed.
1TBSP of soap
Warm water to fill it up ALMOST to the top...leave some room
Pump a few times to get the foam!
This recipe can be used for face wash....I will admit I bought Biore's foam face wash, and feel robbed...I will make my own foam face wash from now on.
This can also be used to wash a few dishes at the sink.
This inventive concept has made some one tons of money, and now knowing how to make your own will save you TONS of money!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
A Pledge Involving Homemade Cleaners
Pledge, the best definition that will fit what I am about to commit to do,(according to Webster): a binding promise or agreement to do...
I am committing to not cleaning with ammonia again!
The main reason for this is, I have a male cat, and I had to deal with him spraying (near an area I cleaned with ammonia, and water), and I would rather give up cleaning with ammonia in the hopes of deterring the cat from spraying.
Ammonia is safe to clean with, but when breathing it in it can cause one to coughm nose to get sore, and lungs to feel sore. This is another reason for giving up ammonia based cleaner. I at first diluted my ammonia based products, but now feel the need to give them up (yes they still clean as well diluted=saving money).
Ammonia is good for sanitizing, and giving one notion that something is clean through the smell of ammonia in the air.
So now that I pledge to give ammonia up, what is to replace it?
Well....Vinegar!
Vinegar sanitizes just as well as ammonia, and cleans just as well too! The smell also is not harsh on the lungs, and once the vinegar dries, one's house does not smell like "pickles" anymore.
So that is my Go Green task of the month!
I am committing to not cleaning with ammonia again!
The main reason for this is, I have a male cat, and I had to deal with him spraying (near an area I cleaned with ammonia, and water), and I would rather give up cleaning with ammonia in the hopes of deterring the cat from spraying.
Ammonia is safe to clean with, but when breathing it in it can cause one to coughm nose to get sore, and lungs to feel sore. This is another reason for giving up ammonia based cleaner. I at first diluted my ammonia based products, but now feel the need to give them up (yes they still clean as well diluted=saving money).
Ammonia is good for sanitizing, and giving one notion that something is clean through the smell of ammonia in the air.
So now that I pledge to give ammonia up, what is to replace it?
Well....Vinegar!
Vinegar sanitizes just as well as ammonia, and cleans just as well too! The smell also is not harsh on the lungs, and once the vinegar dries, one's house does not smell like "pickles" anymore.
So that is my Go Green task of the month!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Homemade Capret Cleaner
I came across a website on how to remove pet stains from your carpet....well they were doing it all by hand, and that I did not want to do, because I did not know where the exactness of the stain/smell was, and did not want to buy a black light like they recommended to find it. So what I did was cleaned with the shampooer, and modified the recipe.
If one is having issues with pet accidents/odors...NEVER CLEAN WITH AMMONIA, especially if you have a cat. The smell of the ammonia=the smell of animal's urine. With that being stated....one should use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. The vinegar neutralizes the scent, to prevent future accidents (and I am hoping so if we decide to keep the cause of the odor that once was). I personally stuck this in the shampooer, and neutralized my whole front room....phew it smelled like pickles (but when vinegar drys, it does not smell). Then I dried with with the heating feature on the shampooer. Next I shampooed the carpet with the homemade cleaner that anyone can use.
I mixed Tide Stain Release (you can buy it in a plastic container with just the powder...I mixed with hot water till disolved), Baking Soda, and one of my essential oils. Now the house smells better, and I am relaxed from the essential oil.
Some variations to the carpet cleaner could be:
-Use liquid detergent
-Use powder detergent mixed with hot water
-A little dishwashing soap
-Shampoo (like Sauve)
-Oxy itself, or another brand
Essential Oils are limitless, just find one you like. I personally used lavender.
And if one does not have a shampooer, find someone to borrow from....The one I use is Brian's sisters....Thank you Liz it has been a life saver!
If one is having issues with pet accidents/odors...NEVER CLEAN WITH AMMONIA, especially if you have a cat. The smell of the ammonia=the smell of animal's urine. With that being stated....one should use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. The vinegar neutralizes the scent, to prevent future accidents (and I am hoping so if we decide to keep the cause of the odor that once was). I personally stuck this in the shampooer, and neutralized my whole front room....phew it smelled like pickles (but when vinegar drys, it does not smell). Then I dried with with the heating feature on the shampooer. Next I shampooed the carpet with the homemade cleaner that anyone can use.
I mixed Tide Stain Release (you can buy it in a plastic container with just the powder...I mixed with hot water till disolved), Baking Soda, and one of my essential oils. Now the house smells better, and I am relaxed from the essential oil.
Some variations to the carpet cleaner could be:
-Use liquid detergent
-Use powder detergent mixed with hot water
-A little dishwashing soap
-Shampoo (like Sauve)
-Oxy itself, or another brand
Essential Oils are limitless, just find one you like. I personally used lavender.
And if one does not have a shampooer, find someone to borrow from....The one I use is Brian's sisters....Thank you Liz it has been a life saver!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Natural Cleaners: Part 1
I asked what to do next, and natural cleaners was the answer.
Most of what I know about natural cleaners I have learned through researching the internet, learning from the little old lady I used to help, and Some I have learn through trial, and error.
Today I just want to share the e-mail I got today that is very interesting!
It is from realsimple.com
"Use white bread to: Dust an oil painting. Gently dab a slice of white bread over the surface to pick up dirt and grime."
"Use ketchup to: Remove tarnish from copper and brass cookware. Squeeze ketchup onto a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. They should go back to their coppery color in minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel."
Oatmeal
"Use it to: Scrub very dirty hands. Make a thick paste of oatmeal and water; rinse well."
Oatmeal can also be used to help dry skin.
Rice
"Use it to: Clean the inside of a vase or a thin-necked bottle. Fill three quarters of the vessel with warm water and add a tablespoon of uncooked rice. Cup your hand over the opening, shake vigor-ously, and rinse."
Tea
"Use it to: Scour rusty garden tools. Brew a few pots of strong black tea. When cool, pour into a bucket. Soak the tools for a few hours. Wipe each one with a cloth. (Wear rubber gloves or your hands will be stained.)"
Tea bags can also help with pink eye
Glycerin
"Use it to: Remove dried wax drippings from candlesticks. Peel off as much wax as possible, then moisten a cotton ball with glycerin and rub until clean."
Club Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
"Use club soda to: Shine up a scuffed stainless-steel sink. Buff with a cloth dampened with club soda, then wipe dry with another clean cloth."
"Use hydrogen peroxide to: Disinfect a keyboard. Dip a cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide to get into those nooks and crannies."
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in place of bleach
Cornstarch
"Use it to: Clean grease spills on carpets. Pour cornstarch onto spots and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming."
I am going to try this one on an old stain from my BB aromatherapy sugar scrub....hopefully it works on set grease (oil) stains
Rubbing Alcohol
"Use it to: Erase permanent-marker stains from finished wood floors or solid-surface countertops. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball and apply."
Elbow grease, and a little salt may be required.
Hopefully this is interesting to you too!
Most of what I know about natural cleaners I have learned through researching the internet, learning from the little old lady I used to help, and Some I have learn through trial, and error.
Today I just want to share the e-mail I got today that is very interesting!
It is from realsimple.com
"Use white bread to: Dust an oil painting. Gently dab a slice of white bread over the surface to pick up dirt and grime."
"Use ketchup to: Remove tarnish from copper and brass cookware. Squeeze ketchup onto a cloth and rub it on pots and pans. They should go back to their coppery color in minutes. Rinse with warm water and dry with a towel."
Oatmeal
"Use it to: Scrub very dirty hands. Make a thick paste of oatmeal and water; rinse well."
Oatmeal can also be used to help dry skin.
Rice
"Use it to: Clean the inside of a vase or a thin-necked bottle. Fill three quarters of the vessel with warm water and add a tablespoon of uncooked rice. Cup your hand over the opening, shake vigor-ously, and rinse."
Tea
"Use it to: Scour rusty garden tools. Brew a few pots of strong black tea. When cool, pour into a bucket. Soak the tools for a few hours. Wipe each one with a cloth. (Wear rubber gloves or your hands will be stained.)"
Tea bags can also help with pink eye
Glycerin
"Use it to: Remove dried wax drippings from candlesticks. Peel off as much wax as possible, then moisten a cotton ball with glycerin and rub until clean."
Club Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
"Use club soda to: Shine up a scuffed stainless-steel sink. Buff with a cloth dampened with club soda, then wipe dry with another clean cloth."
"Use hydrogen peroxide to: Disinfect a keyboard. Dip a cotton swab in hydrogen peroxide to get into those nooks and crannies."
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used in place of bleach
Cornstarch
"Use it to: Clean grease spills on carpets. Pour cornstarch onto spots and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming."
I am going to try this one on an old stain from my BB aromatherapy sugar scrub....hopefully it works on set grease (oil) stains
Rubbing Alcohol
"Use it to: Erase permanent-marker stains from finished wood floors or solid-surface countertops. Pour rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball and apply."
Elbow grease, and a little salt may be required.
Hopefully this is interesting to you too!
Monday, February 15, 2010
More Laundry Tips
This is the last blog on laundry, so it will be a tad longer, and may repeat some of the previous tips.
Hang Drying Inside: A big help to the environment, and your wallet!
If you want to hang dry clothes, here are some places you can do it. Sturdy curtain rods, buy a rack to go above your washer, and hang off of it, find a garment rack, use your closet if it is big and open, sturdy shower rods, find a place to hang a line in your house, etc. I recommend investing in plastic hangers! I was lucky and found tons for free!
Now some odd and ends:
Adding Washing soda to laundry helps remove stains! I bought some Tide Stain release, and wish I would have researched! Washing Soda is different from Baking Soda!
Baking Soda: the sky is the limits! I found a good website on uses of baking soda! It helps with stains in many ways, can remove gum from washer, etc. Just use the link below!
http://housekeeping.about.com/od/laundry/qt/bksd_washmachin.htm
Shampoo also, the sky is the limit! It helps with yellow spots, blood spots, grease stains, etc!
Stain remover: Pre-treat with dish soap, My mom swears Palmolive is the best, but I am a Ajax person, and it works just as good.
If one does not prefer bleach, peroxide works as well. I personally do not use bleach at all, because I buy tide with bleach (now when I make my own, I probably will have to start).
To treat a stain on a white shirt, use lemon juice and put in the sun.
Wash with cold water. It saves on the water heater, and your energy bill! If your detergent is a good brand, it will still clean the clothes!
Do not under or over load your washer, it helps with washing, and energy. Over the years I have learned the perfect size load. Just load to middle level. My washer does not have a load size option due to the energy efficient mod on it!
Wash during the non-peak hours. I do laundry when my dachshund Leo wakes up at 1-5 in the morning! I used to dread getting up, but now I know if I get up I can start laundry, and save! But if one is not up at these hours, try doing a load before bed (most loads do not get musty or mildew over night, just do not forget about it in the morning), or doing a load early morning when you wake up!
Re-use dryer sheet till they have no smell!
Have children play outside in clothes that are from the day before (as long as they are not dirty from this purpose, or are nice clothes). I personally have clothes for Madalynn just for playing (outfits she has ruined), and she knows she has to switch outfits, but it saves on the good clothes, and she plays outside most of the time!
Clean your dryer lint trap out after every use, and check your vent frequently! Cleaning these two, helps with air flow, performance, and longevity of the dryer!
What to do with clothing that get's stains, and you just cannot remove them!
Another way to save on children's clothes, is PJ's. My daughter has never really been able to wear PJ sets due to her tall skinny structure! So what I do with clothes she gets too stained up (and she is very good at this...paint, marker, etc), I turn them into PJ's...no one really sees these clothes! Also when knit/cotton lounge pants get too short, they go to the PJ drawer. I seriously get another 1-3 years wear out of these pants! It helps having a skinny child though! I also use my stained clothes for PJ's!
If you plan on re-selling baby/children's clothes, never dry them in the dryer! It helps them stay nicer, and prevents stains from being permanently set!
If you have feather down coats/ comforters...and dry in the dryer...use a tennis ball.
Finally always have a system for laundry, break the process up, and keep up on it!
These are many of my tips that I can remember, some have become subconscious!
Hang Drying Inside: A big help to the environment, and your wallet!
If you want to hang dry clothes, here are some places you can do it. Sturdy curtain rods, buy a rack to go above your washer, and hang off of it, find a garment rack, use your closet if it is big and open, sturdy shower rods, find a place to hang a line in your house, etc. I recommend investing in plastic hangers! I was lucky and found tons for free!
Now some odd and ends:
Adding Washing soda to laundry helps remove stains! I bought some Tide Stain release, and wish I would have researched! Washing Soda is different from Baking Soda!
Baking Soda: the sky is the limits! I found a good website on uses of baking soda! It helps with stains in many ways, can remove gum from washer, etc. Just use the link below!
http://housekeeping.about.com/od/laundry/qt/bksd_washmachin.htm
Shampoo also, the sky is the limit! It helps with yellow spots, blood spots, grease stains, etc!
Stain remover: Pre-treat with dish soap, My mom swears Palmolive is the best, but I am a Ajax person, and it works just as good.
If one does not prefer bleach, peroxide works as well. I personally do not use bleach at all, because I buy tide with bleach (now when I make my own, I probably will have to start).
To treat a stain on a white shirt, use lemon juice and put in the sun.
Wash with cold water. It saves on the water heater, and your energy bill! If your detergent is a good brand, it will still clean the clothes!
Do not under or over load your washer, it helps with washing, and energy. Over the years I have learned the perfect size load. Just load to middle level. My washer does not have a load size option due to the energy efficient mod on it!
Wash during the non-peak hours. I do laundry when my dachshund Leo wakes up at 1-5 in the morning! I used to dread getting up, but now I know if I get up I can start laundry, and save! But if one is not up at these hours, try doing a load before bed (most loads do not get musty or mildew over night, just do not forget about it in the morning), or doing a load early morning when you wake up!
Re-use dryer sheet till they have no smell!
Have children play outside in clothes that are from the day before (as long as they are not dirty from this purpose, or are nice clothes). I personally have clothes for Madalynn just for playing (outfits she has ruined), and she knows she has to switch outfits, but it saves on the good clothes, and she plays outside most of the time!
Clean your dryer lint trap out after every use, and check your vent frequently! Cleaning these two, helps with air flow, performance, and longevity of the dryer!
What to do with clothing that get's stains, and you just cannot remove them!
Another way to save on children's clothes, is PJ's. My daughter has never really been able to wear PJ sets due to her tall skinny structure! So what I do with clothes she gets too stained up (and she is very good at this...paint, marker, etc), I turn them into PJ's...no one really sees these clothes! Also when knit/cotton lounge pants get too short, they go to the PJ drawer. I seriously get another 1-3 years wear out of these pants! It helps having a skinny child though! I also use my stained clothes for PJ's!
If you plan on re-selling baby/children's clothes, never dry them in the dryer! It helps them stay nicer, and prevents stains from being permanently set!
If you have feather down coats/ comforters...and dry in the dryer...use a tennis ball.
Finally always have a system for laundry, break the process up, and keep up on it!
These are many of my tips that I can remember, some have become subconscious!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
