Going Green, Made Simple

Most of the conventional cleaners I grew up with are petroleum based chemicals that are toxic to our environment and health. Most conventional cleaners are flammable, poisonous, and not safe to use around children or pets. Most brand manufacturers have started making products that are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources, but they are somewhat costly. If brand name's don't matter to you, and cost and effectiveness does, you may want to give home mixed cleaners a try. Below are a few that I find work very well.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER

1/2 gallon of water
1/2 cup of white vinegar
1/4 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of lemon juice

This can be used on walls, floors, counters, and many other household surfaces. It can also be used in spray bottles, and stored for up to 3 months. If you prefer an antibacterial type cleaner, you can add 15 drops of tea tree oil.

WINDOW CLEANER

1 part club soda
1 part lemon juice

Most people who use homemade green cleaners use 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water for a window wash. Don't get me wrong, this solution works great, however, I couldn't stand the smell of it, so I found an alternative. This is a refreshing, easy on the senses, green cleaner that will leave your windows and glass surfaces sparkling clean. For lint and streak free windows, use newspapers instead of paper towels.

TOILET CLEANER

1/4 cup of vinegar
1/2 cup of lemon juice
baking soda

Mix vinegar and lemon juice together in a spray bottle. Spray the inside of the toilet bowl and then sprinkle it with baking soda. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes and then scrub with a toilet brush. This is a concentrated form of the all purpose cleaner. I find that this works on showers and sinks as well.

ALL NATURAL DISINFECTANT

2 cups of water
3 drops of natural soap
15 drops of tea tree essential oil
15 drops of lavender essential oil

This cleaner is safe for all surfaces. I use it on my cutting boards, door knobs, TVs remotes, telephone, computers, and bathroom surfaces.

Besides using green cleaners, there are several other simple, easy ways to go green, such as hanging your laundry on a line to dry, instead of using your drier. This conserves energy, lowers cost and makes your clothes smell really nice. If you live in an apartment you are probably limited on how green you can go. Most don't have access to a clothes line, or a space to plant a garden, however, growing houseplants is a wonderful way to make up for that. Houseplants help clean toxins from the air and provide us with oxygen. Plants are also pleasing to the eye and can make the environment more relaxing.

Another great way to go green, as we all know, is to recycle, but it doesn't stop there. We should also reuse what we can. Things such as old torn clothing, sheets, curtains, and spreads can be recycled and reused in quilts and rugs.

One of the most toxic types of reusable items that's piling up in our landfills is electronic equipment. Computers, TV's, microwave ovens, stereos, cell phones, and game systems can all be recycled or reused. To find an electronics recycling center near you contact your local Department of Waste Water Management.