MAKE YOUR OWN GREEN HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS:

~ Stop buying harsh chemical cleaners, make your own. Better for the environment, your health, and pocketbook. Cleaners cost a lot. Four simple ingredients keep your house sparkling. Probably have them in your house right now; lemon juice, vinegar, EVOO-extra virgin olive oil, and baking soda.

ALL PURPOSE HOUSEHOLD CLEANER – Mix vinegar and water together(cup Vin. to a gallon water), the ratio is not precise. Depends on how strong smelling you want your cleaner to be. Great for bathrooms, tiles, tub rings, toilet bowel , floors, and to wipe down appliances.

PASTE SCRUB – Combine one cup lemon juice and 1/2 cup baking soda, works great on hard water deposits. Play with ingredients amounts, get the right consistency for you.

FURNITURE POLISH – Combine cup OVOO and a dash of lemon juice together.

JOIN A CO-OP OR SHOP AT A WHOLE FOOD STORE:

~ Many food staples are available in organic bulk options. Start buying brown rice, steel cut oats, whole wheat flour, couscous, dried fruits, granola, seeds, sugar, and cereal in bulk. You will get a lot more bang for your buck.

~ Purchase eco-friendly organically made soaps, detergents, and shampoo in bulk. Cut down use of petroleum based plastic waste, use reusable containers, bring back and refill them.

FILTER WATER:

~ Stop buying individual water. Not all plastic is recyclable. Purchase a water filter, and have everyone use a reusable water bottle. Keep filtered water on hand in your fridge, add a few lemon slices, give it some yummy flavor.

GET BACK TO THE BASICS:

~ Don’t run unnecessary household appliances. Was your dishes by hand and hang your laundry out to dry. If you need and appliance only purchase Energy Star rated appliances. They use less energy and are better for the environment.

WATCH YOUR CONSUMER CONSUMPTION:

~ Avoid putting yourself in situations where you can be tempted to buy the hottest/newest “IT” item. Many household items can have a second life. Encourage your family to come up with ways to reuse items that you might otherwise have carelessly tossed out.

~ Visit secondhand shops, donate your good clothing, and pick yourself up a “new” outfit while you are there. Secondhand shops have great deals on great stuff. Many clothing items still have tags on them.

VOLUNTEER:

~ Local charities need your help. Give the gift of your time, household items you do not want anymore, and money, if it you can. Items and money are tax deductible.

~ Get up and get active. Cut down your entertainment expenses, join a local outdoor club and help maintain trails. You will get a workout and save money. Enjoying nature is free!

DON’T DRIVE WHEN YOU CAN WALK:

~ If you can walk or ride a bike, do so. You will save gas, lessen your carbon footprint, and keep yourself fit.

~ Combine errands. Instead of running one errand each day, try to combine them. Make a list, get organized, and only grocery shop once a week. If you run out, make do.

An environmentally friendly house begins with environmentally friendly people and if you happen to fall into this category, it will show in the construction of your home and in the way that you live. Whether you are building a brand new house or remodeling an existing one, you have the opportunity to make it green in a variety of ways. An environmentally friendly house is one that is constructed from new to be cost-effective in the use of energy or one that is remodeled to remove things that could have a negative effect on the eco-system.

SAVING ENERGY AND WATER

If you are involved in a brand new project, the construction of your new home can incorporate any number of eco-friendly features that will save on both energy and cost. With the emphasis on saving the planet uppermost in mind, there are now plenty of options open to the home builder to use materials that are environmentally friendly. This includes all kinds of materials from the hard construction right down to the paintwork and of course the household appliances.

One of the main features of any environmentally friendly home is shown in the use of energy and water. Simple things like using energy saving light bulbs and low-flush toilets are just a few of thew simple ways to live green. Many of the basic elements of a green home are incorporated from the very beginning when a house is being planned, blueprints drawn and materials selected. The same is true of renovations to existing homes. This is the optimum time to add any eco-friendly features which can then be maintained for the life of the house.

ARCHITECTS AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES PLAY A PART

Architects and construction companies are now geared up for the greater interest people are showing in eco-friendly homes and this is reflected in the building materials now available that are less destructive to the environment. Some do actually install solar panels although they not as popular as you might imagine in spite of the outcry over the attack on our eco-system

The most current looks have always reflected what has been happening in the world Whether it’s be the fun and liberated look of the 60’s or the cool slick modern of the later 90’s these looks were reflective of the events going on in the world.

The newest look is certainly not one born out of trends but stems more out of a global concern. Eco Chic has been fast becoming the look of the moment as the awareness of environmental issues grows. As with every previous decade designers and shoppers are eager to get them homes to fit in with the world around them.

Going green has certainly not taken anything away from style. Long gone are the days of hippie or granola looking interiors in order to be eco friendly. This current look has in fact challenged designers, manufacturers, suppliers and the consumer to think outside the box on how to keep style high and mother earth even closer.

You’ll find the Eco Chic look to take on a very natural and airy style. (I often compare it to being in a sun dappled birch grove) That’s the feeling that is evoked in many Eco Chic homes. It’s all about bringing the outdoors in but also keeping it as natural and environmentally conscious as possible.

One of the first eco friendly trademarks that has emerged is the bamboo floor. But one must make sure to do their research, although almost any bamboo floor will give you the look not all are manufactured in an environmentally friendly way. Look for the types of chemicals used to treat the wood as well as the finishes and glues. Make sure the products used in the making of your floor are environmentally friendly not only in the manufacturing process but also once inside your home. Many chemicals break down over time and release harmful vapors in your homes air.

Paint is another product that has defiantly gone “green”. One of the great colours to use in an Eco Chic space is the hottest new colour Kelly Green. It makes the home look fresh and light furnishings pop against this colour. But colour is not the only thing paint can bring you regularly manufactured paints contain VOC’s which are harmful fumes released at the time of painting and as the paint breaks down over time. Most paint companies now offer either Low or No VOC paints. These paints are especially good to use in homes with occupants suffering from asthma or allergies.

Another important part of this look is the use of natural materials. Stone, wood, glass, and metal are used to achieve the Eco Chic look. But as with your floors and paint there are areas to watch out for. Research into where your product comes from is just as important as its style appeal for this look. Woods should come from trees that are not in risk of being an endangered specie and that is collected responsibly. (for every tree a company cuts down it should be planting 2 in its place). Stone and metal also have their own set of environmental issues. These should be mined and quarries with high respect to the environment and not pose any threats to surrounding wildlife areas.

The Eco Chic look really isn’t just about the look. Sure it’s about mixing natural materials in a sleek and sophisticated way. But it’s also about being responsible about the things we bring into our home. There is a responsibility that exists in all of us, weather consumer or designer, manufacturer or supplier. We should not only feel responsible but also proud to choose products that are designed to help conserve our planet, and with this new Eco Chic trend there’s no fear that we can do it in high style How’s that for having your cake and eating it too.

Shop responsibly everyone!

So what are some alternatives to aerosol sprays, oil plug-in air fresheners, and burning candles? My favorite things to use in homemade air freshener and dcor craft projects are coffee beans, faux greenery, bowl fillers, essential oils, and dried eucalyptus. With a little bit of creative thinking, you can put together a fun inexpensive craft project that serves a dual purpose: a beautiful unique home dcor piece and an eco-friendly air freshener all in one.

Essential oils are very therapeutic and make great homemade spritzers that can be used to bring a wonderful aromatherapy scents into your home. You can make up several different scents to keep on hand for different areas of your home. To make your homemade spritzer, use one part oil to at least 4 parts water. You want to create a spray that still has fragrance but one that isn’t too oily that it will ruin anything you spray it on by leaving an oily film. You may have to practice a little at first to get your recipe just right. Some oils are more potent and fragrant and may require more watering down. I also use different strengths of oil mixtures for different purposes, depending on the dcor project and room size.

Here are my favorite ways to use the essential oil fragrance spritzers as cheap alternatives to toxic air fresheners.

Bowl Fillers

Fill a wicker bowl or basket with potpourri or other natural earthy object such as pinecones, gourds, dried leaves, or dried flowers. You’ll have a colorful centerpiece for your table that is attractive, decorative, and will fill the room with a delicate scent. Then instead of tossing out the fillers when they lose their fragrance, you can use your homemade essential oil spritzer to freshen up the items in your bowl or basket.

Faux Greenery Baskets

Silk greenery and wicker baskets are very inexpensive and are a great way to add color and fragrance to any room. All you have to do it pick your favorite

Soapnuts are a natural product which contain Saopnin, or natural soap to yuo and me, which you put into your washing machine in place of any normal washing powder you would use. Being a natural product, they contain none of the usual chemical detergents that you find in your normal detergents, so they are better for your clothes, your skin and the environment.

Soapnuts natural habitat is in India, and in Nepal. Their botanical name is Sapindus Mukkrossi, and the family name is Sapindaceae.It is the seeds which grow on the tree which are the soapnuts that you will be able to buy online. They are brown, round and in a dry state quite hard. When they are in your washing machine, the water turns them soft and this is when the Saopnin, or natural soap, is released.

When you order Soapnuts from the internet, you will usually be sent a bag full of the shells. Sometimes they are not split and will have a nut inside which you just throw away as they are of no use to us. When you have the shells, simply put 6-8 of them into a thin cotton sock and tie a knot in the end so that the shells cannot come out. Put this into the drum of your machine and turn it on. When the cycle is finished, I always empty the shells out of the sock and leave them to dry.

In order to see how much life is left in your shells, just run them under water and squeeze them gently. If bubbles appear then they are good for another wash, but if not then that is usually a sign they have been used to their full extent. The shells also get darker and soft when they have been exhausted completely. Simply throw them away, or for the more environmentally friendly add them to your compost heap. I have found I usually get 4-5 washes out of the shells, which is superb value compared to the cost of a detergent. Using soap nuts, a typical wash will cost you 3p whereas with your normal detergent, it is around 25 pence for a standard non-bio

Eco-friendly mowers are not yet powerful enough for large yards.

Until these mowers become more eco-friendly, other alternatives exist for those who worry about clean air. The problem with most eco-friendly mowers is that they are only good for postage-stamp sized yards. The companies that build these mowers are not making them to cut some of the yards that exceed an acre in size. For small yards of two or three thousand square feet, nearly any of the eco-friendly mowers will do a good job. Above this size, most people will find their commitment to the environment begins to weaken in favor of the labor saving gasoline mowers.

Electric mowers may offer a nice compromise for some people.

Electric mowers are not alway eco-friendly. If the electricity is generated by coal, natural gas, or nuclear energy, there will still be some environmental impact. However, electric mowers are still far ahead of gasoline mowers in the race for a cleaner environment. Cordless electric mowers have the additional environmental issue of battery disposal at the end of the battery’s life. Some the battery material can be recycled, but not all. Even with this, electric mowers are a good option for reducing pollution.

Cordless mowers give the user the freedom to mow without being tethered to a long cord. Unfortunately, the user is still tethered to the life of the battery. If the yard is too large, it may take multiple times to complete one mowing cycle for the yard. If the yard cannot be mowed by pushing within about an hour, the cordless mower will run out juice. The corded electric mower keeps the power going, but you have to have a long

There are several types of mattresses. The coil spring, or innerspring, mattress has endured for many years. Innerspring construction differs by the thickness of the wire used and the amount of coil springs within the mattress. The thinner the gauge, the more coils required.

According to a report posted on the Polyurethane Foam Association website, www.pfa.org, innerspring construction is enhanced with the use of polyurethane foam since the 1950s. Polyurethane foam is the layered upholstery of coil spring construction. It meets government flammability standards, and because it can be layered, allows for varying degrees of firmness.

With the advent of green living, organic materials are becoming more prevalent in mattress construction. The Royal-Pedic mattress is an example of this. At www.nontoxic.com, Royal-Pedic advertises their ticking as being made from “organic cotton from hand picked organic Peruvian cotton and organic inner cotton batting from California or Texas and French organically grown wool.”

It’s likely you’ll be able to find an innerspring mattress to meet your comfort needs as well as your needs for body support. The characteristics you should look for are the number of springs used, the kinds of materials used, and edge support.

For children, and adults under 90 pounds, 312 springs offers the right amount of firmness, according to www.ecomattress.com. For most adults, 512 coils provides the right amount of firmness, and for larger folks, 1000 springs will make the mattress firm enough for support and comfort.

If you’re looking for organic materials, you may need to spend a little time finding an outlet. Though organic mattresses are available, they are not prevalent. Most major manufacturers do offer hypoallergenic mattresses, which aid those with allergies and asthma in getting a better night’s rest.

Edge support is important. The edge is the first place a mattress shows wear. Once the edge of a mattress begins to sag, the dynamic of the construction is changed. Edge support is evident in the framework of the coil system, and should extend to the edge of the bed, rather than just short

After a good cleaning up, open your windows and doors and allow the bad air to go out while letting fresh air to enter your home. Then think of scenting your home with a fragrance which will be pleasing to your senses. Select something which is a fresh smell, like that of a fresh flower or may be a woody smell. There are several ways you can do this. Scented candles, potpourris, aroma warmers and air fresheners are commonly used scent emitting devices at our homes.

The fragrance of sweet orange or rose is good to induce a sense of freshness at home. Or if you want a more stimulating atmosphere to be built, choose Bergamot, Clary Sage or Frankincense.

In my experience, the best way of getting rid of problem odor is by using an aroma warmer; that too the ones which use a small burning candle as the source of heat. They seem to absorb the bad odor while they emit their fragrance. Their fragrance is genuine, subtle and pleasing if essential oils are used. The aroma of fragrance oils is less effective and last for a shorter period.

Scented candles are also good sources of fragrance. They too take away the bad smell while they odorize the room air.

If your baby accidentally wets your mattress, use ample amount of boiling hot water to clean your mattress and dry it by taking back as much of the water as possible. Use a small plastic cup to take the water back from the mattress and then dab it with a dry towel. Leave the wet blotch open to the room air to dry. Light a scented candle or an aroma warmer in the room and let the fragrance of the room air diffuse into the wet mattress. This way, the mattress will not have any bad odor later.

If you want a constant source of fragrance, then potpourris are good. Potpourris constantly emit fragrance especially when fresh. Their fragrance can be renewed by sprinkling a few drops of essential oil or fragrance oil from time to time. They are good to keep as a source of fragrance but they do not absorb the bad odor.

Air fresheners come in different forms. The aerosol spray has an instant action and lasts for a few minutes only. The gel form of air fresheners absorbs strong odors, but they are less effective than the aroma warmers. Still, they may be the most economical way of tackling strong odor if it is a constant problem.

Diffusers are good for small spaces like bathrooms. They usually emit a subtle smell and lasts for a reasonable amount of time.

Strong odor arising from organic waste can be easily dealt with by keeping the trash can thoroughly cleaned and sprayed with a disinfectant after cleaning.

The key to getting rid of strong odors is to deal with them as soon as you detect them. If you keep your home well cleaned, well aerated and regularly scented, then the chances of a problem odor arising are reduced to nil.

On WWW.Spineunierse.com, Jeannee Markusic- Clinical Specialist Physical Therapy in Cleveland Ohio talks about how the spine can become unsupported with a sagging mattress. She states: “A sagging mattress or the use of more than one pillow will interfere with the neutral spine position. A firm mattress is recommended, and a board placed between the mattress and box spring can provide a temporary fix to a sagging mattress.”

So, how can you tell if you’re buying a good quality firm mattress? First, always buy a popular brand name. There are a lot of mattress stores popping up everywhere claiming their mattresses are the best. If you purchase a mattress from one of these outfits, you really don’t know what you’re getting, but a brand name mattress has to uphold their reputation.

The first thing you should be concerned about is size. Whichever size you get, just make sure the mattress has all the features that you want. Next, make sure it has a good spring count. This is the number of coiled springs that are in the mattress. Manufacturers claim that the more coils the better. The drawback to this is that the more coils there are, it may take away from the comfort level. Just make sure the mattress has a reasonable coil to comfort level ratio.

Along with the coils, the mattress needs to be made of good quality materials. What are good quality materials? Usually, better quality materials go along with higher prices. This philosophy goes along with anything in life. You get what you pay for. But you don’t have to pay high prices for low quality materials. The purpose of this article isn’t to list mattress materials, as I’m sure there are new types of materials popping up all the time. The real thing you should be concerned about is whether you are allergic to any mattress materials. If you are, you will need to look for a mattress that uses all natural materials and maybe organic materials such as organic cotton and wool.

The last stage of buying a mattress is to try it out in the store. It’s just like buying a car, you need to try it out first. Lay or sit on as many mattresses as you can. Take your time doing this. Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing. Ask the salesperson as many questions as you can think of about spring count and materials. It is very important that you do this as you will be sleeping on your new mattress for several years. Don’t be intimidated by fast talking salespeople. You be the one to ask the questions and be in control. After all, a mattress is a very important part of your comfort as well as your health.

The final part involved in choosing a new mattress is to make sure that it has a good manufacturer’s guarantee. Make sure this covers a new replacement just in case something goes wrong with it. If you do all of these suggestions, you will end up with a good quality mattress at a reasonable price.