Seeking 'Green' Tips

Cleaning chemicals are the worst. I use a solution of 3/4 vinegar 1/4 water for most of my cleaning, glass, windows, bathroom counters, etc. and just salt in my toilet for regular cleaning. I save the harsh chemicals for the shower, sink, stove etc. and in the toilet after the flu goes around. You can buy a lrg bottle of vinegar and an empty spray bottle, cheaply. I saw spray bottles at Lowe's for <$2. I look fwd to seeing what other ideas people have.

R., when I wanted to take my green to the next level, I realized I could buy my every day personal items from a company who is green, a company who is Carbon Neutral, meaning it gives back more than it takes out of the environment to make its products. We stopped buying chemical cleaners that pollute the water, stopped buying aresol sprays that left particulates in the atmosphere, stopped accepting either "paper or plastic" and take our own cloth bags into the stores. Evaluate the environmental footprint of the company you do business with and then decide if you really want to support that company.
B. Stasey, Shaklee Distributor

I don't know how old your children are but using cloth diapers and wipes can really help. It takes a ton of resources and chemicals to make disposable diapers and then they stay in the landfill for 300-500 years!
Cloth diapers also save money, are cute and easy to care for.

check out www.diaperstyle.com for more info-these aren't your mamas cloth diapers :D

My MOPS group did a whole green day on earth day. You can make all your own cleaning supplies. Not only is it green it is cost effective. If I can find the paper I will scan it and send it your way.

Hi R. -

You should check out this article: - http://www.makinglifebetter.com/beauty-style/article/easy...

It's full of great ideas. Also check out the Special Offers Page for the site. You can find some great coupons and they have a daily free tote giveaway. :)

The link below is a great website that lists all cosmetics that are good and bad for you and the enviroment.

http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1

I am not sure what you mean by taking it to the next level but there are some really good books out there that have some great ideas - the two I really liked are Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano and Healthy Child Healthy World by Christoper Gavigan. They also have a really good website:

http://healthychild.org/live-healthy/

Hope that helps.

I invite you to go to my website www.greenkidzrus.com
You can learn more about the hidden dangers in our home. I have a webcast that gives great solutions. You can contact me through my website.

My son has terrible allergies and Asperger Syndrome (a type of high-functioning autism) and I have been looking into giving him the "greenest" environment possible. I just started using eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning and laundry products from Melaleuca and have noticed an improvement in my and my son's allergies. You join as a member (like Sam's or Costco) and get a 30-40% discount on all their products. If you want more details on how to join let me know..you have to be referred by a current customer (like me) and the sign up is all done online. They actually have a special through today, the lifetime membership is only $1.00 so it's definitely affordable! Have a good day!

Start composting your kitchen scraps. Your kids can see the metamorphosis of all that garbage to the nutrient rich soil. You then add it as top-soil to house-plants and your foliage, trees, etc.

I'm sure you have the lightbulbs and you recycle. Try to buy organic, when possible. Look into the NRDC. Here is something else, if you 'need' an excuse to buy 'used': You are use less packaging along with the energy of having a new item shipped and you are recycling the product! Plant a tree or two. Turn off those lights. Get the kids involved.

And good job being conscientious about 'our' environment!

Cloth pads and family wipes. Use reusable when you can instead of disposable. Instead of so much toilet paper, paper towels, diaper wipes, etc, use CLOTH instead and wash them.

Also, when you buy your food, buy bulk and bring your own bags. Use glass instead of plastic. Really, actually think of the words Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. They are overused now, but if you try to live by them, you'll naturally come to some new ways of living.

Hi R.,

I can help you convert your entire home to green products. Give me a call at ###-###-####. T.

Live off the grid, bath less(or shower together...in Japan they would scrub 1st and take turns in same bath water), grow your own food and medicinal plants(not merely decorative ones), use more sources of protein not from animals, and stop buying things...if you do...examine their impact and make wise decisions in purchasing, beware of detergents and medications that poison our water systems...pharmaceuticals get peed out and find their ways into our water supplies...look at alternative methods of healing, walk more/limit and dove-tail necessary errands... become active in cleaning up contributing to polluted areas. Become an activist and write your representatives to persuade the Big Polluters to change their ways...push for green vehicles...look up Guy Negre and ZEN cars...you said any ideas ;)
Encourage others to join you, make part of your spiritual practices, or congregation. Earth based faiths may have more ideas.

Look into Care2.com, they have a green action of the day, abd ckick on sites for donating to causes,...also the PetitionSite, etc. and looking at government sites for senate bills.

Citizens polluting is a smidgeon compared to industry.

You May want to check out REAL GOODS...Hopland, Ca... attend Earth Day Festivals for info (though I am disappointed by the products pushed there sometimes) and Eco-Versity. PEEC in Los Alamos...education programs for kids too.

That is what I can come up with before coffee. Thanks for posting...I look forward to seeing what others wrote.

Good luck greening,
L.