1) No more disposable dusters- thousands of pounds of these wind up in landfills every year. Use an old pair of socks instead. Put one on each hand or even put one on the end of your disposable duster stick. They work great, they are washable, and they are already on-hand which means no disposable dusters or the packaging they come in to dispose of.
2) Use Citric acid instead of cleanser. Citric acid is a powder made from citrus fruits and it is used in foods to give things a sour or tart taste. It is also a great cleaner. Sprinkle it in the tub or sink, add a little orange or mint essential oil, let sit about 5 minutes and then scrub away. Citric Acid is readily available on-line, in cooking and restaurant supply stores and in many health food stores If you have ceramic tile, check with the manufacturer or installer to make sure it is safe for your type of tile.
3) Citric acid also sheets hard water. Toss a teaspoon in your dishwasher before running it and get rid of water spots.
4) Use fewer or no paper towels. I know some of you think you can’t live without these little wonders, but they weren’t common kitchen items some 50 years ago. In that span of time, countless thousands of trees have been used in the making of this convenience item. Somehow people used to get along without them. I think we can too. If you have something gross and greasy that just doesn’t work well for a cloth towel, use your left over paper napkins instead…you know when you get 20 of them with your food when you only needed one? Save them and use them in place of paper towels.
5) Use 1 part rubbing alcohol to 4 parts hot water for a great glass/window cleaner….no artificial colors or unpronounceable chemicals.
6) Mayonnaise…the wonder restorer? Yep that’s right. If you have water rings on wood, work a small amount of mayo (not fat free) into the ring spot and wipe clean. Continue to apply until the spot is gone. I know! Whodda thunk it?
7) Not Glade, green. Instead of using those wall plug in air fresheners, which have artificial colors, scents and use electricity, try this. Put your favorite essential oil on some cotton balls and wedge them in the grates that cover the air vents in your home. Then every time the furnace or a/c comes on the scent wafts throughout your home.
8) If you are having trouble with mice, no need to turn to mouse traps or poison. Try peppermint. Mice hate it. For inside, fill knee-hi’s or muslin bags with peppermint leaves or you can scent cotton balls with peppermint essential oil and place in drawers and cupboards where mice have been sighted. Outside, plant peppermint around your house as a natural repellent.
9) Stop using anti-bacterial hand soap. There is no need for it in homes and it actually makes the problem worse by making bacteria more drug resistant.
10) Do use my natural soaps lotions, lip balms and bath products. They are great for your skin and with my green incentives program you save money and help the environment.