Living Green and Lean

Save on Dishwashing

2010-06-24T15:13:00.001-04:00

To wring the most savings you can from your dishwasher, use the lowest (briefest) setting and don't pre-rinse. If you are concerned about dried-on food staying on the dishes, do what we do. Put the dishes on the floor and let the pets lick them clean (only if you didn't have onions or other foods that are not good for pets)! Also, we put dishes in the sink, briefly, and let the water that runs over them as we wash our hands and do other chores rinse them automatically.

Unplug to Save Energy

2010-06-16T07:18:00.001-04:00

Another good tip from AARP: To save electricity, unplug appliances when not in use. Many of these devices still use electricity even when turned off (like computers), up to 75% of the amount when in full use! An added bonus: You'll reduce your exposure to EMFs (electromagnetic fields), a suspected carcinogen.

Spice Reduces Depression Symptoms

2010-06-14T10:25:00.001-04:00

The latest AARP magazine issue highlights a way to reduce depression naturally: Increase your intake of the spice saffron. A 2007 study showed that taking this herb twice a day worked just as well as Prozac in controlling symptoms of mild to moderate depression. If you don't like the spice, try taking a supplement. It's cheaper and better for you than prescription medication (and tastier, too).

It's Never Too Late to Start Lifting Weights

2010-05-31T11:09:00.003-04:00

According to Consumer Reports magazine, the primary reason older people wind up in nursing homes is the lack of muscle strength in their hip flexors, which enables one to rise from a seated position. After age 50, muscle mass declines precipitously. However, there's hope. Anyone can stave off this decrease in muscle by lifting weights two to three times per week. Even people in their nineties can derive real benefit. Weight lifting also encourages bone density. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, but don't put it off: Stronger bones and muscles translates into better health, better quality of life and fewer medications and doctor visits!

Take Good Care of Your Eyeglasses

2010-05-24T11:03:00.005-04:00

Most (if not all) eyeglass lenses manufactured today are made of some type of plastic, which makes them lightweight and less costly. Unfortunately, plastic scratches easily. Scratched lenses are virtually useless, so if you want to extend the time between having to purchase new lenses of the same prescription. Try these tips:

-Never place your glasses lens-down on any surface. Whenever possible, place them inside a case when they are not in use.

-Don't dry-wipe your lenses, even with those special cloths opticians provide. Always use soap and water to clean them, and blot, don't wipe, the lenses dry.

-Never, even for one second, place your glasses where they might be knocked to the floor or sat upon. Hang onto them, even if it makes taking your sweater off a bit more awkward. You'd be surprised how many glasses get crushed when the wearer forgets he or she put them down "just for a second"!

Treat Your Hair to a Conditioner-Shampoo

2010-05-19T09:39:00.000-04:00

If your hair is dry or tends to frizz, try washing your hair with only conditioner every other time you normally shampoo. The conditioner will clean your hair well enough, and won't strip it of oils. This will help protect it from the elements as well as assist in "frizz" control.

Keep Colored Clothing Vibrant Longer

2010-05-18T09:18:00.000-04:00

You don't need expensive (and polluting!) laundry additives to keep your colored clothes bright and reduce fading. Simply add a bit of table salt to the wash - I add about 1/4 teaspoon to each load. I keep a container of non-iodized salt right on the laundry shelf for this purpose. You can't get much cheaper than that!

Dishwashers Really do Save Energy

2010-05-17T09:12:00.004-04:00

For years we never considered buying a dishwasher because we thought they used too much water and energy. Then I read in Consumer Reports magazine that, no matter how frugal you are, washing a sinkful of dishes used at least 4 gallons of water (plus the energy to heat it). We got an old dishwasher for free, that used only 7 gallons for a day's worth of dishes. Now, we have an Energy Star model that uses about 5 gallons. We use the shortest cycle we can to save energy - you can always spot-clean if a dish or two comes out with a bit of soil left on it.

Compost Your Cat Litter

2010-05-12T12:03:00.000-04:00

Our town newsletter recently mentioned that one of the largest waste streams is used cat litter. We have been composting ours for a couple of years, and it really takes the strain off the (required) trash bags. There are many natural types of cat litter on the market today, so mix and match them together until you get a combination you like. Dump everything on to the separate compost pile, and add household and yard wastes occasionally, as well. Don't use the product on edible garden produce, though!

Disposing of Clothing Not Good Enough to Donate

2010-05-11T19:58:00.000-04:00

Many charities have tightened up their requirements regarding the condition of clothing being donated. If you have items too badly worn to be acceptable, you can make use of them another way. I tear or cut old textiles into strips and use them in addition to kindling to start wood stove fires. This way, they're being useful right until the end, and are not taking up landfill (or garbage can) space.

Freshen Your Laundry

2010-05-10T11:52:00.002-04:00

A couple of ounces of concentrated lemon juice added to your white wash really freshens and whitens the entire load. I use 2 ounces for my front loader, so top loaders may need more. It certainly is cheap enough, and, of course, all natural!

Deodorize With Coffee Grounds

2010-05-04T08:30:00.001-04:00

If you have a plastic storage container that absorbs a smell that persists even after washing, try filling it with used, dry coffee grounds. Leave in for a few days, dump them out and wash again. Don't forget to compost the grounds!

Paint Brushes Make Great Cleaning Tools

2010-05-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Paint brushes make great dusters for small objects, get into nooks and crannies and are great for cleaning out those corners. Use them dry or moisten them a bit. I also use them to wash items that the stiff bristles of a scrub brush can't touch. You can get very nice ones at dollar stores; don't forget to cut off the wooden handles and use for kindling when they are finally ready for the trash.

Alternate Uses for Toothpaste

2010-04-28T20:10:00.000-04:00

If you decide to stop using your current brand of toothpaste before the tube is empty, don't just throw it in the trash. The soapy-abrasive quality makes it very useful for polishing sinks and stainless steel cookware. I've read that it works well on white rings on furniture, too.

Toothpaste: Loaded with Chemicals

2010-04-27T12:03:00.002-04:00

Have you ever looked at the ingredients of your tube of toothpaste? Silica, PEG-32, sodium lauryl sulfate, red, green blue and yellow dyes...not to mention saccharin and, of course, sodium flouride. Even though we're not supposed to swallow this chemical swill, it surely is being absorbed through our mucus membranes. Try natural brands (read the label first) and good old baking soda.

Find New Life for Those Old Linens

2010-04-26T14:26:00.001-04:00

What do you do with linens that are not in good enough shape to donate to charity? Donate them to your local animal shelter. Shelters are always in need of bedding and towels, and they don't have to be perfect. While you're there, why not take a look around the facility? You never know, you may just go home with a new friend!

Ways to Get Rid of Old Clothing

2010-04-21T16:05:00.003-04:00

Spring cleaning usually means getting rid of clothes that do not fit anymore, are out of fashion, or that we are just plain sick of. If they are in good condition, try selling them at a tag sale. Consignment shops are a good bet, as well. If you are not concerned with making a few dollars, donate your used clothing to charities like Goodwill or the Salvation Army. Don't throw clothing in the trash if someone else can use it!

Keeping Mice out of Your Outdoor Equipment

2010-04-20T09:32:00.004-04:00

A friend of ours recently shared this tip with us: To keep mice out of her camper when it is not in use, she uses dryer sheets. Apparently, she places them around the interior and the smell keeps the vermin away. This should also work for items such as snow blowers, garden tillers and lawnmowers, all of which spend several months stored in an outdoor shed. Stuff them into nooks and crannies through which mice can enter (be sure to take them all out before using!). I don't recommend using these sheets for anything else, though--they contain chemicals considered toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency!

Water Your Garden Using Rain Barrels

2010-04-19T08:54:00.004-04:00

Every year, we set up one or two rain barrels underneath our gutter downspouts. All spring, summer and fall, we have a ready supply of water with which to water gardens, rinse out buckets, wash cars, etc. Our lot is on a hill, so we are able to use gravity to drain the barrels. Once you set these barrels up, you will be surprised by the many uses you will find for the water, all without straining your well pump and wasting precious resources.

Sun-Lighten Your Hair, Naturally

2010-04-14T08:41:00.003-04:00

If you have dark blonde to light brown hair that used to lighten on its own each summer when you were younger, you can still achieve that look, albeit with a little help. Soak a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and apply to the surface of your hair; then, go sit in the sun. If you do this several times a week, by mid-summer your hair will have that sun-kissed look without dangerous chemicals or damage to your hair.

Reduce Waste, Reuse Containers

2010-04-13T07:52:00.004-04:00

Instead of throwing out (or, hopefully, recycling) containers such as pumps, spray bottles, shakers, etc., wash them out and use them to store your homemade concoctions. There is no reason to buy an expensive pump container for shampoo or hand soap when many store-bought products provide them as packaging. The same goes for squeeze bottles and the above-mentioned containers. When they wear out, recycle and put a new one into service. It's just that easy!

Set Your Hair With Yogurt

2010-04-12T21:03:00.002-04:00

Instead of using chemical hair gels to make your hair behave, try yogurt. I've used plain, nonfat yogurt instead of gel, and it really works. You don't need much, either, and if will control my mop-top it will surely work for you!

How to Decrease Your Trash Output

2010-04-07T13:00:00.002-04:00

Reducing the amount of trash you have to lug to the curb each week is not only environmentally sound, but easier on your back. One simple way to accomplish this is to set up a compost bin in your yard. Put in all non-animal sources of food scraps, mix with yard waste, and you will have some beautiful material for your food or flower garden. If you live in an apartment or condo, use a small-scale composting unit right on your counter top. Check your local library for books on kitchen composting, which takes a bit more effort than the backyard style. Either way, you'll be amazed at the lighter weight of your trash barrel at week's end.

Fabric Softener Alternative

2010-04-06T11:44:00.000-04:00

Instead of using fabric softener, try adding a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse water. Vinegar effectively removes traces of detergent, making the clothes softer, while preserving the absorbency of your bath towels. Commercial fabric softeners are full of chemicals, some of which are listed as toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency. Do yourself and the environment a favor and don't use them.

How to Use Hair Conditioner Effectively

2010-04-05T07:15:00.000-04:00

How many bottle of hair conditioner do you have in your bathroom cabinet? If you are like most people, you have an array of half-empty bottles taking up space. Either they stopped working, didn't do the job correctly or weigh your hair down. What to do with all that stuff?

Conditioner works by coating your hair's cuticle, making it tangle less and shine more. If you use too much, and don't rinse enough, it can make your hair seem greasy. Not enough or too much rinsing and it seems to have no effect at all. Most of these products require you to wait for a few minutes while the conditioner "works". Here's a better idea.

After your shower, lightly towel dry your hair and put a small amount of conditioner in the palm of one hand. Rub your hands together and apply to hair. Now, you are applying the product to the areas it is needed, the surface and ends. Comb it through, and set or style as usual. You'll use a lot less product and water, plus get better results.

Good to the Last Drop

2010-04-04T13:20:00.006-04:00

When times are tough, people find new and inventive ways to use up products they buy so that they are not wasting anything. For instance, adding water to the last bit of shampoo is not a new idea, but many people don't do it because they don't like the way it squirts out of the bottle when it's too diluted. What to do? Use these last drops to clean the shower enclosure, toilet, or vanity top. Or, take it down to the kitchen and run under the tap as you're filling the sink full of water to do dishes. Alternately, dilute some more, add a bit of white vinegar, and you've got a cheap disinfecting cleaner, already in a squirt bottle, to clean your counter tops!

Don't Buy Bottled Water!

2010-03-31T07:15:00.001-04:00

The bottled water craze of the past few years has resulted in a floating "island" of plastic corralled by whirlpool-like currents in the middle of the Pacific ocean. Most of these bottles are said to come from the United States and China, so if you think that those items are being recycled, think again. Additionally, the type of plastic used in these products often contain bisphenyl-A, an estrogen mimic that has been implicated in many health disorders. If you need water on the go and you tap water is treated with chlorine, buy either a faucet or whole-house filtering system and a stainless steel travel bottle. This method is cheaper in the long run, better for the environment and better for your health.

Clean and Green Laundry

2010-03-29T19:11:00.004-04:00

When you shop for laundry detergent, look for vegetable-based surfactants as well as a lack of dyes and fragrances. I was surprised when I first learned that laundry detergents used petroleum-based surfactants, but there weren't any alternatives at the time. Well, actually, I used Ivory Snow for years (until they stopped making it). These days, there are a few brands that are using vegetable sources for their laundry product. I read once how many barrels of oil per day we would save if everyone used these veggie-based detergents rather than the oil-based products. I don't remember the number, but it was astronomical. Switch as soon as you can--it's better for your health, too.

Clear Plugged Drains Without Nasty Chemicals

2010-03-23T11:20:00.003-04:00

A plugged kitchen or bathroom drain is a real pain. Daily doses of grease and food debris for the kitchen and hair, soap scum and other oddities for the bathroom drains take their toll, and soon you're looking at all that gunk real up close and personal. Here's a recipe I've used for many years, and always works: put a half-cup of baking soda in the drain, followed by 2 cups of white vinegar. Close the drain until the fizzing stops, then follow with a kettleful of just-boiled water. It may take 2 or 3 applications, with plunging in between, but it will work. Obviously, it won't work if there is standing water, so don't wait until the problem is that bad. A kettleful of boiling water dumped down each drain once a month will also help prevent this problem in the first place.

Raccoon-Proof Your Trash

2010-03-20T20:32:00.005-04:00

Raccoons, with their dexterous little hands, can easily remove garbage can lids and spread your trash all over the neighborhood. A neighbor had problems with these bandits even though he bungee-tied the can lid on and put a rock on top! I told him to spray the top of the trash bag with ammonia before putting the lid on. He was very pleased when this technique worked. Don't go too crazy with the ammonia, however, or the trash pickup workers won't touch it, either!

Disposing of Poultry Bones

2010-03-19T08:02:00.005-04:00

A great cold-weather method of getting rid of bones from chicken and turkey feasts is to burn them in your wood stove. Get the fire roaring, then feed a handful in at a time; don't do too much at once, particularly if they are wet. It may take a couple of days for the bones to be completely consumed, but it really works. My neighbor told me about this trick a while back, since I have lots of these bones left after I make the cat's food. Don't try this in an open fireplace, though!

Yogurt: Food for Your Skin and Hair

2010-03-18T07:32:00.006-04:00

If you have dry skin, try using yogurt for your nightly cleansing. Use the full-fat, Greek style--the milk fat and lactic acid will do wonders for your skin. By the way, it also makes a great hair conditioner: Comb through hair, put on a plastic cap for an hour or so, then shampoo. The cost is low, and you're not putting chemicals on your body. Oh, and this yogurt tastes great, too!

Cold-Weather Skin Care

2010-03-17T10:00:00.000-04:00

Most of us don't need to scrub ourselves every time we shower during the dry, cold winter months; doing so only exacerbates dry skin, causing itching and other problems. Don't skip the shower, but try using a washcloth or loofah and just water on your arms and legs, saving the soapy scrubbing for the parts that really need it (you know what they are). This will effectively exfoliate your skin without stripping it of natural oils. You'll use less water, less moisturizer and save time, as well!

Fix Skipping CDs and DVDs

2010-03-15T20:48:00.005-04:00

If cleaning a balky CD or DVD with white vinegar doesn't do the trick, try rubbing some hair conditioner on the disc, then buffing it off with a soft cloth. The conditioner will fill in surface scratches well enough that the laser can move over them without skipping. It won't work on deep scratches, and is only temporary, but can be a evening-saver when the movie you're watching starts breaking up with only 20 minutes until the end!

Better Than Fat Wood for Starting Wood Stove Fires

2010-03-10T13:13:00.005-05:00

Fat wood really works well for starting fires, but is quite costly. Talk about sending your hard-earned money up in smoke! I've found that pine cones work just as well, if not better. Just two will start a fire without much tending, and cramming one into a reluctant fire will really set a fire under it (Ha!). The best part? They're free. If you don't happen to have a ready supply in your yard, pack up the kids and go to the nearest park, armed with empty grocery bags. Some years are better than others for this "crop", so when they are plentiful, dry them in the sun and store in a spare trash barrel until needed. Oh, and use disposable gloves for gathering them--it's very difficult to remove the pitch from your hands.

The Best Wood Cleaner, Ever

2010-03-09T10:38:00.004-05:00

Baking soda is the best way I have found to clean any kind of wood--finished, unfinished and even painted wood. Dissolve some baking soda in a bucket of warm water and start cleaning! For particularly dirty surfaces, make a paste and rub with a rough cloth. Besides being cheap and non-toxic, it is one of the few cleaners that will do a great job without disturbing the finish. Do you have an especially dingy piece of furniture that you think needs refinishing? Try the baking soda trick first. You might save yourself some work!

Natural Hair Coloring

2010-03-08T10:15:00.005-05:00

If you want natural-looking hair color, try henna. This product is as natural as you can get--it's actually ground-up henna plants. Best known for its red shades, henna comes in many varieties of color, so you're sure to find a match. It's messier than chemical hair color, but it doesn't stink (it smells like mud!), have harsh ingredients or pollute. It works by coating the hair shaft, so it conditions, as well. It colors each hair shade differently (white hair doesn't come out as dark), so the end result looks more realistic and less "shoe polished" than other DIY hair coloring kits. Be sure to get the real McCoy, as some drugstore products call themselves "henna" but contain very little of the plant itself.

Efficient Oven Cleaning

2010-03-01T08:00:00.002-05:00

In my opinion, the self-cleaning feature of most modern ovens is an immense waste of energy. I used it once, when I was first married, and the heat created made me worry that the cabinets on either side of the appliance would ignite! Of course, they didn't, but the high temperatures necessary to reduce spills to ash is just too wasteful. Also, if you forget to take the racks out, they become permanently discolored.

To avoid using this cycle, clean spills as they happen. If you have a baked-on mess, try this: Warm the oven, then sprinkle baking soda on the spill until it is covered. Spray some soapy water on the baking soda, then close the door and wait about 20 minutes. After that amount of time, you should be able to scrape the mess off using a pot scraper (another great tool). Repeat the procedure,using a scrubbie pad to remove any lingering traces of the stain.

Keeping the Bathroom Tidy Between Cleanings

2010-02-28T15:41:00.004-05:00

Do you really need those disposable cleaning wipes to keep your bathroom neat between cleanings? Of course not. Simply keep a washcloth on your bathroom vanity for quick touch-ups. After you're done brushing your teeth or washing your face and hands, use the cloth to wipe up the splashed water, clean the toothpaste off the counter and mirror and polish the faucets. It only takes a minute, and keeps the bathroom looking very fresh. When you clean the bathroom, use the cloth to clean the sink, too, then throw in the wash. You've saved the landfill several disposable cloths per week, and yourself some money!

The Cleaning Helper You Can't Do Without

2010-02-27T17:02:00.006-05:00

One of the most versatile cleaning items I know is the "scrubbie" pad. They are cheap, available almost anywhere, and have many, many uses.

These pads come either in small sheets or with sponges attached. I tend to use the sheets more, but the sponge type doesn't drip, so it is better for some uses. There are three basic types: The white ones are the least abrasive, and are used mostly for tub enclosures, some cookware and counter tops. Green scrubbies are rougher, and the brown or grey pads are for really tough jobs, such as scrubbing cooking grills or your car's tire rims. There is some variation within the green types; some are more abrasive than others, so be careful, lest you wind up with permanent scratches on the surface you are trying to clean. I don't care for the colored types (red, blue) as they tend to bleed color.

Using these cleaning aids will reduce your need for powerful cleaners, which may be toxic, and for abrasive-type cleaners. To be even more frugal, I cut these pads in half, or even quarters, depending on their size.

Wood Stoves Save Energy and Money in Many Ways

2010-02-26T15:30:00.005-05:00

Everyone knows how having a wood stove saves heating costs, particularly when you harvest your own wood. Another great way to use your stove to save energy and money is to keep as many kettles and pots of water warming on the stove top as possible (we have three).

This technique not only helps keep your home humidified during the winter months, but also provides a ready supply of hot water for washing dishes, cooking, or making tea or other hot drinks. We even use this water to run the dishwasher and to wash white laundry in the washing machine. Be very careful how you pour the water into these appliances, though--it really does get hot!

Vitamin D, the New Wonder Nutrient

2010-02-23T12:40:00.006-05:00

If you haven't already raised your intake of vitamin D to levels well above the federal Recommended Daily Allowance, you should. New evidence is coming to light almost daily that not only is this vitamin essential to maintain good health, but also plays a role in preventing disease, as well.

Check with your doctor to be safe, but a daily intake of 1000 mg. in supplement form is generally considered safe. The D3 form is the one best assimilated by the body, but vegetarians may prefer D2 because of its plant sources.

If you live in the Northeast, you can't make enough of this vitamin through sun exposure, so supplementation is a must. Some diseases listed in an article by Tom Sturm for the Valley Advocate that probably can be prevented by ingesting enough D are: tuberculosis, high blood pressure, arterial disease, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, tooth and gum disease and many, many types of cancer. Think of all the money you'll save, not to mention stress, if you spend a few dollars a month on this supplement and avoid chronic disease. Talk about cheap insurance!

Fighting Dry Skin, Naturally

2010-02-21T11:21:00.002-05:00

If winter makes your face dry and tight, try a tip I read recently in Prevention Magazine.
Clean your face before bed, and apply a moisturizer. In the morning, splash cool water on your face, but don't use any cleanser. I've been doing this for a few weeks and it has made a big difference in my skin's texture.

Also, if you use a cleanser that you wipe off with tissues, try using olive or safflower oil instead. You'll save money, apply fewer cosmetic additives to your skin, and cut down on the number of bottles on your bathroom vanity!

Energy-Saving Bulbs: The Good and the Bad

2010-02-19T15:01:00.002-05:00

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are energy savers, no doubt about it. A quote from the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy website says it well:

If every American home replaced just one light with an ENERGY STAR light, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, about $700 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions of about 800,000 cars.

We started using these bulbs over 20 years ago, after our first energy audit. Back then, the bulbs and ballasts were separate. We can attest to their miserly energy use, but know that all brands are not equal. Last summer, we had another (free) energy audit, and received eight bath/vanity globes, manufactured by Feit Electric and called "Ecobulb plus". Nearly all these bulbs have failed already. Not only that, but they make very annoying buzzing noises. We paid nothing, luckily, but we have priced these bulbs in stores and they cost about $7!

Saving energy should not cost you that kind of money. Brands that we have had good luck with in the past are Phillips and Maxlite. Remember--these bulbs have mercury in them, so premature failure is actually bad for the environment.

Save Energy and Take Warm Showers

2010-02-16T09:52:00.003-05:00

Do you turn down the thermostat on your hot water heater to save energy, then suffer through cool morning showers? If so, here's a trick my husband J. recently came up with. Approximately 15 minutes before you plan to take a shower, turn up the temperature one notch on your water heater, until you hear it click on. Fifteen minutes later, you'll be basking in warmth! Turn it back down to "energy saver" immediately after everyone is done showering.

The small amount of energy used is minuscule compared to the comfort factor on a chilly winter morning. To use the remaining pre-warmed water in the tank, I usually do do some hand washing, laundry or run the dishwasher, as well.

Give Your Hair and Scalp a Break

2010-02-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

If you wash your hair everyday not because it's dirty, but because it looks crappy, here's something to try in between shampoos. Wet your wash cloth in the shower and add a couple of drops of shampoo. Rub the cloth gently over your hair; rinse the cloth, and repeat. This takes the dust and other contaminants off of your hair's surface, and also dampens it just enough so you can now style it. It also gives your scalp and roots a break from having all the natural oils stripped off on a daily basis.

I have very thick, wavy hair and this has been a real times-saver for me. If you have dry hair and get some flakiness in the winter, this should abate that problem. Also, just think of the shampoo, water and conditioner you'll be saving!

Semi-Retire Your Dryer

2010-02-10T08:31:00.000-05:00

We all know what an energy hog a clothes dryer is. That being said, have you ever tried hanging your laundry to dry naturally, straight out of the washer? Wrinkles galore, and usually the clothes are also stiff as boards when dry. What to do?

I learned this trick many years ago: Throw the laundry in the dryer on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes. Hang immediately on an outdoor line or dryer racks. A few minutes is enough to remove wrinkles and soften clothes, without expending an hour's worth of energy. This method is also much gentler on clothing, which can wear out prematurely due to exposure to all that extra heat and tumbling. Try this for one month and see how much lower your utility bills are!

Eggshell Membrane for Joint Health?

2010-02-07T10:43:00.000-05:00

One of the newest supplements being touted for healthy joints is eggshell membrane, that fibrous sheath had holds the calcified shell together. Who knows if it really works; it is, however, based on the same idea as chondroiton, a popular and well-regarded supplement. Both cartilage and eggshell membrane are a type of connective tissue, so maybe these ads are on to something.

It also fits my guidelines for trying something new, among which are: It won't hurt you, it doesn't cost much or you can make it at home. You can pay $20 or more to try it ready-made, or you can do it yourself. This recipe includes the shell, which is a really good calcium supplement. Rinse eggshells well, then put in a baggie and freeze. When you get enough, cook shells (with membrane) for 10 minutes at 300 degrees F, spread out on a cookie sheet. Use a coffee grinder to grind them into powder. A 1/4 tsp. equals about 1000g of calcium. I use this supplement for my cats, and I use it also (I mix mine with cinnamon powder to mask the chalky taste). Can't get any cheaper than that, and you know it doesn't contain any contaminants!

The Only Cleaners You'll Ever Need

2010-02-04T08:41:00.000-05:00

Over the years, I have discovered that no one really needs all those fancy, expensive cleaners that fill the shelves at grocery stores. I have been making up my own cleaners for over 20 years, and in most instances they work better than store-bought.

The three basic ingredients for clean living are baking soda, white vinegar and shampoo (and, of course, water). If you have these three items on hand at all times (and most people do), you will be able to clean 90% of what you need to, without using harsh chemicals. You will save money, space and time normally spent trying to figure out which cleaner is for which purpose while you're trying to race through the grocery store!

Stop in often and I will share tips on using the three basics for general cleaning, making up your own cleaning solutions, and other useful tidbits help make your home green and clean!

Front Loaders: The Most Efficient Washer You'll Ever Love

2010-02-01T07:22:00.002-05:00

When our top-loader washing machine finally broke down ten years ago, my husband and I decided to purchase a front-loading machine. The up-front cost was a bit more, but at the time, we were able to procure an Energy Star rebate, which helped defray the cost. I absolutely love this machine, and encourage anyone in the market for a new washer to make it a front loader.

These machines use a lot less water than top loaders--approximately 10 gallons less. This means they also use less detergent and any other laundry additives you may use. The high-speed final spin removes more water from the clothes, so your dryer doesn't have to work as hard. They are also much quieter than top-loaders. Another benefit is that the agitator-free cleaning system is less harsh on clothes, so they last longer and don't tend to pill. No more lint in those jeans pockets!

Living Green in 2010

2010-01-29T14:41:00.000-05:00

Here we are, 10 years into the new millennium and everything is "green": Green cars, green houses, green clothing etc. Sure, it's a bit of a catchy term, and maybe it will fade away eventually. Hopefully, though, the idea behind it will not.

I recently read an article (somewhere) in which the author contended that only what governments and industry do, as far as trying to help the environment is concerned, matters. According to him, what each of us do as individuals doesn't add up to much at all. I couldn't disagree more. Who, after all, makes up these governments and corporations? If each of us here, just in the United States, made just one small change in our lives per month, just imagine the impact it would have! People who live "green" will take that mindset to the workplace, too.

We live in a wealthy country that uses far more than its fair share of resources. It's not too late to change, though. Also--it can be fun! Join me here a few times a week to see how easy it is to come up with alternatives to toxic cleaners, high energy bills and, sometimes, expensive medications. A nip here, a tuck there--before you know it, you'll be living green and lean, too.