George asks…
Eco and Wallet friendly cleaning tips?
I have wanted to clean my house and cook with more environmentally friendly products for a long time. However, everything i’ve tried is incredibly expensive! Can you give me some tips and ideas of what to buy? Thanks so much!
The Expert answers:
Here are a few ideas:
1/2 cup washing soda crystals and 4 litres warm water – this makes an effective cleaner that cuts through grease; ideal for the kitchen or bathroom.
Half clear vinegar and half water – window and glass cleaner. Just spray on then wipe dry.
1 cup bicarbonate of soda and 1 cup clear vinegar – drain cleaner. Pour the soda into the drain then slowly add the vinegar.
Bicarbonate of soda can be used to neutralise odours – just springe on dry, leave for an hour then vacuum off.
These methods are kinder to your skin and the environment but they are not as effective as branded products so you will need to use some elbow grease as well!
Chris asks…
Is stone resin an eco-friendly product?
The Expert answers:
If you mean the counter-tops, it’s man- made so yes.
Lisa asks…
Can I make my own cleaning products?
I recently stopped at the store and noticed all the nice non-toxic stuff and eco friendly cleaning products. Well, they seemed a little expensive to me. However, I really don’t want to have the poison like products (409) around my 8-month old. Even I get sick form using 409.
I was wondering if anyone knew of any tips or recipes to make my own all-purpose cleaner.
If not where can I find inexpensive natural cleaners?
The Expert answers:
Vinegar is a WONDERFUL cleaner. It works for many things.. Even as a carpet shampoo, or fabric softner.
Susan asks…
new eco-friendly product coming out in 2009?!?
what are some? or do you know of any websites listing some??
thank youuuuu
The Expert answers:
Natural Home Magazine web site has a list of the top 10 New Eco-Friendly products in 2009. These include
ModRocks 100 percent recycled glass mosaic tiles
Caliz clay paint
Ecoclear Rooglue
In2Green dog blanket
Nighttime face moisturizer
The complete list (including links to these products) is on the website.
Robert asks…
eco-friendly kitchen ideas?
My mom is new to green living and asked me for ideas for redoing her kitchen. I mentioned energy star appliances, if she plans to upgrade, and some recycled countertop material. Have you used any good eco–friendly kitchen products in your home?
The Expert answers:
How exciting! Big things and little things count. We are starting to remodel and are considering tile or hardwood for kitchen floor. Avoid products that outgas formaldehyde (particle/laminated wood cabinets) or carcinogens, like vinyl flooring. You can get true linoleum instead of vinyl. Use no-VOC paints. Some energy companies now offer rebates for using energy-star appliances-she could call her local electric company. Work in space for recycling bin, drying rack for dishtowels, attractive containers for vinegar and baking soda, and a place to store reusable shopping/grocery bags. When choosing surface materials consider longterm maintenance. Anything that can’t be cleaned with baking soda, vinegar, or earthfriendly cleaners won’t be replaced in my house. For her birthdays, etc., give her good cookware (no teflon) and new glass containers for food storage–try to get rid of as much plastic as possible. Give her natural cleaning products with rose or lavender scent. They clean well and are earth kind. Give her some canvas grocery tote bags–actually easier to carry than plastic. Being green doesn’t have to mean you suffer. I congratulate you both.
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