{homemade}

One advantage to making your own products is the waste you reduce! Instead of running to the store (using gas and time), purchasing products/packaging that is going to end up in the trash, you can make a simple recipe, store the product in glass and thus save on waste. More than that though, you can control the sugar and junk that is going in each product. Let's be honest....sometimes we're not very kind to ourselves! Ultimately, by making even ONE product (be it food or a cleaning solution) we're being kind to us, our families and our environment.

One problem: often it is so convenient living "unkindly".  Taking the first step to living green can often feel daunting. But, two years ago, I discovered a gem while living in Alaska.  I purchased a book that I will get a lifetime of use out of: Reader's Digest HOMEMADE.

It's full of recipes for life!  Trust me.  It gives quick, simple and doable recipes.  The book covers nearly 400 commonly purchased foods, health/beauty products, cleaning solutions (including weed reducers - that are environmentally friendly)!

Here are some tips!

Eucalyptus oil (a power natural antiseptic) is an amazing stain remover! Moisten a rag and add a bit of oil.  Rub on stain (works particularly well on grease and perspiration).  Best if you rub from outer edge of stain to middle.  Et voila !

Open your drains (the non-toxic way)! Have you ever used a commercial drain-cleaner?  I have.  They stink, make my eyes burn and are highly toxic and corrosive.  Instead, pour a pot of boiling water or toss some baking soda followed by a 1/2 cup of vinegar down the drain. 

Rug cleaner Instead of using commercial "dry shampoos" for rugs, use baking soda.  It will gently remove dirt and deodorize. 

All purpose earth friendly liquid cleaner (P.S. the cost is under a $1 per bottle!)

What you need:

*32 oz. (around 950ml) spray bottle - try to use a bottle made from recycled materials, or is recyclable. My source recommends #2 plastic (For more info on Plastic, check out THIS post by PureModLife.

*water

*White distilled vinegar. It should be vinegar made from grain or plant material. Believe it or not, some vinegar is synthesized from petroleum - yes, crude oil!

*Genuine lemongrass essential oil. Aside from helping to mask the vinegar odor (which dissipates naturally), Lemongrass has anti-bacterial properties. For increased disinfecting power, you can use Tea Tree oil which also has anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.

* Earth friendly dishwashing liquid. This can be found in just about any supermarket. The dishwashing liquid is necessary to clean mirrors and glass streak-free where commercial glass cleaners have been used previous. Many commercial window/glass cleaners have chemicals of a waxy nature in them; so when you switch to vinegar/water, there will be streaking unless you have the dish detergent in your cleaner. Once that build-up is gone, dishwashing liquid isn't necessary.

Method
1. Fill bottle half with water
2. Top it up with white distilled vinegar, but leave a little room for the additional ingredients and for shaking
3. Add 10-14+ drops lemongrass essential oil.
4. Add 2-3 drops of the earth friendly dishwashing liquid.
5. Cap and shake. There should be a thin layer of foamy bubbles at the top - but not too many.
6. Label container clearly. Shake before using and store out of direct sunlight.

Uses:
Windows, mirrors, floors, some carpet/clothing/upholstery stains, chrome, as a rinse after using baking soda, cleaning stainless steel and porcelain, to clean toilet area. Also cleans car windows/mirrors, door handles, and much more.

*Make sure not to use vinegar on Marble. :)


Happy Earth Day All!!



{info from: Amazon, Reader's Digest, cleaning solution recipe from HERE}