- Decrease your shower by 2 minutes or better yet turn it off when you are washing your hair and body. Then turn it on to rinse off. Green Tip: This will save 10 gallons of water!
- Turn your thermostat up 2 degrees in summer with air conditioning and 2 degrees lower in winter. Green Tip: This will save you about $200 a year!
- Recycle and get your community to recycle all plastics not just 1 and 2. Green Tip: If everyone recycled and separated paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum products and put them in the recycling bin it would decrease the amount sent to landfills by 75%.
- Compost. Green Tip: Composting will save you money as you will not have to buy fertilizer for your garden.
- Run Full Loads in the Dishwasher and don't prerinse. Green Tip: Doing both will save 20 gallons of water per load and 7,300 gallons over a year.
- Get a reusable Pail liner for your garbage cans and then use only reusable bags at the grocery store. Green Tip: Doing this will save you about $30 a year in buying garbage bags and with every ton of plastic bags not used we save 17 trees and eleven barrels of oil.
- Flush your toilet less. Green Tip: 1 less flush a day saves 4.5 gallons of water.
- Stop the junk mail. Green Tip: go to www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist It costs $1 but will limit your junk mail.
- Close your curtains when it's sunny in the summer and cold in the winter. Green Tip: This could reduce your energy needs by 25%.
- Clean your dryer. Green Tip: Empty the lint screen and don't overload and you could save 5% on your electricity bill or for even more savings use your clothesline!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
10 Things You Can Do In Your Home Today To Go Green
Simple Recipes for Cleaning Your House
Here are some quick and easy recipes to clean your house and they work great too!
ALL PURPOSE CLEANER
*This cleaner works wonders. It cuts grease better than any other commercial product I ever used. Just be careful because the Borax is toxic. I have known people that just eliminate the Borax and use a little elbow grease to make it work.
Ingredients:
Liquid soap or detergent (I use Dr. Bronners)
White Distilled water
Borax
Purified water (though I use tap water)
Essential Oils for Fragrance (optional)
Additional Items:
A 16oz spray bottle
TUB AND TILE CLEANER
*This cleaner is amazing on soap scum. I had used commercial products to try and get the soap scum off that we get because of hot water and NONE worked as well as this cleaner.
Ingredients:
Baking Soda
Liquid Soap (I use Dr. Bronners)
White Distilled Vinegar
Water
Additional Items:
A 16 oz squeeze bottle or I like to use a pint size wide mouth ball jar. You can use the quart size but it is difficult to get to the bottom if you have bigger hands.
What other kinds of cleaners would you like to know about and I will gladly post more?
Kristin
ALL PURPOSE CLEANER
*This cleaner works wonders. It cuts grease better than any other commercial product I ever used. Just be careful because the Borax is toxic. I have known people that just eliminate the Borax and use a little elbow grease to make it work.
Ingredients:
Liquid soap or detergent (I use Dr. Bronners)
White Distilled water
Borax
Purified water (though I use tap water)
Essential Oils for Fragrance (optional)
Additional Items:
A 16oz spray bottle
- Mix 2 tablespoons vinegar with 1 teaspoon borax.
- Fill the bottle with hot water.
- Add 1/4 cup liquid soap or 1/8 cup liquid detergent last
- Scent with 10-15 drops of essential oil
TUB AND TILE CLEANER
*This cleaner is amazing on soap scum. I had used commercial products to try and get the soap scum off that we get because of hot water and NONE worked as well as this cleaner.
Ingredients:
Baking Soda
Liquid Soap (I use Dr. Bronners)
White Distilled Vinegar
Water
Additional Items:
A 16 oz squeeze bottle or I like to use a pint size wide mouth ball jar. You can use the quart size but it is difficult to get to the bottom if you have bigger hands.
- Mix 1 2/3 cups baking soda with 1/2 cup liquid soap
- Dilute with 1/2 cup water
- Add 2 tablespoons Vinegar last (it will foam and is fun for kids to watch)
- Mix until lumps are gone and if it does not run easily into your container add more water
What other kinds of cleaners would you like to know about and I will gladly post more?
Kristin
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Green Your Home - Cleaning Products
Ever think about what you are using to clean your house? What do these bottles say "Keep out of reach of children" "If anything is ingested, call poison control"?
Many people like the smell of "clean" but what is it you are enjoying the smell of? Unfortunately it isn't really "clean" that you are smelling the smell of the chemicals that were used to clean.
When I was pregnant the first time, I became very aware of different items I was using to clean around the house. Even before I never really liked the fact that these chemicals seemed so hazardous, but once I was pregnant, I was very aware that everything going into my body was now affecting this little baby inside of me.
I recall a couple times I would clean and hold my breath... seriously!? There had to be a better way! I shouldn't have to hold my breath to clean unless what I'm cleaning is THAT dirty - and well, it wasn't. We finally had started using essential oils for natural health remedies and they also had a natural cleaner that was available. While that was quite pricey, only a small amount was needed because it was a concentrate. And to me, it was well worth it to know I was cleaning with something without chemicals.
Talking with others and investigating more, I learned Vinegar and Baking Soda can be used for most of your cleaning! Two simple things that everyone probably has in their home! WOW. It is so great to have those used as cleaners in our home now. I can go into a room that was cleaned and I don't feel like I'm inhaling chemicals.
Interestingly enough, now when I go to public restrooms or even other people's homes and I can smell the chemical cleaners, it immediately gives me a headache or sore throat. My body just isn't use to it.
But you know what? Even though our house may not "smell clean" after it is cleaned, it is clean! Also when I spray and wipe the counters with a mix of water and a few drops of Thieves Essential Oil in a bottle, I can feel safe having my kids or I eat off the tables and counters. It's really a great feeling!
Remember, there are a lot of cleaners out there that are truly natural and cost more, also ones that have "natural ingredients" but aren't 100% natural, or you can use good old fashion baking soda and vinegar!
How do you Green Clean your home?
Many people like the smell of "clean" but what is it you are enjoying the smell of? Unfortunately it isn't really "clean" that you are smelling the smell of the chemicals that were used to clean.
When I was pregnant the first time, I became very aware of different items I was using to clean around the house. Even before I never really liked the fact that these chemicals seemed so hazardous, but once I was pregnant, I was very aware that everything going into my body was now affecting this little baby inside of me.
I recall a couple times I would clean and hold my breath... seriously!? There had to be a better way! I shouldn't have to hold my breath to clean unless what I'm cleaning is THAT dirty - and well, it wasn't. We finally had started using essential oils for natural health remedies and they also had a natural cleaner that was available. While that was quite pricey, only a small amount was needed because it was a concentrate. And to me, it was well worth it to know I was cleaning with something without chemicals.
Talking with others and investigating more, I learned Vinegar and Baking Soda can be used for most of your cleaning! Two simple things that everyone probably has in their home! WOW. It is so great to have those used as cleaners in our home now. I can go into a room that was cleaned and I don't feel like I'm inhaling chemicals.
Interestingly enough, now when I go to public restrooms or even other people's homes and I can smell the chemical cleaners, it immediately gives me a headache or sore throat. My body just isn't use to it.
But you know what? Even though our house may not "smell clean" after it is cleaned, it is clean! Also when I spray and wipe the counters with a mix of water and a few drops of Thieves Essential Oil in a bottle, I can feel safe having my kids or I eat off the tables and counters. It's really a great feeling!
Remember, there are a lot of cleaners out there that are truly natural and cost more, also ones that have "natural ingredients" but aren't 100% natural, or you can use good old fashion baking soda and vinegar!
How do you Green Clean your home?
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Green New Year Resolutions
'Tis the Season for RESOLUTIONS! Here are some to get you started:
There are many more you can use too just be creative!
After Christmas, in addition to our other ideas:
Kristin
There are many more you can use too just be creative!
After Christmas, in addition to our other ideas:
- Let your kids use the Christmas card backs to color on
- Or one of my personal favorites Mail the fronts of cards UPS "ground" or "bound printed matter" to St. Jude's Card Recycling, 100 St. Jude Street, P.O. Box 60100, Boulder City, NV 89006 and then they reuse them to raise money
- Use cloth diapers and cloth wipes
- Compost (watch for an article on my adventures in this to come in the New Year)
- Plant a tree
- Use cloth cleaning towels
- Get a reusable coffee cup and use it!
- Turn off the water in the shower when you soap
- Use biodegradable laundry soap
- Buy recycled products
- Walk to some of your errands or bike to them
- Consider donating when you do any home remodeling to Habitat for Humanity Restore
- Try canning (this will be another article in the New Year)
- Use Vinegar and baking soda to clean you may be amazed
- Finally remember to recycle!
Kristin
Monday, December 21, 2009
The Green Christmas
Every year through the hustle and bustle, some of the true Christmas Spirit is lost. What is Christmas about? Is it about Santa? Is it about Gifts? Christmas Trees and Sleigh Bells, Snow and Reindeer? Wrapping Presents and Drinking Hot Cocoa?
Okay so maybe some of the stuff is SEASONAL, but lets not forget when Christmas began - a tiny baby was born in the town of Bethlehem, his mother Mary and Joseph. And with God the Fathers prompting, they named him Jesus. This little Baby Boy lying in a manger brought the GREATEST gift of all times. One that no one can top, the gift of Eternal Salvation! We no longer had separation from God, we can now have a personal relationship with him. AMAZING!
So the Spirit of Giving continues because of this amazing Gift we have been giving and we give because Christ gave to us! But let us not forget who the very first giver of life was.
On that note, his Gift was also very environmentally friendly - and of course it was because he wants us to protect the Earth he created!
So now, how can WE be more "green" as we share the Christmas cheer of giving? Here is a ROCK'N way to RECYCLE and REUSE:
1. Reuse Boxes - Instead of getting boxes from Kohl's or other stores that offer FREE boxes with gifts you purchase... you could reuse your Cereal Boxes and put items in there! Even Kleenex boxes
2. Open your gifts neatly - Every year, I save as much of the wrapping paper as I can! Even if there are some rips in the paper, either a bow can be placed over it or you can wrap an item that is smaller and cut off the edges!
3. Collect Tissue Paper - Even when at friends parties, if they are not saving the tissue paper, I ask if I can have it. Why? Because that is a lot of waste that does not need to be wasted!
4. Keep the Bows - Of course the kids always like placing these on their heads and playing with them - but if they don't stick after they are done playing with them, use tape to sticky them onto another gift!
5. Newspaper - Instead of Tissue paper, reuse newspaper ads - or use a certain section of the paper that you know someone would like to wrap their gift. If you know someone who likes jokes, wrap theirs with the Comics. If you are giving a gift to someone who is looking for a job, use the job listings - if they like talking about money and the economy, wrap their gift with that section! Not only are you being green, but thoughtful too! And it's the gift that keeps on giving!
So please, have a Merry Christmas from Go Green Wisconsin! Remember the TRUE reason for the season and remember to think of others and what you can do for them this year! And here is a link if you are unfamiliar with the original Christmas Story!
Okay so maybe some of the stuff is SEASONAL, but lets not forget when Christmas began - a tiny baby was born in the town of Bethlehem, his mother Mary and Joseph. And with God the Fathers prompting, they named him Jesus. This little Baby Boy lying in a manger brought the GREATEST gift of all times. One that no one can top, the gift of Eternal Salvation! We no longer had separation from God, we can now have a personal relationship with him. AMAZING!
So the Spirit of Giving continues because of this amazing Gift we have been giving and we give because Christ gave to us! But let us not forget who the very first giver of life was.
On that note, his Gift was also very environmentally friendly - and of course it was because he wants us to protect the Earth he created!
So now, how can WE be more "green" as we share the Christmas cheer of giving? Here is a ROCK'N way to RECYCLE and REUSE:
1. Reuse Boxes - Instead of getting boxes from Kohl's or other stores that offer FREE boxes with gifts you purchase... you could reuse your Cereal Boxes and put items in there! Even Kleenex boxes
2. Open your gifts neatly - Every year, I save as much of the wrapping paper as I can! Even if there are some rips in the paper, either a bow can be placed over it or you can wrap an item that is smaller and cut off the edges!
3. Collect Tissue Paper - Even when at friends parties, if they are not saving the tissue paper, I ask if I can have it. Why? Because that is a lot of waste that does not need to be wasted!
4. Keep the Bows - Of course the kids always like placing these on their heads and playing with them - but if they don't stick after they are done playing with them, use tape to sticky them onto another gift!
5. Newspaper - Instead of Tissue paper, reuse newspaper ads - or use a certain section of the paper that you know someone would like to wrap their gift. If you know someone who likes jokes, wrap theirs with the Comics. If you are giving a gift to someone who is looking for a job, use the job listings - if they like talking about money and the economy, wrap their gift with that section! Not only are you being green, but thoughtful too! And it's the gift that keeps on giving!
One other idea would be to have your kids color pictures and wrap gifts with the pictures! Who wouldn't love that?
Now if you made it through this - we'd love for you to share your Green Christmas Tips!
Also when we reach 50 Followers, we are blessed to giveaway a $10 Gift Certificate to RG Natural Babies! IF we reach 50 Followers by December 31 - there will also be a $10 Gift Certificate given away from My Baby Pumpkin! If it is after, then the latter will be saved for another giveaway :) There will be a couple ways to enter and the first way is to become and follower and comment with a green Christmas tip or write that you have used one of these options! So that will give you two entries and look our for more ways soon!
Also when we reach 50 Followers, we are blessed to giveaway a $10 Gift Certificate to RG Natural Babies! IF we reach 50 Followers by December 31 - there will also be a $10 Gift Certificate given away from My Baby Pumpkin! If it is after, then the latter will be saved for another giveaway :) There will be a couple ways to enter and the first way is to become and follower and comment with a green Christmas tip or write that you have used one of these options! So that will give you two entries and look our for more ways soon!
So please, have a Merry Christmas from Go Green Wisconsin! Remember the TRUE reason for the season and remember to think of others and what you can do for them this year! And here is a link if you are unfamiliar with the original Christmas Story!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Super Black Friday Specials
Are Cloth Diapers becoming the new trend? RG Natural Babies is focused on helping others make the switch to Cloth Diapers with as much ease as possible. With the super cute patterns and colors, easy to use snaps or velcro, not to mention the thousands of $$ that one will save using them instead of disposables! Why wouldn't you want to make the switch today!
You are in luck, RG Natural Babies has many sales going on for Black Friday and a lot of specials you WON'T want to miss! These sales will make your cloth diaper switch even more economical!
First, there were be 3 awesome giveaways going on!
1. All orders on Black Friday will be entered to win a NEW Thirsties Duo Diaper!
2. All orders over $100 on Black Friday will be entered to win 2 One Size Diapers of Choice and Medium wet bag!
3. All orders over $100 placed Black Friday through Cyber Monday will be entered to win a CUSTOM Diaper Bag made by Brooke Van Gory! These have RAVE reviews and you will have your choice of different fabrics! (Please note winner will be required to pay shipping to Brooke, approx $7)
Now for the extra goodies... Every order has the chance for something Free - that's right, FREE! Any size order can have a soap nut sample and Rockin' Green sample! Just place the "Free Items" with those options into your cart.
Orders over $20 begin to have the option of a free wipe or insert and it goes up from there. Please note You may only choose 1 of these FREE Items. If the Free Item you chose is above what you spent, I have the right to hold back that item and send a different choice. Any questions or confusion, please contact me directly!
Most Items in the Store will be 10-25% off. Some more, some less!
Rockin Green Detergentwill be 40% off from midnight and it will go until I am back from shopping and can update the price to 25% off - so get in early! (estimated time 8am)Dry Bees, Wahmies, and Rocky Mountain Diapers will be on sale 10-20% OFF!
Thirsties 10-25% off! The Thirsties Pocket AIO is clearanced out and Thirsties Duo Diaper is now available!
ALL Fuzzi Bunz are 15% OFF! If I do not have what you are looking for, send me an email and let me know your choices and I will get them in less than 2 weeks!
Don't forget to get your Flip, Econobum, and BumGenius AIO for 20% OFF!!!IN Stock Bummis Covers will also be 20% off!
Don't forget we just added Hyland's Teething Tablets and more and are featuring them at 15% off through Monday!
There are just too many to list, so shop and enjoy! Remember you can always come back for
more too!
PLUS - if you made it through to the end... Another SPECIAL for readers here: Please note, you may only use 1 of these coupons so choose which one you want! And each will only be able to be used ONCE, so first come, first serve! If the code doesn't work, someone else probably used it already, sorry! They will be activated 12:01 EST Friday.
$5 off orders over $30 with code: GreenWIBF5
$10 off orders over $65 with code: GreenWIBF10
$15 off orders over $115 with code: GreenWIBF15
$20 off orders over $200 with code: GreenWIBF20
Friday, November 20, 2009
Upurea in Racine!
Have you been looking for natural beauty products, makeup and more? Look no further - Upurea is a hip natural store located in Racine, Wisconsin. Don't stop reading if you are not in Racine or Wisconsin! They have a webstore you can purchase from - www.upurea.com complete with a referral program and all!
What do they sell - ALL natural skin care - lotions, soaps, shampoo, facial cleansers and so much more! Even makeup and lip gloss that has a base of Vitamin E!
They opened their concept store in Racine, WI a year ago and are opening a temporary store at Regency Mall starting Black Friday!
We will have more information for you about this store for you soon and hope they will share of the Upurea beginnings!
What do they sell - ALL natural skin care - lotions, soaps, shampoo, facial cleansers and so much more! Even makeup and lip gloss that has a base of Vitamin E!
They opened their concept store in Racine, WI a year ago and are opening a temporary store at Regency Mall starting Black Friday!
We will have more information for you about this store for you soon and hope they will share of the Upurea beginnings!
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