Archive for the Go Green Category
Posted on November 9, 2010 by admin
I don’t wear makeup but I thought this one is interesting so I am sharing the recipe I snagged from Passionate Homemaking.
Natural Homemade Mascara
* 1/8 tsp. Activated Charcoal (about 1/2 capsule)
* 1/8 tsp. Aloe Vera Gel
Mix together aloe and charcoal. (I use a small baby spoon, since I’m not using them for baby food!) Then, dip in a clean mascara brush wand, pressing it against the inside of the bowl to coat it evenly onto the wand, smoothing out any clumps. Apply to eyelashes as usual. Wait a few seconds before blinking, to let the mascara dry, so that it doesn’t get on your cheeks.
Read more: http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2010/11/natural-homemade-mascara.html.
Posted on November 9, 2010 by admin
1. Stains on Wood
Someone didn’t use a coaster, or a hot dish made a charred area on your wooden tabletop. Make a mixture of salt and almond oil (olive oil or any salad oil will also work). It should be about the consistency of thick syrup. Apply to the wood with a soft cloth, rubbing the stained area well but gently. Then use a clean cloth to buff away the excess.
You can also use coarse salt to clean stained cutting boards. The grit gets the stains out and it helps to disinfect the board too.
2. Wicker Furniture
Discoloration can be a problem with wicker, especially white whicker. Dip a scrub brush into saltwater and scrub your wicker, then allow it to air dry in sunlight if possible.
3. Cleaning Glass
The gentle scouring and water-softening effects of salt can help remove hard water build-up and other stains from glass. Simply rub damp glass surfaces or drinking glasses with salt, the rinse with warm, soapy water. This technique also works on ceramic cups and mugs.
4. Drains
Mix 1 cup of hot water with 1 cup of salt and pour it down a drain that is clogged and/or smelly. Leave overnight, then flush with hot water the next day. Salt absorbs grease, which is one of the primary causes of drain clogs.
5. Car Windshield
Wipe your car’s windshield with a sponge dipped in salt water. This helps prevent frost and ice from forming on the glass. If you live in areas where winter is harsh (like I do) this can be very useful!
Read more: http://www.naturemoms.com/blog/2010/11/01/8-nifty-natural-uses-for-salt/.
Posted on July 24, 2010 by admin
I found this post from Simple Mom very helpful. Yes, my kitchen is green, but it is nowhere near “green”. But I hope I can follow most, if not all, the steps below. These are great tips, preparing and eating foods that are good for the body and good for the earth, as well. As always, baby steps is the key.
Do what you can, when you can; take small steps, just don’t stop.
1. Make sustainable food choices.
~ eat in season and locally, (how to source food locally)
~ learn to cook real food,
~ grow something, anything.
2. Shop smart.
~ Make a menu plan and stick to your grocery list.
~ Bring reusable shopping bags and produce bags.
~ Buy bulk when appropriate. Less trips to the store means less fuel emissions, and it saves time, energy and money.
~ Buy organic. Supporting crop rotation, water protection and pesticide-free food is a win-win situation for both the farmers and you.
3. Be an energy-wise cook.
4. Eat more plants.
~ Turn your side dishes into main dishes. Instead of making meat the centerpiece of your meal, serve smaller portions of it and add an extra vegetable to the menu.
5. Implement these four ‘R’s into daily cooking.
~ Reduce. Buy only what you need. Be conscious about food waste.
~ Reuse.
~ Repurpose. Save those glass jars, plastic containers and tin cans for a reincarnation.
~ Recycle:
Read more: http://simplemom.net/five-steps-toward-a-greener-kitchen-recipe-happy-planet-cookies/.
