Rosemary: The Remarkable Herb
For generations, Rosemary has been used in cooking, products and medicines. Here are a few ways to utilize the benefits of this plant. For dry and itchy scalps, Rosemary can offer a soothing relief. Simply mix 1/4 cup of honey with 1/4 cup of olive oil and 3 drops of essential Rosemary extract. Warm in microwave for 30-45 seconds. Apply to damp hair and scalp. Wrap the hair in a towel for 30 minutes. Then rinse and shampoo as normal. For a muscle soother, combine 1/4 cup sea salt with finely ground rosemary of one sprig. Mix in 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 drops of rosemary and peppermint essential oils. Rub on skin and then rinse clean with fresh water. For brain power, sniff some rosemary essential oils. It's scent is said to improve memory. For more information, read www.health.com, May 2011 issue.
Eco Cleaning
How can I make cleaning easy and environmental without spending a lot of green?
The most cost effective way to clean the green way is to make your own cleaning solutions. It’s really not that hard and can save you a ton of money. When you consider a bottle of glass cleaner (any brand) can range from $2-4, stop and think about how much it would cost to make your own mix of 1 Tablespoon white vinegar to ½ gallon of water.
To clean your hardwood floors, simply mix a solution of vinegar and water. With crawling babies, it provides some peace to know that their hands (which typically go straight to the mouth) are on a chemical free floor. For more do-it-yourself cleaners, reference http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/DIY-Toxin-Free-House-Cleaning-Guide.
What are some easy solutions to speed up the cleaning process?
The all-in-one solutions offer a great way to clean multiple surfaces in a jiffy. Typically you only have to add a few drops of the solution to a spray bottle of water for full cleaning effects. Several Earth friendly companies, like www.charliesoap.com, www.shaklee.com, and www.biokleen.com, offer a multi-purpose cleaner.
Where can I find quality Earth friendly cleaning products?
Several companies have been coming out with environmental cleaners. I am very impressed with the options found on www.ourgreenhouse.com. It is the first online one stop green shop that I’ve found where I can easily navigate their website and enjoy the many products they offer.
The most cost effective way to clean the green way is to make your own cleaning solutions. It’s really not that hard and can save you a ton of money. When you consider a bottle of glass cleaner (any brand) can range from $2-4, stop and think about how much it would cost to make your own mix of 1 Tablespoon white vinegar to ½ gallon of water.
To clean your hardwood floors, simply mix a solution of vinegar and water. With crawling babies, it provides some peace to know that their hands (which typically go straight to the mouth) are on a chemical free floor. For more do-it-yourself cleaners, reference http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/eco-friendly/DIY-Toxin-Free-House-Cleaning-Guide.
What are some easy solutions to speed up the cleaning process?
The all-in-one solutions offer a great way to clean multiple surfaces in a jiffy. Typically you only have to add a few drops of the solution to a spray bottle of water for full cleaning effects. Several Earth friendly companies, like www.charliesoap.com, www.shaklee.com, and www.biokleen.com, offer a multi-purpose cleaner.
Where can I find quality Earth friendly cleaning products?
Several companies have been coming out with environmental cleaners. I am very impressed with the options found on www.ourgreenhouse.com. It is the first online one stop green shop that I’ve found where I can easily navigate their website and enjoy the many products they offer.
Eco Home
What can I do to make my home green?
There are several things you can do right now to make your home and your living environment green. Below are a few things that you can do right now that will instantly provide you economical benefits, as well as lessen your impact on Earth.
Tip: Convert all of your light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs. Read more:
What is the best energy efficient light bulb?
Many people have complained about the quality of light that a high efficient bulb produces. To help with your purchasing decision, Popular Mechanic ran some tests on the different light bulbs and summed up their results by grading each bulb. The report gave NVision’s light bulb an A. The publication even went as far as to review the debate around the mercury found in these efficient bulbs being put into our landfill after the bulb’s life has ended. At the end of the day, it’s a great move to switch to green bulbs.
Tip: Remove lint from your dryer during each load to increase efficiency in drying time. Read more: For more on laundry efficiency, go to http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=78&sec=3
Use Earth friendly paint for your home remodel. Read more: What are some safe paints that I can use?
Several main stream paint brands have a non toxic line of pain products. We’ve provided a paint list for you to review to see what the different options might be.
You can do some additional testing of your tap water to confirm the quality. Call the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) for the names of state-certified testing labs or for your local health authority, which might offer low- or no-cost test kits, or check out www.epa.gov/safewater/labs. You may just decide that you want to buy a water filter. You can review the different water filter types to determine the one that matches your lifestyle and water problems.
There are several things you can do right now to make your home and your living environment green. Below are a few things that you can do right now that will instantly provide you economical benefits, as well as lessen your impact on Earth.
Tip: Convert all of your light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs. Read more:
What is the best energy efficient light bulb?
Many people have complained about the quality of light that a high efficient bulb produces. To help with your purchasing decision, Popular Mechanic ran some tests on the different light bulbs and summed up their results by grading each bulb. The report gave NVision’s light bulb an A. The publication even went as far as to review the debate around the mercury found in these efficient bulbs being put into our landfill after the bulb’s life has ended. At the end of the day, it’s a great move to switch to green bulbs.
- Conduct an energy audit on your house.
- Buy energy efficient appliances.
- Cut your shower time by just 2 min. to save 10 gallons of water
- Fill in your empty freezer space with boxes to save on your energy costs.
- Shut down your computer to save on energy costs.
- Start making it a habit of turning off the lights when you leave a room.
Tip: Remove lint from your dryer during each load to increase efficiency in drying time. Read more: For more on laundry efficiency, go to http://www.thegreenguide.com/reports/product.mhtml?id=78&sec=3
- Start recycling, and keep recycling.
Use Earth friendly paint for your home remodel. Read more: What are some safe paints that I can use?
Several main stream paint brands have a non toxic line of pain products. We’ve provided a paint list for you to review to see what the different options might be.
- Go to recycled paper products for your toilet paper, paper towels and napkins
You can do some additional testing of your tap water to confirm the quality. Call the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) for the names of state-certified testing labs or for your local health authority, which might offer low- or no-cost test kits, or check out www.epa.gov/safewater/labs. You may just decide that you want to buy a water filter. You can review the different water filter types to determine the one that matches your lifestyle and water problems.
Tip: Utilize zero scape landscaping to minimize water use. Also, consider stimulating the bee population by providing flowers.
Eco Garden
How Do I implement green in my garden?
Being in the hot sun, fighting off pests, and maintaining a garden might feel overwhelming. However, the benefits can be amazing. The results are a beautiful, outdoor living area that draws everyone outside to enjoy nature. So how do you create this garden with green in mind, and sun, pests and weeding out of mind? It’s simple. Just follow these simple steps to help you plan your outdoor eco-garden:
1) Pick the right plants that flourish in your environment. Let the natural landscape flourish by using native plants. A great source to help is High Country Gardens. They will tell you which plants grow in your regions, which plants attract humming birds, which ones are water conscious, and which plants the deer will avoid. They also offer preplanned gardens and will send you the plans and plants for a discounted rate.
2) Consider using water conscious plants. These plants will help eliminate the need for excess watering and also make maintaining your garden easier on you. Gardens that need little water are often referred to as Xeriscape gardens.
3) In line with step 2, consider installing a drip system to water your plants. It is really quite easy and an economical and maintenance free approach to watering your plants. For about $40, you can even buy a timer that you install on your water hose attachment and the watering takes care of itself. To learn more about drip systems and how to install one, go to www.dripworksusa.com.
4) Consider attracting the bees. I know many people want to keep the honey bees away, but in case you haven’t heard, they are dying off by the millions throughout the world. They have actually labeled this epidemic C.C.D. (Colony Collapse Disorder). So consider helping revive the bees and stimulate the bee population by planting flowering plants. If you are concerned about hovering bees, then consider planting bee attracting plants away from major walk ways and people populated areas.
5) Compost; it’s really simple and quite scary if we don’t. Left unattended in landfills, food waste doesn’t decompose but rather turns into methane gas. This gas is a leading factor in global warming. So consider composting. You’ll see a difference in your weekly trash volume going to the land fill, you’ll be creating a fabulous and organic fertilizer that can go right back into your garden. To learn more, read our article on composting.
6) Use organic solutions to pesticides and fertilizers. For example, slugs love beer. If you put a bowl of beer next to your plants, they’ll head on over and party it up. No more slugs. Deer don’t like paprika so sprinkle paprika around your plants and they’ll take one sniff, and run for the hills. If pesky aphids, mealy bugs and mites are raiding your plants, try a spray solution of 1 tablespoon dish soap and 1 quart of water to coat your plants. This helps keep those pesky bugs at bay. For more recipes, go to www.essortment.com/all/homemadeorgani_renu.htm.
Why should I consider buying a push mower?
Many people love their mowers. But can we love the pollution that they put out? The EPA estimates that a typical gas mower emits as much pollution in 1 hour as 11 cars. That’s enough to make you think twice about using your mower. So consider an alternative; a push mower. At peoplepoweredmachines.com you can review the different prices, options, and features offered with a push mower. The technology behind push mowers has really improved over the years, and they offer solitude to your neighbors because they are so quiet.
How often should I mow my lawn?
It depends on where you live and how fast your lawn grows in order to determine how often you should cut it. However, you might like this answer. Longer grass retains moisture so environmentalists encourage you to grow your lawn out to at least 1 ½” before cutting it. So let it grow out a bit between clippings.
What should I do with my lawn shavings?
Ultimately, it is great if you can keep it on your grass because it protects the soil from getting too dry and will biodegrade. However, it isn’t necessarily pleasing to the eye to have grass clippings all over your newly cut grass. So, another great option is to compost your grass. For more information on composting visit: http://www.easeintogreen.com/household_articles/green_composting.htm
If you decide to just throw away your grass clippings, please do so without using a conventional plastic yard bag. Consider just putting the clipping straight into your garbage or buying compost bags like those found at http://www.biobagusa.com/Consumer.htm?gclid=CIm2hbOuqZICFQEpxwodVQ_DQg#order.
For more tips on going green in your garden, go to: http://www.newdream.org/consumer/lawn_care.php
Being in the hot sun, fighting off pests, and maintaining a garden might feel overwhelming. However, the benefits can be amazing. The results are a beautiful, outdoor living area that draws everyone outside to enjoy nature. So how do you create this garden with green in mind, and sun, pests and weeding out of mind? It’s simple. Just follow these simple steps to help you plan your outdoor eco-garden:
1) Pick the right plants that flourish in your environment. Let the natural landscape flourish by using native plants. A great source to help is High Country Gardens. They will tell you which plants grow in your regions, which plants attract humming birds, which ones are water conscious, and which plants the deer will avoid. They also offer preplanned gardens and will send you the plans and plants for a discounted rate.
2) Consider using water conscious plants. These plants will help eliminate the need for excess watering and also make maintaining your garden easier on you. Gardens that need little water are often referred to as Xeriscape gardens.
3) In line with step 2, consider installing a drip system to water your plants. It is really quite easy and an economical and maintenance free approach to watering your plants. For about $40, you can even buy a timer that you install on your water hose attachment and the watering takes care of itself. To learn more about drip systems and how to install one, go to www.dripworksusa.com.
4) Consider attracting the bees. I know many people want to keep the honey bees away, but in case you haven’t heard, they are dying off by the millions throughout the world. They have actually labeled this epidemic C.C.D. (Colony Collapse Disorder). So consider helping revive the bees and stimulate the bee population by planting flowering plants. If you are concerned about hovering bees, then consider planting bee attracting plants away from major walk ways and people populated areas.
5) Compost; it’s really simple and quite scary if we don’t. Left unattended in landfills, food waste doesn’t decompose but rather turns into methane gas. This gas is a leading factor in global warming. So consider composting. You’ll see a difference in your weekly trash volume going to the land fill, you’ll be creating a fabulous and organic fertilizer that can go right back into your garden. To learn more, read our article on composting.
6) Use organic solutions to pesticides and fertilizers. For example, slugs love beer. If you put a bowl of beer next to your plants, they’ll head on over and party it up. No more slugs. Deer don’t like paprika so sprinkle paprika around your plants and they’ll take one sniff, and run for the hills. If pesky aphids, mealy bugs and mites are raiding your plants, try a spray solution of 1 tablespoon dish soap and 1 quart of water to coat your plants. This helps keep those pesky bugs at bay. For more recipes, go to www.essortment.com/all/homemadeorgani_renu.htm.
Why should I consider buying a push mower?
Many people love their mowers. But can we love the pollution that they put out? The EPA estimates that a typical gas mower emits as much pollution in 1 hour as 11 cars. That’s enough to make you think twice about using your mower. So consider an alternative; a push mower. At peoplepoweredmachines.com you can review the different prices, options, and features offered with a push mower. The technology behind push mowers has really improved over the years, and they offer solitude to your neighbors because they are so quiet.
How often should I mow my lawn?
It depends on where you live and how fast your lawn grows in order to determine how often you should cut it. However, you might like this answer. Longer grass retains moisture so environmentalists encourage you to grow your lawn out to at least 1 ½” before cutting it. So let it grow out a bit between clippings.
What should I do with my lawn shavings?
Ultimately, it is great if you can keep it on your grass because it protects the soil from getting too dry and will biodegrade. However, it isn’t necessarily pleasing to the eye to have grass clippings all over your newly cut grass. So, another great option is to compost your grass. For more information on composting visit: http://www.easeintogreen.com/household_articles/green_composting.htm
If you decide to just throw away your grass clippings, please do so without using a conventional plastic yard bag. Consider just putting the clipping straight into your garbage or buying compost bags like those found at http://www.biobagusa.com/Consumer.htm?gclid=CIm2hbOuqZICFQEpxwodVQ_DQg#order.
For more tips on going green in your garden, go to: http://www.newdream.org/consumer/lawn_care.php
