Improve Your Lifestyle by Going Green and Organic

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It’s probably a good time now to initiate a close relationship with Mother Nature. Going green and organic is not just a label anymore but a lifestyle that will be very beneficial to future generations.

This green concept can be applied to a lot of aspects in our daily lives as it involves the use of products and services that do not harm the environment in any way. Whether you are a middle class family, CEO of a company, day care manager or a conscious community, choosing to adopt eco‐friendly activities will make a tremendous impact on the health of the environment.

From eating food, using beauty and skin care products, cleaning, switching off the lights to cycling as a mode of transportation, there are many so many health benefits associated with using green and organic products. If you go green, you will lead a healthier life by reducing pollution and carbon footprints. Products with harmful chemicals deplete the ozone layer leading to global climatic changes that cause heat waves, droughts and floods.

However, when you opt to choose organic cleaning products, no harmful chemicals will be released to the environment thus better quality air and a healthier environment. The products also keep kids safe by removing chemicals that can cause asthma and other allergies.

Going green and organic also greatly reduces costs. When you decide to switch off the lights when not in use, or not wasting water, you save money that you could have spent for these resources. Eco‐friendly cleaning products are also much cheaper compared conventional cleaning products and reduce wastage with recyclable packaging. Companies which use these environmental friendly products also reduce the risk of chemical spills, fires and notice a reduction of sick days for employees making the work place more productive.

An organic lifestyle ensures that everyone around you is safe as you get more nutritious food and tastier food. Chemicals in food have been known to cause birth defects and cancer and many other illnesses. Additionally, conventional cleaning products also release chemicals that burn eyes and skin causing skin burns and blindness. Green and organic products meet the standards of inhalation toxicity and are not corrosive. This makes them pet safe and pet‐friendly also as they do not release strong chemical odors in the air leading to a purer environment.

As more and more people become concerned with their health and realize the harsh effects of the chemicals in their food, skin care products, shampoos and cleaning products; they are going back to the drawing board with eco‐friendly products. Only then can you enjoy a more fruitful and happier life. Go green!

DIY homemade cleaning sprays with essential oils

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These mix‐it‐yourself cleaners use environmentally friendly ingredients like baking soda and vinegar and are affordable! So if you’ve run out of your favorite cleaning solution, don’t run to the store, try one of our standbys instead. If you’re not sure it’s right for the surface, test it on a small area first.

Glass Cleaner
2 cups water
1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70 percent concentration)
1 to 2 drops of orange essential oil, which gives the solution a lovely smell (optional)
Great for: Windows and mirrors
How to use: Combine ingredients and store in a spray bottle. Spray some solution on a paper towel or soft cloth first, then on the glass.
To get smudge‐free glass, rub vertically on one side and horizontally on the other. Hint: Don’t clean windows on a hot, sunny day, because the solution will dry too quickly and leave lots of streaks.

Heavy‐Duty Scrub
Half a lemon
1/2 cup borax (a laundry booster; find it in the detergent aisle)
Great for: Rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tub.
How to use: Dip lemon into borax and scrub surface; rinse. (Not safe for marble or granite).

Grease Cleaner
1/2 cup sudsy ammonia mixed with enough water to fill a one‐gallon container. (Sudsy ammonia, which has detergent in it, helps to remove tough grime).
Great for: Oven hoods and grill.
How to use: Dip sponge or mop in solution and wipe over surface, then rinse area with clear water.

All‐Purpose Cleaner and Deodorizer
4 tablespoons baking soda
1 quart warm water
Great for: Kitchen counters, appliances, and inside the refrigerator.
How to use: Pour solution on a clean sponge and wipe.

White‐Ring Remover
One part white non‐gel toothpaste to one part baking soda
How to use: Dampen a cloth with water, add toothpaste mixture, and rub with the grain to buff over the ring. Then take a dry cloth and wipe off. Use another soft cloth for a final shine. Polish as you normally would. Not safe for unfinished wood, lacquer, or antiques.

Dishwasher Stain Remover
1/4 cup powdered lemon or orange drink
How to use: To remove rust from the inside walls, pour the powder (which contains citric acid or citric acid crystals) into the detergent cup and then run a regular cycle. Repeat as necessary.

Marble Cleaner
Mild dishwashing liquid (non‐citrus‐scented)
Warm water
How to use: Mix a drop or two of detergent with 2 cups warm water. Sponge over marble and rinse completely to remove any soap residue.
Buff with a soft cloth; do not let the marble air‐dry. Caution: Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble or granite surfaces; it will eat into the stone.

Brass Cleaner
White vinegar or lemon juice
Table salt
How to use: For non‐lacquered brass, dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub over surface. Rinse thoroughly with water, then dry well immediately with a clean soft cloth.

SAFETY TIP
Never combine ammonia‐based cleaners with chlorine bleach or products containing bleach, such as powdered dishwasher detergent.
The fumes they’ll create are extremely dangerous. Before doing any mixing, read the product labels first.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/tips/a24885/make-at-home-cleaners/