Nature’s Source Cleaners

I’ve recently begun using new cleaning products that have amazed me in every way. They are the Nature’s Source cleaners. The line includes glass and surface cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and laundry stain remover. I’ve tried all but the laundry stain remover and based on my results I am certain that should I need it I will dash to the store to get that as well.

The Nature’s Source cleaners are made with biodegradable and plant-based materials. All products are eco-friendly and safe for you and your family. When I first tried them I was a bit skeptical. I wondered if they really would clean as well as other cleaners. What I soon found is that they not only clean just as well, but actually better! I’ve cut through hard water stains, grease, caked on dirt, and more. I am impressed with the light scent that doesn’t make everyone want to run out of the house and hide for a day as well as the fact that just a little goes a long way. These cleaners are lasting quite a long time and in today’s economically challenged world that is a good thing – families need to have products that last.

So many cleaners on the market are full of ingredients that would stump the finest chemist – I find it completely refreshing that Nature’s Source cleaners have ingredients that your average Joe can figure out. Things like lactic acid which is which is simply an acid produced from the breakdown of natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables. Also coconut oil and palm-kernel oil, and citric acid, not to mention other natural enzymes… Yes, Nature’s Source cleaners are definitely using nature to help people maintain clean homes. I would definitely recommend you give them a try.

Copyright ©  2009, Becki, Green Christian Network, All Rights Reserved

               

Paint Disposal the GREEN Way

So before you throw out that old paint stashed away in your garage here are some easy tips for green disposal:

• Use it. Try to use up any old paint you may have where possible. If you’re redecorating you may not like the old paint colors you have but you may still be able to use the light ones as a base coat. Look around the house and see if you can put those old cans of paint to good use.

• Donate it. As long as the paint is in good condition you may find someone who could really use it. Paint isn’t cheap and giving it away to someone who could put it to good use is a win/win situation for all involved. Ask friends if they would like it or know anyone that would. You can also check with charities who may need the paint to redecorate shelters or economy housing projects.

• Check with the Dump. Some dumps will take and dispose of old paints properly. They don’t all do it so it’s worth checking before you go. They may also be able to direct you towards someone that can help if they can’t help you directly.

• Dry it out. You should ONLY do this with latex paint as it is non-hazardous. For oil or other based paints dispose of them at your local waste center. For latex paints, pour out the leftover paint onto several sheets of newspaper and let it dry completely. Once the paint is dry you can wrap it up and throw it away. You may also be able to clean out and recycle the can.

• Mix it up. This is similar to point #1. Perhaps you don’t like the paint colors you have but they may work well mixed with other colors. Think outside the box and you may be able to come up with a completely original shade you’ll love – and avoid having to dispose of the paint.

Copyright © Green Christian Network

Stay Green!

               

Five Easy Ways to Teach Toddlers to Live Green

As a mom it is always front and center on my mind how I can teach my children to be good stewards of this great earth. It can be tough for younger children to grasp the concept of living green but through our example we can really teach our young ones to start caring now, thus leaving a legacy of caring that is more precious than anything you can make from plastic. Below are five ways to start teaching toddlers today.

1. Take your children on a field trip to an organic farm that will allow them to pick fruits and veggies. While there discuss why organic farming is good for the earth. Also talk to them about how we should pray for farmers and thank God for them as well – after all, we get much of our food from those farmers.
2. Young children go to a lot of birthday parties. A great way to encourage green living in your toddler is to opt out of buying new wrapping paper for presents. Rather, you can recycle an old paper bag and have your children decorate it with crayons and markers. Use this time to discuss recycling and why it is important for our earth.
3. Plant some flowers or even a tree. Children, especially young children, love to help their parents out in the garden. Have your toddlers assist you in planting some beautiful flowers or even a tree or two and explain to them how this helps the environment. You can even take this time to discuss how God made the flowers and trees and that part of taking care of our earth is helping these wonderful things He created to grow.
4. Teach the importance of conserving water – when your children are brushing their teeth or washing their hands teach them to turn off the water in between brushing or scrubbing. Talk to them about how water is a resource we all need and that we need to make sure there is enough to last for everyone. Have your kids think of other ways they can conserve water around the house – you will be amazed what toddlers can come up with!
5. Get out a great nature movie or series such as Planet Earth and watch it with your little ones. While watching it discuss with them the beauty of God’s creation. Teach your children to appreciate what the Lord has provided. Discuss with them all the many different types of plants, animals, trees, etc… Have your kids draw pictures of the earth and tell you what they appreciate about it most. Pray and thank God for giving us this beautiful place to live in.

Copyright ©  2009, Becki, Green Christian Network, All Rights Reserved

               

Avoiding Hidden Chemical Poisons in Our Food and Going for Natural Choices

It’s very scary how much our food has changed in recent years.  Just look at the labels and you need a degree just to pronounce half the ingredients!

Money has become more important that nutrition and keeping foods healthy and harmful chemical free. We must eat. So, food is naturally “big business.” In order to make the most profit, farmers began spraying crops with gallons of pesticides and fungicides.  These chemicals make their way into the food we eat every day.  That’s only a part of it. Don’t even get me started on the food colorings, artificial sweeteners, hormones and antibiotics are all added to our processed foods.

Here’s a jaw dropper…Did you know that potassium bromate is illegal in every country except Japan and the United States?? The reason the rest of the world has banned it is because it is a carcinogen. Do we bother to get on the intelligent wagon? Uh, no! We add it to bread. It gives bread that chewy texture because it makes the bread rise higher.  Hmmm…Knowing this, I would rather eat paper!

The harmful chemicals, additives, preservatives and pesticides that we, as a society allow into our foods can cause serious health issues and even life threatening diseases like cancer.

What can we do to stay ahead of the chemicals in food game??

Learn to read labels. Take the time to understand what additives and preservatives are in the food you and your family eat.

Food Additives and Preservatives

Food additives are quite simply, things that are added to our food.  For example, if you make grape jelly, you will add pectin and sugar. Both would then be considered “food additives.”

Unfortunately, unless you are buying an all natural product, if you buy jelly in the grocery store, the label is likely going to list more than just grapes, pectin and sugar.  There will probably be a slew of big words and ingredients that are not necessarily good for your body. Longer shelf life means fatter wallets.

Some of the many jobs of food additives are:

• Acids modify the flavor and preserve food. Some examples; vinegar, citric acid, and lactic acid.
• Acidity regulators modify the acidity and alkalinity of foods.
• Anti-caking agents keep powders from caking or sticking.
• Anti-foaming agents reduce or eliminate foaming in foods.
• Food colorings and color retention agents enhance or maintain food’s color.
• Emulsifiers allow water and oils to remain combined.
• Flavors and flavor enhancers enhance or add flavor.
• Humectants keep foods from drying out.
• Tracer gas improves shelf life.
• Preservatives prevent food from spoiling. Lengthen shelf life.
• Sweeteners are added to foods for flavoring.

Obviously not ALL additives are harmful. Natural additives are OK. However, you must know the difference.

Dangerous Additives:

• BHT. Causes liver and kidney damage, behavioral problems, infertility, birth defects and cancer.
• Artificial coloring. Causes hyperactivity in children, learning disorders, nerve damage and it may be carcinogenic.
• Artificial sweeteners. Cause central nervous system damage, menstrual difficulties, may affect brain and growth development in an unborn fetus, and may even cause cancer.
• Brominated vegetable. Cause organ damage, birth defects, and growth problems.
• Carrageenan. Causes ulcers and cancer
• Partially Hydrogenated vegetable oils. Associated with heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol, and allergies.
• Nitrates. Cause cancer and even death.
• MSG. Causes headaches, reproductive disorders, high blood pressure and allergic reactions.
• Potassium bromate. Causes nervous system, kidney disorders, gastrointestinal issues and cancer.
• Red dye #3. Causes thyroid tumors in rats, and may cause them in humans as well.
• Yellow dye #6. Is a carcinogen and has been found to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors.

Pesticides In Your Food

As I mentioned earlier, profit is what really matters to the big food manufacturers. We learned how they add harmful additives to our foods. Well, they also harm our food while it is still growing. Pesticides are used to maximize their crops put our health at risk.

The health effects of pesticides depend on the type of pesticide. Some, like organophosphates and carbamates, affect the nervous system. Others can irritate your lungs, skin, or eyes. Other pesticides are carcinogens and cause cancer or affect your body’s hormones.

A chemical like acephate can over stimulate your nervous system causing nausea, dizziness, confusion, and respiratory paralysis or death. Alachlor was classified by the EPA “likely” to be a human carcinogen at high doses, but “not likely” at low doses. Oh, and another one is ethanol, which is generally recognized as a human developmental neurotoxin. YIKES!

Pesticides not only affect the individual who eat them and come in contact with them, they also affect the unborn, resulting in birth defects and neurological problems.

The Top Most Dangerous Produce…aka “The Dirty Dozen”

These are the most likely to have the highest levels of pesticides and harmful chemicals in them.

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Grapes
10. Spinach
11. Lettuce
12. Potatoes

You should also know that many of these produce items contain pesticides not approved for use on that particular crop.  For example, a pesticide, which is approved for spinach, may not be approved for use on peaches but was nonetheless found on peaches.  Additionally, carrots, green beans, cucumbers, raspberries, domestic grapes, and oranges all rated very highly in the studies for containing pesticides.

I can almost hear the psycho movie theme music in the background even as I write this!  It all sounds just terrible! No worries though! We CAN win this chemical food battle. How? By learning to read food nutrition labels, and by buying more natural and foods. Making a decision to stop buying foods with harmful chemicals. It we, as consumers, make a stand, the food industry WILL take notice and will be forced to make changes!

Simple Choices to Reduce Exposure to Harmful Chemicals while Saving Money on Food Bill.

Read the label. You should be able to recognize every item on the nutrition label.  If you start seeing preservatives, artificial sweeteners and food colorings then place it back on the shelf.

Avoid all processed foods. Anything that comes in a box and has undergone physical or chemical treatment resulting in a substantial change in the original state of the food.  However, there are organic choices that are better for your family…even if the do come in a box.

Avoid the dirty dozen. Buy organic fruits and veggies when you can.  If you cannot buy organic fruits and veggies because they’re unavailable or too expensive, wash them thoroughly and peel your fruits and veggies.

Organic meats and dairy. Farm animals are not only fed antibiotics and hormones to maximize production, they also eat crops contaminated with pesticides.  Buy organic dairy and meats.

4 Tips Saving Money on Organic Food

Buy what is in season. Buying strawberries in December is definitely going to cost you more than buying them in July.  If you find that you need strawberries in December, consider comparing the cost of organic frozen compared to organic fresh, you’ll often find the frozen option is less expensive.

Buy according to your store’s sales. Every week, grocery stores put their produce on sale. If organic carrots are on sale, then add it to your menu for the week.  You’ll save 20% or more on your food bill following this simple plan.

Buy local. Local organic farmers charge much less for their produce because they don’t have to pay for distribution.  Plus, you’re helping to sustain your local economy.

Eat one more vegetarian meal each week. Meat and dairy are the most expensive items on your grocery list.  By cutting back and eating one less meal with meat, you’ll save money. Also, pay attention to your grocery stores sales. Stock up on organic meats when they go on sale.

God Created a beautiful planet with all the food and things we need to live healthy lives. Let’s not allow manufacturers who want to fatten their wallets take that away from us. The best way to stay healthy, make a difference and avoid all the harmful yuck they put is food is to eat more natural, organic and unprocessed foods whenever possible.

Copyright © Green Christian Network

Stay Green!

               

Steam Mops – Economically and Environmentally Sound

I’m not big on having chemicals in my house and when I think of my kids playing around areas that have had chemicals poured on them I just don’t like the idea. Where I used to live there was a ton of carpet throughout the house so cleaning floors never brought this issue up for me, but when I moved it was into a house that has nearly as much tile flooring as carpeted. I immediately began searching for a solution to cleaning the tile flooring without having to use tons of chemical agents with my mop and that is when I discovered the wonderful world of steam mops.

Steam mops provide a way to clean that is not only good on the environment but also easy on your pocket book. You can buy a steam mop for anywhere from $60 all the way up to $300. The one I bought is the Shark Steam Mop and it cost just about $70 – not too shabby for something that you will use for years to come. I bought it through a warehouse store so it came at a great price with extra mop pads to boot.

There are two major features with the Shark steam mop that get my attention – the first is that it functions with nothing but water. You pour the water in the spout, close it up, pug it in, and presto – in 30 seconds it is steamed up and ready to go. No harsh chemicals on the floor to worry about with young children. The steam is very hot – in fact it is so hot that you can get burned if you were to spray yourself with it (so don’t do that). Being as it is so hot it gives piece of mind knowing that the floor is getting completely sanitized in the mopping process – and with such heat it actually dries almost instantly!

The second feature that I love is the mop pads – they are reusable. After mopping you just take it off and pop it in the laundry. It is so simple! There are no pesky pads to wad up and throw away and there are no dirty sponges to deal with – every time you use the Shark mop you get to use a clean pad because you have washed it since the time before. This means you don’t have to keep buying fresh pads – your wallet will thank you!

I’ve looked at many other steam mops and most also have the same features that I love about the Shark. I think when looking to make your household more green you just can’t go wrong with a mop that will keep your family safe from chemicals and save you money in the long run. It’s a win win situation no matter what brand of steam mop you choose!

Copyright ©  2009, Becki, Green Christian Network, All Rights Reserved

               

Xeriscaping

I live in a desert region so when figuring out what to do with the landscaping at our new house one of the first things we thought of was xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is landscaping in such a way to avoid the use of unnecessary amounts of water. Xeriscaping is also known as “zeroscaping”, “water-conserving landscaping”, and in some places “smart scaping”.

Xeriscaping is a great way to save water and energy. With xeriscaping there is little to no use of water, there isn’t a lot of grass to mow so there is no extra fuel or energy consumption, and it is generally easy on the environment as you would just be using natural materials that are common in your area and these materials don’t require any sort of fertilizers or harmful pesticides.

When we started here with our new house we only planned out our front yard. Our back yard will take more work, but it will be xeriscaped as well. In the front we brought in common drain rock found at our local rock quarries – it is a form of river rock, only the smaller version. We laid the rock down around a few shrubs that fit naturally into the environment for the area directly in front of our house and then for the rest of the area we have the rock spread out with a few boulders mixed in. The result is a very simple yet beautiful yard with very little maintenance needed. The few shrubs in front are on a drip system that only runs for 20 minutes a day, three days a week – that’s it!

If you are looking for ways to reduce water consumption and save some energy as well there are some tips you should know before xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping Tips

• Choose plants wisely. You should only choose plants that are drought resistant and that can survive where you live. If you live in a desert region like me you don’t want to pick tropical plants, this will defeat the purpose. Choose plants that are more native to your area to insure their survival.
• Set up a drip system for plants. Drip systems only water when needed and it really allows the plants time to absorb what they need rather than get overloaded.
• Make sure to weed on a regular basis. Weeds consume more water than your plants so you want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
• Cover your soil. You can leave the ground bare, but covering with rock or mulch will keep it cooler and help your plants to need less water.
• Aerate the soil before you cover it. Keeping the soil in good condition will help your plants thrive without the need for more water.
• If you use rock, keep it natural. Don’t worry about bringing in fancy rock that has been chemically processed to create a neat color – natural rock will look better, be better on the environment as a whole, and it will save you money.

If xeriscaping is something you think you’d like to do the fall is a great time to get busy. Many landscaping companies lower prices at this time of year and you might be able to get plants for less. Remember, even though you are going for something natural you still need to get it from the correct resources. Just going out into nature and picking up rocks and plants is not only illegal in many places, but it is also destructive to the natural habitats of many species. Find a local nursery and a local rock quarry to work with, plan out what you want to do being careful to take good measurements of your area, and with the help of the experts you will be able to create an environment you will love.

Copyright ©  2009, Becki, Green Christian Network, All Rights Reserved

               

Beer is Green and Clean!

I use beer in a couple recipes I make. Many people also drink beer. What do you do with flat beer or the leftover beer from a recipe? Well, you can use it to be green and clean!

Green and Clean Beer Tips

Coffee and tea stain remover. Pour the beer on the stain and let it sit for a minute.  Blot the stain and examine. Repeat as needed. Wash.

Polish your jewelry with flat beer. Pour beer into a small glass bowl and place your gem free jewelry into the bowl.  Let sit for a couple of minutes, remove and dry thoroughly.

Furniture cleaner. Use your beer to clean your wooden tables and other wooden furniture.  Dab beer on a clean, soft clot and apply.  Dry with another clean, soft cloth.

Clean your garden of slugs and snails. It’s a long-standing gardening practice to use beer to attract snails and slugs to remove them from your garden.  Pour beer into a shallow dish and place in your garden overnight.  In the morning, you’ll find it full of slugs and snails that have drowned.

Copper cleaner. Beer is great for polishing copper.  Try placing a little on a clean cloth and applying to the bottom of your copper pans to remove tarnish and add shine.

And…maybe not to clean, but beer is also good for plants…

Plant food. When watering your plants or garden, mix a few tablespoons of beer into the water and add to your plants.

As you can see, beer has several great green cleaning uses.

Copyright © Green Christian Network

Stay Green!

               

More on Back to School Green

Across the country kids are flocking back to school and many of us are wondering how to start the year off while encouraging a greener way in our youth. It can sometimes be hard to get kids to think about “being green” when all they really want to do is look cool and hang out with their friends, but by our example they will learn and a great example can be set just in back to school preparation.

It starts with school supplies. While many of those flashy and bright notebooks can be eye catching, why not help our environment a little and purchase recycled paper instead? Many manufacturers are now offering this option. Also, rather than spiral notebooks go for the refillable binder. While some places will allow for recycling paper on a spiral bind, many still do not and this means a lot of paper waste simply because people don’t want to spend the time tearing paper off. When purchasing the refillable binder try to find one made of canvas or cardboard. Plastic may feel durable, but it is also, well, plastic. And if you still have a binder from last year that is in good shape why not just reuse it?

Backpacks are big business during the back to school shopping, but with a quick wash most old backpacks are just like new – use a gentle cycle and air dry.

If your school requires books to be covered you can stay green by recycling paper bags rather than buying fancy book covers. Give your kids some crayons or markers and stickers and they can decorate the books to their liking.

Pens and pencils are imperative for school and you can make sure to buy refillable pens and refillable pencils (if you use mechanical pencils). Also, if buying regular pencils there are some brands that actually do use recycled materials.

Clothes for back to school can hit the budget hard, but what’s worse is that so much of last year’s fashion goes to waste. This year before you throw out the old stuff check to be sure it doesn’t still fit or that it can’t be made into something else great for the year. If it is a “must go” then give it to a local charity rather than just throwing it in the garbage.

Back to school supplies aren’t the only area where were can help our kids stay green - there is also the issue of back to school transportation. If you live within walking or biking distance go ahead and have your kids walk or bike. You can walk or bike with them to show that it isn’t so bad. I live right across an open field from the schools in my town and it amazes me how many parents will hop in a car, drive for three minutes (literally), drop their kids off and then drive home. Walking is not only exercise, but it saves on fuel consumption and it teaches kids that they can move without the world coming to an end. If it’s raining out give your kid an umbrella – it won’t hurt them and you will be teaching them a natural mode of transportation in the process. If you live too far for walking or biking then get involved in a local carpool – you can take turns driving your kids to and from school.

And finally, when that first day (or maybe I should say the entire first week) arrives and the mounds of paper work start coming in make sure to sign what you have to sign and return it, but for the rest don’t just throw it in the trash – have your kids walk it to the recycle bin thus instilling in them once again that recycling is good for us all. Remember, back to school is a great time to lead by example and teach your kids the importance of a greener way of life. Have a great school year!

Copyright ©  2009, Becki, Green Christian Network, All Rights Reserved

Click Here for More Tips for Going Back to School Green