Green Christian Network » Eco Home

Green Review: Seventh Generation Fabric Softener

Lara Velez — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:55:18 +0000

If I am being completely honest, I must admit that going green is pricey when you have a very tight budget. So, finding green products can be a challenge for me. Seventh Generation products are not only green, eco friendly and quality products, they are AFFORDABLE!

One of my favorite Seventh Generation laundry products is what I will be reviewing today;

Product: Seventh Generation Fabric Softener
Scent: Blue Eucalyptus & Lavender
Where to Buy: Target or Publix

Review: I love this stuff. It smells awesome and it goes a long way. I do one part softener and one part water mixture and the clothes come out soft and smell fantastic. It costs under $5 for a 40 ounce bottle. Pretty fair when compared to other non green brands. By doing a half water half softener blend, I make it stretch longer…AND…it is better for my washing machine. I got that tip from a washing machine repair man.

Cons: None really. Other than, I wish I could find it at WalMart for even cheaper. LOL!

Final Thoughts: I think it is a great product and have found many more Seventh Generation Products that I love since. I will post some thoughts on them soon. Happy Washing!

Stay Green!

Paint Disposal the GREEN Way

Lara Velez — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 04:05:00 +0000

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.

Stay Green!

Energy Saving Kitchen Tips

Lara Velez — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:05:45 +0000

Use the right size pan for the job, and the right sized burner. It may sound silly but you can waste a lot of time and energy trying to boil a giant-size pot of potatoes on a tiny burner. And you can waste a tremendous amount of energy warming up a small pan of sauce on a giant burner. If you can see more than a half inch of overlap, either the pan overlapping the burner or the burner overlapping the pan, see if there’s a better fit.
Don’t preheat oven. Have you ever been pressed for time and just shoved that tray of chocolate chip cookies in an oven that hasn’t been preheated? What happened? Presumably you may have had to add one or two minutes to the cook time but it certainly didn’t add ten minutes or more to the cook time. With many ovens it takes 10-15 minutes to warm up to 350 degrees, and that’s wasted energy.
Use smaller appliances for smaller jobs. If you’re making an open-faced sandwich, warming up leftovers or eating those frozen and ready-to-cook cookies, then skip the oven and use your toaster oven instead. It uses less energy to heat up. Additionally, your microwave can be used to steam, reheat and even to make eggs, melt chocolate and warm up canned foods in much less time and with much less energy.
Use a Slow Cooker. When you are making soups, stews and even roasts, consider using a slow cooker instead of cooking them for hours on top of the stove. Slow cookers use less energy and you can cook your meals during low energy times in your home.

You can save TONS of energy focusing your attentions and habits on JUST your kitchen habits!

Stay Green!

5 Home Energy Saving Tips

Lara Velez — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:00:43 +0000

Saving energy at home means saving money, something in today’s not so good economy, we can all relate to.

5 simple home energy savings tips

Smart strips. Every day appliances consume energy even when they’re turned off. Microwaves, coffee makers, computers, televisions, the list goes on and on. Rather than let this valuable energy go to waste, plug your appliances and electronic equipment into a smart strip. A smart strip is a strip of outlets with an off/on switch. When you’re not using the appliances and equipment, say at night when you’re asleep, simply turn the smart strip off. You’ll save thousands of watts each year.

If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper works well and is closed when not in use. You can lose a significant amount of heat during the winter and cool air during the summer through an open fireplace damper.

Check doors and Windows. Some don’t seal well. Particularly if you live in an older home where the walls and floors may have settled and shifted. Air can easily escape through cracks around your door causing your furnace or air conditioner to work harder thus wasting energy.

Passive solar. The sun is fantastic for heating and lighting our homes. If your home has a southern exposure you can harness the power of the sun to heat your home in the winter and to provide daylight year round. Eastern exposures can open the curtains in the morning to heat and light the home and western exposures can open the curtains in the afternoon.

Check your insulation. Too much insulation causes your energy to be lost through your windows while too little insulation causes energy to be lost through your roof or attic.

Stay Green!

Green Tip – (07/15/09) – Go Fluorescent

Lara Velez — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 05:00:06 +0000

Compact Fluorescent. Compact fluorescent bulbs use significantly less energy, about 75% less. The added bonus is that while these bulbs cost a bit more at the store, they last for years. The average light bulb used in a high traffic area lasts 4-6 months. A compact fluorescent bulb lasts up to 10 times longer. This is just one simple way to help save energy in our homes. A few simple steps can save you hundreds of dollars a year and conserves energy.

Stay Green!

Green Friendly Home – Energy

Lara Velez — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 04:00:16 +0000

One of the ways that we can help make a difference, is in our homes. There are simple steps to helping our home be more eco-friendly. Being green does not have to be complicated.

The following tips on controlling and managing the temperature and energy of your home are certain to get you on the road to be a better steward of God’s planet. They can also save you some spending green!

Green Home Energy Tips

Add weather stripping to doors and windows of your home. Everywhere that air can seep in or out.
Plant trees that lose their leaves in the winter. They will keep your home shady in the summer and help the sun come through in the winter.
Put awnings and blinds up. They will promote shade and keep your home cool when you want it cool and warm when you want it warm.
Use ceiling and floor fans as often as possible and limit air conditioning.
Opening your windows is even better.
If you live in a very warm climate and must have the air, keep the thermostat set to no lower than 78 degrees during the day, and around 75 degrees at night . If you use fans as mentioned above this will be cool.
In the winter months keep your thermostat at around 70 degrees during the day and around 65 degrees at night.
Use your kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans as little as possible. It takes air out of the house. You want to keep the cool or warm air in, depending no the weather.

These simple changes will make a positive impact on the environment and your wallet! You will feel better too, knowing that you are a part of the solution!

Stay Green!

Green Tip of the Day (3/12/09) – Use Less Water Washing Dishes

Lara Velez — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:11:40 +0000

Washing dishes does require using water. However, we can cut down the amount of water we use to wash dishes drastically. A couple simple changes and you will be on your way to greenville. One way to save water while washing dishes is to only fill up the sink half way. Turn off water. Wash each dish and then dip it back into the soapy water, giving it a partial “rinse.” Then, turn on water and rinse. Only use as little water as you can. Just enough to rinse the dish. Another way, is to use your plates and cups more than once. The less you use, the less you need to wash, and the less water you will waste.

Any other ideas to save water washing dishes? Post them below!

Stay Green!

Green Tip of the Day (3/04/09) – Natural Light

Lara Velez — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:55:02 +0000

Open the blinds more. If we would all limit the amount of electricity we use to keep our homes lit, we would make a huge impact on energy resources. Avoid using your lamps and lights as much as possible during the day. Instead, open blinds and doors and let the light shine in.

In the evenings, opt for a more romantic feel and use candles. Sure, you do need to turn on the lights. However, try being creative and limiting the amount of electricity you consume just to have light. Candles are a great option. Especially the ones that smell good and are natural based.

Another positive with going green in the light department is the money you will save consuming less energy!

Make a simple change…go natural light!

Any other ideas to cut the lights? Post them below!

Stay Green!

Green Tip of the Day (3/03/09) – Air Dry

Lara Velez — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:23:59 +0000

Let’s face it, we all have this not so fun task, we can use it as an opportunity to go green. It can be another way for us to add a little more green into our lives.

One simple way to help laundry time become a more eco-friendly experience is to stop using the dryer to dry clothes. Or, a the very least, limit it. Instead, try air drying them. Hang them out to dry and let the cool (soon to be warm) breeze of God’s planet dry them for you. They will smell and feel better, and even better, you will save energy and money. Plus, you will be a better steward for God’s planet.

Go Green…air dry!

Any other ideas for going green with laundry? Post them below!

Stay Green!

Green Tip of the Day (2/28/09) – Open the Windows!

Lara Velez — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:55:09 +0000

Using the air and heat on your home uses a lot of energy. It is also quite costly these days. However, we can do something to help the environment and our wallets.

This is the perfect time of year to turn off the heat if you live in a warmer climate. The cold fronts are abating and the breezes are fabulous. Open the windows and let the fresh air flow. You will save energy and money. Plus, it is always good to get fresh air! As the air gets warmer and the windows being open do not cut it, start with fans before you close the windows and turn on the air.

If you live in a cooler climate, try turning the heat off if you can and put some warmer house clothes on. Then, when it warms up a bit, open the windows and enjoy!

Do your best to limit the amount of heat and air you consume. Remember, every little change makes a huge impact over time. Additionally, you will be saving the green in your wallet as well!

Any other ideas on to keep the heat and air off more? Post them below!

Stay Green!