Monday, May 14, 2012

What is your favorite green cleaning product?

I've heard from a few folks that green cleaning products haven't worked as well for them as conventional products. Sometimes the results were so discouraging and/or disastrous that the consumers went back to toxic products.

I've tried quite a few green duds myself, but I've also had great success with natural products. It's all about finding the right products, tools, and techniques for the job. This takes a bit of research, a willingness to fail and try again, and luck. A lot of people, understandably, don't have time for this.

Can you help make it easier for them to do the green thing? Please comment and tell us what is your #1 all-time favorite green cleaning product. Thanks scubberdoodle!

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning 

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Sunday, May 13, 2012

You asked. I answered! (GHLX edition)

People had some great questions for me at the Green Healthy Living Expo on Thursday. Some of the questions I was able to answer on the spot. Others I needed to research. In the spirit of learning from others' questions, I am posting some Qs along with some As.

Research!
How can I remove hard water stains from tiles?
Sprinkle borax on a damp sponge or cloth and wipe surface.

There were lots of questions about removing mold. 
A few months ago I shared a recipe and instructions for using hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to  kill mold and remove the stains it leaves on tiles. One of my favorite websites, Care2.com, explains 3 Ways to Kill Mold Naturally by using tea tree oil, grapeseed extract, or vinegar.

How can I remove blood stains?
Before the blood stain dries, rinse with cold water. (If it's already dried, scrape off what you can before rinsing.) If the stain persists, use washing soda to pre-treat, pre-soak, and to boost the laundry detergent. If putting the stained item in the wash isn't an option, there are lots of other ways to remove blood from clothes--and other places blood might end up-- including using salt, peroxide, and enzyme cleaners.

How can I remove scuffs from floors?
Use a green acrylic scrubby sponge and have some patience. I've used this method with success on sealed hardwood floors. (eHow has a few suggestions that are specifically for removing marks from tile floors.)

What should I use to wash delicates? 
It's time for real talk: I don't actually sort my laundry much. I toss all my clothes (skivvies, whites, colors, delicates, stockings, everything) in one load, our towels and bed linens in another load (since there isn't room with my clothes), and my uber dirty cleaning rags and our shower curtain in another. Occasionally something will run onto something else, but for the most part everything works out okay. I usually hang everything up to dry, so I think this reduces shrinkage and wear.

Enough about me. If you are the type of person who takes time to own and care for things that need to be hand washed, more power to you. According to the Borax website, you can use it along with detergent to hand wash delicate clothing.

Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds is my laundry detergent of choice, but I also like the Classic Magic All-One Liquid Soaps. Use 1/3 to 1/4 cup per load.

I had a great conversation about greening personal care with someone too.
Here's a link to two recipes for making your own mouthwash on Care2.com. 

Want more green cleaning recipes and ideas?
Check out my tips for building your own green cleaning kit. This juicy blog post has lots of ideas and links to more free online resources.
Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living by Annie B. Bond is a great investment if this kind of information tickles your fancy like it does mine.

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning 

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Friday, May 11, 2012

New Friends at Common Ground Times Square

Yesterday, I was one of a few dozen local wellness businesses who displayed at the Green Healthy Living Expo at Common Ground's Time Square Building. I showed residents and staff affordable, green alternatives to toxic conventional cleaning products. I also shared a few cleaning tips. I had a fantastic time!


(Hello, to any new friends who might be reading this. It was great to meet you! I'll be emailing you some green cleaning recipes soon.)

Common Ground is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness in NYC in two ways. For the chronically homeless, they create safe, secure housing with on-site support services to help them address the psychosocial, mental, and physical health problems that are obstacles to independent living. They also offer affordable housing for individuals who find themselves at the edge of homelessness.

As a small child, my family was affected by homelessness when a fire destroyed our apartment. We lived in a shelter for several months before we found a new home. I don't remember much of that experience, but it's left me with the impression that the work of Common Ground (and other organizations like it) is very important. I felt so lucky to be able to partner with them and share some of my knowledge with the community.

Please visit Common Ground and consider making a donation to support their efforts to make sure everyone in the city has a healthy and happy home.

Olivia Lane is a Blogger, Green Living Educator, and Health Coach trained at The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She's also author of Baking Soda & Bliss: The Healthy & Happy Guide to Green Cleaning 

Stay connected: Free Gift // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram // Pinterest // YouTube
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