Top 5 Green Laundry Room Tips

How can you go green in the laundry room? There are various ways. Not only is it healthier to go green with your laundry, but you can potentially save a lot of money. For example, it is less expensive to make your own healthier detergent alternatives, and you will know exactly what is in them, so you know you aren't using dangerous chemicals. 

Try these tips for going green in the laundry room:

1. Make your own detergent

It is very easy to make homemade detergent. You can make either liquid or powder laundry soap--it depends on your personal preference. For either recipe, you will need a bar of soap, washing soda and borax. You will find the green laundry detergent recipes by clicking on the link. 

2. Use less detergent

Whether you make your own laundry detergent or decide to stick with store-bought soap, you probably don't need to use as much as you think. Use half the amount the bottle recommends; too much soap can actually harm your washing machine. 

3. Skip the dryer sheets

They may smell great, but dryer sheets are loaded with yucky chemicals. A healthier option is to buy a couple wool dryer balls (affiliate link) - which last a very long time - to de-wrinkle your laundry, along with a bottle of lavender scented essential oil. Place a few drops of the oil on the wool balls and dry with your laundry. 

4. Hang clothes to dry

Whenever you can, it is much cheaper to hang clothes to dry. This may not always be your best option, however; in these cases, even taking ten minutes off the drying time can save a lot of money. The clothes will be slightly damp, so hang them on a drying rack to finish.

5. Avoid using bleach

Bleach is a very harmful cleaning product. It can burn your skin and lungs and cause long-lasting damage to your body. Instead, try healthier, greener alternatives for whitening laundry. For example, borax is known to help remove stains and it is not harmful. 

There are many ways you can go green in the laundry room, which will assist in keeping you healthy as well as save you money. By making your own laundry products, you know you will be healthier and it will cost a lot less money. 

And for those of you who haven't been following my 2014 green challenge...

Why you should "go green" in the laundry room - plus more ideas for ways to do so!

Note: This article was previously published at Yahoo! Voices and the rights reverted back to the author when the site closed. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Daniela Vladimirova

How to Clean the Toilet with Two Green Ingredients

Go Green in 2014: Week 34

Cleaning the toilet - or toilets if you have more than one - is not exactly a fun job. Throw in store-bought cleaning products with bleach and other nasty chemicals, and it can be downright horrifying.

I'll admit that until recently we have always used commercial toilet cleaning products, simply because we had a few bottles on hand that I wanted to use up before looking into greener options. Finally, just a couple weeks ago, I finished up the last bottle and looked up ideas for green toilet cleaners.

Here's how I have cleaned ours the last couple times.

Green Toilet Cleaner Recipe

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• Distilled white vinegar

Directions:

1. Flush the toilet before starting.
2. Once the water has drained, sprinkle baking soda into the toilet bowl, adding a little more to areas that need extra work.
3. Carefully pour vinegar over the baking soda. Alternatively, you can pour your vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it into the bowl. When they mix, the two ingredients will create a foam-like reaction.
4. Allow the solution to soak for ten minutes or so. Scrub with a brush, then flush the toilet.

Does it actually work? To be honest, it doesn't seem to be as strong as most store-bought products, so you may need to repeat these steps and let the solution soak a little longer if it doesn't work well enough the first time. It seemed to get our toilet bowls mostly clean, although some of the more stubborn stains left by standing water took a little extra scrubbing power.

That's all there is to it. Easy enough, right?!

Have you made your own homemade toilet cleaner? Does it seem to work for you?

~ ~ ~

Your challenge: This week, think about cleaning your bathroom's toilet with these two ingredients you likely have on hand already.

______________________________________________________

**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Why & How to Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances

Go Green in 2014: Week 33

Today's homes are conveniently equipped with various large appliances, including a refrigerator, stove, oven, washer and dryer, computers, and more. My husband and I were lucky when we bought our house because it came with all these things, minus the washer and dryer. The downfall of all this convenience is the energy that it takes to run them.

According to Eartheasy.com, the average home actually causes more air pollution than the average car. This is because much of the energy we use in our homes comes from power plants, which burn fossil fuel to power our electric products. Burning fossil fuels causes air pollution and contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming (source).

Fortunately, almost all new appliances today are more energy efficient than those of the past. If you have older models in your home, they are very likely using a lot more energy than a newer one would.

Are you in the market for a new appliance of some type? Let's discuss why it's a good idea to choose energy-efficient appliances, how to find them, and a few more appliance tips for saving energy (and money).

Why choose energy efficient appliances

As I already mentioned above, appliances are a huge source of pollution - not to mention the money it costs to run them.

1. Less pollution. We can help improve the air quality by choosing energy-efficient appliances.
2. Reduced energy bills. Because they use less energy, our energy bills will be smaller.
3. Government rebates. By purchasing an energy-efficient appliance, you could get a government rebate, which will help pay for the somewhat higher purchase price.
4. Less water use. Many newer appliances also use less water, saving you money on your water bill, as well.

How to find energy efficient appliances

First, look for appliances that are the appropriate size for your space. Consider the purchase price, as well as the estimated energy use; often, you will save more money on energy use when you buy a more expensive model. Read the yellow energy guide label and look for the Energy Star logo. Energy Star is the symbol for energy-efficient appliances, created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in an effort to help consumers save money and minimize air pollution.

Types of energy efficient appliances

The Energy Star logo can be found on numerous energy-efficient appliances, and those with this logo are significantly more efficient than the minimum government standards. Here are some of the appliances that are Energy Star rated, along with some tips for further minimizing your energy usage.

Refrigerator

1. Fill empty freezer space to minimize the amount of space that needs to be kept cold. Take empty jugs and fill them with water to help fill this space.
2. Vacuum the coils in the back of the refrigerator to maximize energy efficiency.
3. Wait until food has mostly cooled down before putting it into the refrigerator or freezer.

Stove/Oven

1. Choose the burner that is closest to the size pot you are using. If it's too large, energy will be wasted.
2. Use lids on pots so you can cook on a lower temperature setting.
3. Turn the oven off a few minutes before food is done cooking, and let it finish the job with the heat that is already in the oven.
4. Make sure the oven door is sealed tight to avoid losing heat and wasting energy.

Washer/Dryer

1. Wash larger loads of laundry less frequently to save water and energy.
2. Use cold water to wash clothing whenever possible. Darker items can usually be washed in cold water, as well as anything that is lightly soiled.
3. Clean dryer lint after each use to improve efficiency - and to avoid a fire hazard.
4. Whenever possible, dry laundry on a clothesline or clothes rack. It even helps to cut your dry cycle ten minutes short and let the laundry finish air drying.

Dishwasher

1. Avoid unnecessary rinsing before placing dishes in the machine; many modern dishwashers are actually more efficient when dishes are scraped but not rinsed before running a cycle.
2. Run the dishwasher only when you have a full load.
3. If possible, look for a model with an "air dry" option, which uses circulation fans.

Air Conditioner

1. Keep leaves and debris off the air conditioning using to maximize efficiency.
2. Clean the filter screen frequently.
3. Utilize ceiling fans, which enables you to adjust the air conditioning by 3-6 degrees, saving you money on cooling the home.

Water Heater

1. Lower the settings on your water heater, finding the lowest setting that supplies you with enough hot water.
2. Insulate your water heater to save money while getting more hot water.

Computer

1. Turn off the computer when it is not in use. Consider using a power strip for all your home office devices so you can turn them all off with once click of a button.
2. Use a laptop rather than a desktop when possible; laptops use about half the energy a desktop computer consumes.

Do you have energy-efficient appliances in your home? What are your favorite tips for reducing energy usage and saving money?

~ ~ ~

Your challenge: This week, consider any appliances you might need in the future and start researching energy efficient brands.

______________________________________________________

**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Easy “Going Green” Tips for Beginners

Do you want to change to a greener lifestyle? Aren't sure where to start? It can be overwhelming for a beginner to think about all the ways there are to improve your life with a healthier, more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Don't worry--you don't have to make a dozen changes overnight. Take it slow. There are several different ways beginners can get started "going green". 

Set your priorities

 

The first step is to decide which green living aspect is most important, or relevant, in your life. Do you have health concerns? Need to save money? Want to waste less? There are numerous aspects to consider, from preserving energy to making the environment a healthier place for everyone. If no single aspect stands out, then simply start small and work your way up. 

Start small and work your way up

 

If you aren't sure where to start, then start making one change at a time. Begin with something that is easy for you, personally, to do. Recycling is always a good place to start. It only requires a separate bin for recyclable items and perhaps a little time for sorting them. Once you feel confident in your recycling abilities, move on to something else, such as buying--or making your own--green cleaning products. Larger goals to work toward may be replacing appliances with energy-efficient ones or installing solar panels, depending on how far you are willing to take your greener lifestyle. 

Replace non-green products as they run out

 

It seems like such a waste to toss perfectly good non-green products into the garbage for the sake of going green. No worries; you don't have to get rid of everything and start fresh. If you are a beginner in the green life, simply find ways to replace your chemical-infused personal care products and wasteful plastic baggies with healthier or non-wasteful options when that time comes. 

Do your research ahead of time

 

Rather than going all out and jumping in head-first, take your time and do a little research before committing to the green lifestyle. Make healthy, eco-friendly choices for the long-run. If you try to make dozens of changes in a day, or even in a month, you might find yourself becoming a little overwhelmed and revert back to your old ways. To make these changes last, you have to put some thought into them and turn "going green" into a lifelong effort. 

Personally, I have started small and am continuing to work my way up. I am also doing my research and replacing my regular products with greener versions as they run out. My biggest priority is my health, but saving money is a close second. Of course, it doesn't hurt that my carbon footprint has gotten slightly smaller since starting to make these changes.

What are some areas you have "gone green" in your life? Where are you struggling? Share your experience in the comments below.

How & Why You Should be Filtering Your Tap Water

Go Green in 2014: Week 32

Caroline Bach / https://www.flickr.com/photos/carolinebach/

Your daily shower (or bath) may seem harmless, and many of us even enjoy taking a nice, hot shower. But did you know that the water contains chlorine to kill bacteria and microorganisms? This is great, except for the fact that when you soak your body in warm water, your pores open, making you susceptible to absorbing the chlorine through the largest organ in your body - your skin. In fact, you absorb more chlorine in one minute in the shower than you do by drinking eight glasses of the same water (source).

Chlorine can cause skin and eye irritation, in addition to drying out the hair and scalp. The good news is that you can filter out the chlorine and toxic chemicals with a simple shower or bath filtration system.

There are also various ways you can filter your drinking water to minimize the chlorine and anything else that might be lurking in it. Let's start by going over bath and shower filter ideas, then move on to filtering your drinking water.

Filtering shower and bath water

By filtering your water, you will likely have softer, smoother skin and silkier hair. You won't be absorbing harmful toxins, and certain shower heads might even reduce the amount of water that is wasted.

A cheap option is to get the Sprite SL-CM Slim-Line Universal Shower Filter; you just need to replace the cartridge every six months. This should work with your regular shower head.

To filter bath water, whether you have kids or just enjoy taking a relaxing bath, you might try a bath ball. I've read mixed reviews on a few different brands, but if you do a little more research that I have so far, you might find something worth trying.

Filtering your drinking water

I rarely drink tap water anymore, unless I don't have any other options. We used to use the Brita pitchers with a built-in filtering system, but the house we bought has a refrigerator filtering system, so we no longer need to refill the pitchers every couple days. In addition to these options, you can also buy a filter that connects directly with the faucet, directly filtering your tap water. No matter which option you choose, it is essential to replace the cartridge within the recommended amount of time to make sure you always have clean drinking water.

It is pretty inexpensive to install a faucet filter. Here's a good option.

What is your favorite brand or type of water filter? Have you noticed any benefits since you started filtering the tap water?

~ ~ ~

**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, consider replacing your shower head with a "greener" option, as well as filtering your drinking water.

______________________________________________________

**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**

Green Ways to Get Rid of Allergens in the Home

Dust, pollen, and dander: There are numerous types of allergens that can invade a home. Those of us with indoor or outdoor allergies need to be proficient in getting rid of allergens in the home - and keeping them out as much as possible. Consider the following green tips for getting rid of allergens in the home (and avoiding those nasty allergy symptoms). 

Get rid of the houseplants

 

While houseplants are wonderful in purifying indoor air naturally - I love my houseplants! - they are also a source of allergens and can cause symptoms in people who have allergies. Get rid of the live plants and replace them with artificial ones. Just be sure to keep them dust-free if you are allergic to dust. 

Leave the windows closed during allergy season

 

As much as you love to let in the fresh air, you're going to be miserable if you have outdoor allergies. Keep the pollen and other allergens outside by keeping the windows closed during the peak of allergy season. Find other ways to avoid stale air, such as running the ventilation fan while cooking and freshen the air with an electric wax warmer and your favorite wax scents.

Keep pet hair to a minimum

 

If you are severely allergic to animals, it is not a good idea to allow them in the house. However, some people have mild allergies that can be minimized with several tricks. Firstly, bathe pets frequently and brush them daily to keep as much hair off the furniture as possible. Vacuum the floors and furniture as often as possible. If you are considering a future pet, choose a non-shedding breed, like my Maltese-Yorkie mix dog. While no pet is non-allergenic, certain breeds leave less allergens around the house. 

Vacuum carpets and furniture frequently

 

Even if you don't have pets, dust and other allergens will make their way into the house. They will settle into furniture and carpeting, which will build up if not removed frequently. Vacuum the floors and furniture at least twice a week to prevent the buildup of allergens. 

Top 10 Reasons to Go Green with Home Cleaning Today

Shower before going to bed

 

If you spend any time outdoors, you will likely track in outdoor allergens on your clothing and in your hair. If you experience seasonal allergy symptoms, change your clothing upon entering the home and shower before going to bed, especially during allergy season. Doing so will help keep these allergens from getting onto your pillows and bedding while you sleep. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Jim Lukach

Top 10 Reasons to Go Green with Home Cleaning Today

Why go green with home cleaning? I have found that there are a number of ways my family and I can benefit from cutting out the commercial cleaners and going green today. I feel much better about using alternative cleaning products in my home; these are just ten reasons to go green with home cleaning. 

1. You can save money. I haven't purchased cleaning products from the store since I started making my own at home. By using items I find in my own kitchen, which costs just pennies (or less) per use, I have saved a substantial amount of money. Many stores sell green cleaning products, but if you learn how to make your own, you can save a lot of money. 

(c) Tonya Mickelson 2014

2. Your health will benefit. Most commercial cleaning products, including laundry detergent, glass cleaner and bathroom cleaners, contain harmful ingredients that, when inhaled, can be toxic to your health. You might not even realize their impact until you stop using these products and go green with home cleaning. 

3. Your family will be healthier. Everyone in the house benefits from green cleaning: your spouse, the kids and even the family pets. The toxic chemicals have a much stronger impact on animals and small children than healthy adults. 

4. You can preserve the environment. Toxins from these cleaning products may directly or indirectly impact the environment. For example, when they are washed down the drain, these chemicals remain in the water that reaches local aquatic life, potentially killing them. 

5. Cleaning is much simpler. You won't need to buy a different product for each task; many household items can be used for cleaning multiple areas of the house. Vinegar, for example, is the main ingredient in almost all of my homemade products, from glass cleaner to floor cleaner. 

Click to learn more about green all-purpose sprays

6. You will save a trip to the store. When you run out of your homemade all-purpose spray, there is no need to make a trip to the store. Instead, simply whip up a new batch using ingredients that can be found in the kitchen for mere pennies. 

7. Your immune system will benefit. By avoiding harsh cleaning agents, your body will be able to build up a natural defense system and, therefore, will be able to fight off the flu and common colds much more effectively. 

8. Indoor air quality will be improved. Every time they are used, chemicals from commercial cleaning products seep into the indoor air you breathe. By removing these products from the home and going green with home cleaning, you can breathe easier knowing that your home has cleaner air. 

9. They are just as effective. Too many people associate the strong chemical odor with a "clean" smell. Because green cleaners don't smell so strong, does that mean your house isn't getting clean? I've haven't yet had a problem with my homemade products getting the house clean. 

10. You will be a role model. When others, particularly the younger generation, see that you are cleaning your house with healthier products, they will be inclined to do the same. Today, you can teach them the benefits of using green products to clean the home.

Three Toxic Chemicals That Could Be in Your Child's Toys

Beware of toxic chemicals in toys

A child's exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to many adverse effects, including bone softening, kidney problems, liver toxicity, estrogenic effects and more, depending on the exposed chemical. The frequent hand-to-mouth movement we often see in young children creates a pathway for toxic chemicals in toys and other items to enter their bodies. The same is true of chew toys that are made for our beloved pets, who ingest the chemicals in those toys during play. 

followtheseinstructions / https://www.flickr.com/photos/followtheseinstructions/

 Although there are laws and regulations regarding toys for children and pets, some companies still allow some of these harmful chemicals into their product. 

Lead

 

Children, infants and fetuses are most vulnerable to lead (Pb). Lead is a neurotoxicant that is harmful to the organs and most systems in the body. It can be found in painted toys and jewelry that has leaded metal clasps, chains or charms. It is used as a stabilizer in some toys that are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, but can leach out when kids handle them -- particularly when they come into mouth contact. Although the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulates lead in children's products, you can avoid problems by giving your children unpainted toys, like wooden blocks. 

Phthalates

 

Phthalates have been found to be reproductive and developmental toxicants. They can damage the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs. Rubber ducks and teething rings could potentially contain phthalates. Phthalates are used as softeners in PVC plastics, but they are not bound to the plastic substrate, so they can leach out when children are playing with toys that contain this toxic chemical. The CPSIA regulates six phthalates in products for children but, to be safe, avoid giving your child toys that are made of PVC plastics. Look for items labeled "PVC free." 

Bisphenol A (BPA)

 

BPA is used in manufacturing polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins. We recently learned that baby bottles (as well as some canned food and dental sealants) contained BPA, and some companies might still be using it. This chemical has estrogenic effects and can have developmental, neural and reproductive toxicants. It has also been linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Exposure to pregnant women may even have an effect on the developing fetus. Look for toys labeled "BPA free."

Although the toys we played with as children may have contained harmful chemicals, it is somewhat reassuring to know that there are safer toys on the market today. Still, it is always a good idea to research and read labels before giving new toys to your children or pets, since not all toxic chemicals are regulated around the world yet. 

References:
Environmental Science & Technology Feature

Safe Sunscreen Options for All Year-Round

Go Green in 2014: Week 31

We are constantly told to wear sunscreen, yet how many of us actually wear it on a daily basis? I used to wear face moisturizer with sunscreen every day, but since I quit buying commercial products, I don't anymore. I don't spend a lot of time outdoors anyway, and I think a small amount of daily unprotected sun exposure can be a good thing. But what about those days when we spend a lot of time in the sun? I haven't bought sunscreen in a while because I have heard conflicting information about its benefits, including that it may promote skin cancer growth (source), and have decided that I would rather go without. However, that's actually not necessary. Did you know that you might already have a safer alternative in your home?

There are various products, which you might find in your kitchen, that can help filter the sun's rays.

Natural sunscreen options

• Coconut oil, SPF 4-6
• Shea butter, SPF 4-6
• Almond oil, SPF 5
• Carrot seed oil, SPF 35-40
• Red raspberry seed oil, SPF 25-50

Any of these products could be applied directly to the skin as a daily moisturizer that will also protect against the sun. I haven't tried them all, so I'm not sure if there are any negative effects caused by using them. I do know that coconut oil leaves my face looking a bit greasy, but in small doses, it might work for you.

Some of these products have a higher SPF than others; however, they don't have to be used alone. They can also be combined into a custom sunscreen blend.

Homemade sunscreen recipe

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup lotion (non-toxic, preferably homemade)
• .4 - 1.6 oz. uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide

Directions:

1. Warm the lotion (using warm bath water) and mix it with the zinc in a food processor. The more zinc you use, the higher sun protection you will get.
2. Store the sunscreen the same way you would store the lotion; certain oils may require it to be stored in the fridge.
3. Apply before sun exposure. There is no need to wait before going outside because it will be effective immediately.
4. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, since it is not waterproof.

Notes: You can add essential oils for fragrance and cocoa powder to tint the sunscreen; the zinc oxide can leave you looking a bit pasty.

~ ~ ~

**Disclosure: Although this post may contain affiliate links, all opinions are my own.

Your challenge: This week, think about trying one of the above natural sunscreen options.

______________________________________________________

**This post is part of a weekly challenge {Go Green in 2014}, during which the author has challenged herself - and you - to find 52 ways to lead a greener life in 2014. You can follow the weekly posts on this page.**