Go Green by Driving Less

Go Green in 2014: Week 39

While cars create convenience and comfort, they also come with their own set of problems. Why aren't most cars today very "green"? Let's take a look at a few reasons we should try to reduce the amount of driving we do.

Electric Car

Reasons to cut back on driving

Why is it a good idea to drive as little as possible?

• Gasoline emits pollution, which is bad news for us and for the environment. By reducing the amount of driving you do, you are also reducing air pollution, which could help slow down climate change and disease.
• Gasoline costs money, and every time you drive somewhere, you are burning money - literally. By cutting back on your driving, you will have to spend less money on refilling the tank.
• The less you drive, the less you have to spend on automobile maintenance. And if you don't have a car at all, you will have no maintenance fees whatsoever. Of course, it's not always feasible to completely do away with our cars, which may be our main method of transportation, whether we like it or not....

Ways to go green by driving less

Find an alternative to driving anytime you can, and you will not only save money on gas, but you will be taking a step toward saving the environment from a little more pollution.

1. Walk whenever possible. Not only is it green, but this light form of exercise is healthier than you might realize.
2. Ride your bike. Again, this is a healthy way to go green.
3. Take public transportation. Multiple people riding in one vehicle is an efficient way to travel.
4. Carpool when possible. Again, even riding in a car with one other person is beneficial to everyone.
5. Telecommute. Can you do your work from home? You won't have to travel at all this way.
6. Consider an electric car. They are starting to become more and more popular.

Skateboard, roller skate, ride an electric scooter...what are some more ways you can cut back on the amount of driving you do?

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Alan Trotter

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Your challenge: This week, try to cut back on your driving whenever you can with one or more of the above ideas.

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**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.**

Go Green by Going Paperless

Go Green in 2014: Week 38

These days, most companies offer paperless billing, as well as ways to easily pay your bills without sending a check in the mail.

What is paperless billing?

As I'm sure most of you already know, paperless billing is simply a way to receive your bills without actually getting a paper statement in the mail. This is an option that allows you to reduce waste - and that stack of mail that keeps piling up on the kitchen counter! It also saves businesses money on paper and ink.

I am not completely paperless when it comes to receiving my bills, but I have been working on it. I would say the majority of our bills are paid without receiving anything in the mail. Of course, there are still companies that don't offer that option, but any amount of reduced waste is a good thing.

Ways to go green with bill paying

Some businesses offer automatic bill pay on a certain day each month; my car payments actually come directly out of my check. Even if the business itself doesn't offer this option, most banks do. Otherwise, you can either call the company to pay a bill directly over the phone, or you can pay through their website.

What are some ways you pay your bills without actually writing out a check and mailing it out?

Potential drawbacks...

There are a few bills that I still pay with a paper check, simply because it's easier or costs less - even if it does waste paper. :( Perhaps you have trouble remembering how to log into your account every month, or the website is difficult to navigate, or they charge an arm and a leg to pay your bill online. In these instances, it might make more sense to send a payment in the mail.

Even though I'm not completely paperless yet, I feel pretty good about how far I've come. How about you?

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Filippo Diotalevi

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Your challenge: This week, think about the ways you can go paperless with bill paying.

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**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.**

Ideas for Non-Toxic Lip Balm

Go Green in 2014: Week 37

I use lip balm several times a day, and I'll admit I'm addicted to Carmex. I love it. However, there are plenty of kitchen products that can be used instead of store-bought Chapstick or whatever lip balm you use. They are more "natural" and are, of course, less expensive. You can even follow a recipe to make homemade lip moisturizer, and possibly tint it with natural food-based dyes.

Lip balm alternatives in your own kitchen

If you're looking for a basic, no-fuss moisturizer for your lips, consider one of these ideas.

1. Coconut oil. Keep a jar of coconut oil in your bathroom, or just pour a little bit into a smaller container to make it portable.
2. Tallow balm. Made with 9 parts beef fat and 1 part olive oil, tallow balm is easy to make and is hydrating for the entire body.
3. Shea butter. It's rock solid at room temperature, but use your finger to warm it a little, then spread it over your lips.

What else have you used in place of Chapstick to moisturize your lips?

Recipes for homemade lip balm

Blend together some simple, non-toxic ingredients for a yummy scented or even tinted lip balm.

1. Three Simple Homemade Lip Balms, by Crunchy Betty. Luscious lavender, coco-rosey, and minty chocolate.
2. DIY Burt's Bees-Style Lip Balm, from Broke and Healthy. Only eight cents per tube.
3. Honey-Orange Lip Balm, from Brilliantly Bland. Make it on fifteen minutes with just four ingredients.

Where to buy empty lip balm tubes

You can use small, reusable pots like in the picture (my husband bought me these from WalMart!); you can reuse old tubes (scraped clean and sanitized by boiling for a few minutes); or you can buy them brand new. If you can't procure new containers locally, you can order them online for pennies apiece.

Fifty White Lip Balm Containers (approximately $6.17)

Please recycle your used containers!

Hint: Homemade lip balm makes great gifts, and the holidays are coming up!

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

Your challenge: This week, think about switching from your old lip balm of choice to a safer alternative.

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**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 Ideas to Clean the Refrigerator

Go Green in 2014: Week 36

The refrigerator is prone to sticky spills and the odor of food that has been in there way too long. This doesn't mean we need to use harsh chemicals to get it clean and fresh-smelling. It's easy to use green cleaning methods on the refrigerator.

There's not a whole lot to say on the subject of cleaning the fridge, so let's get started on some of my favorite green tips.

Green clean the refrigerator's interior

For minor spills or a light wipe-down, a damp microfiber cloth (affiliate link) works well. If you don't have one of those, a clean cotton cloth will also work. You shouldn't use cleaning products of any type with microfiber cloths, because they were designed to work without, but a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water will help remove smudges and remove funky odors from the fridge. Wipe with a cotton rag; rinse with warm water if needed.

Stubborn spots can be scrubbed with a little baking soda and vinegar. Simply sprinkle a little baking soda onto the area, spray with vinegar, and scrub with a rag.

Lemons can also help remove off odors from the refrigerator while leaving behind a lemony-fresh scent. Squeeze a little lemon juice into a bowl of water and wipe down the inside of your fridge with the mixture. For stubborn spots, take half a lemon and rub it directly onto the area; rinse with warm water.

Green clean the refrigerator's exterior

Cleaning the exterior of your refrigerator should be pretty simple. A dry or damp microfiber cloth will help remove smudges easily. If you need something a little stronger, you can spray it down with a half vinegar-half water solution, wipe it with lemon water, or try a green all-purpose spray.

Green All-Purpose Spray Recipe

Keep the refrigerator smelling fresh

Although it may be common knowledge, a small box of baking soda left inside the refrigerator can help absorb food odors and keep it smelling fresh. If you didn't already know this little bit of knowledge, well, now you do!

Another way to keep your refrigerator smelling citrusy clean is to cut a lemon in half and leave it on one of the shelves or on the door, so every time you open it up, you will get a whiff of fresh lemon.

What are some tips and tricks you have learned for keeping the refrigerator clean and fresh-smelling?

Photo courtesy of Flickr / Goedeker

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

Your challenge: This week, clean your refrigerator using green cleaning products.

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**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 Fall Cleaning Product Checklist for the Bathroom

Fall is a great time to do a little extra deep cleaning in the home - especially in the bathroom - even if you clean it regularly. Even though I try to keep my bathrooms clean all year-round, it seems they always need a little more attention a few times throughout the year, particularly around spring and fall cleaning times. 

What kind of cleaners to you use for scrubbing down the bathroom? Do you typically use commercial cleaning products that are heavy on the chemicals? Although they may do a great job cleaning your house, why not use cleaning products that are healthier to use and safer for the environment. 

Try the five following recipes for fall cleaning in the bathroom:

1. All-Purpose Spray

 

Combine 1 tsp. Borax and 2 cups warm water in a spray bottle. Add 2 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar, ½ tsp natural liquid dish soap, 10 drops lavender essential oil and 5 drops rosemary oil. Shake well before each use. 

2. Natural Toilet Cleaner

 

Stir together ¾ cup baking soda and ½ cup water in small bowl. Add ½ cup castile soap and a few drops of tea tree oil, then stir again. Pour the mixture into a condiment squirt bottle, cover the tip and shake well before using. Squirt the solution under the toilet rim. Let soak ten minutes and scrub the toilet with a brush, then flush it clean. 

OR if you're short on time, check out this two-ingredient green toilet cleaner recipe

3. Tub and Shower Cleaner

 

Combine 1/3 cup Borax, 1/3 cup baking soda, 1 tsp. liquid dish soap, 5 drops rosemary essential oil and 5 drops tea tree oil in a container. You will end up with a damp powder rather than a paste. Dampen the tub or shower with water and apply the cleaner with a sponge. Scrub and rinse clean. 

4. Heavy Duty Grout Cleaner

 

Mix ½ cup Borax, ½ cup baking soda, 1/3 cup distilled white vinegar, 5 drops thyme essential oil, and 5 drops tea tree oil together until they form a smooth paste. Scrub the paste into the grout using a toothbrush. Let it sit for fifteen minutes then rinse clean. Make sure to wear rubber gloves because, although green, some of these ingredients can irritate the skin. 

5. Window and Mirror Spray

 

Combine 2 cups water with ¼ cup vinegar and ½ tsp. liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. Spray the solution onto windows and mirrors, and wipe them dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. 

Before you get started on the bathroom, make sure to check these five green cleaning products off your fall cleaning checklist. 

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 / Julie G

Ideas to Green Your Bath Time

Go Green in 2014: Week 35

In this post: 

*harmful effects of chemicals in bath products
*green bubble bath alternatives
*removing the chlorine from your bath water

Who doesn't enjoy a nice, relaxing bubble bath?

During my first year in college, Wednesday night was my "bath night". Why Wednesdays, I don't really remember. But I would draw myself a tub full of warm water and pour in the Avon bubbles (either Chocolate Covered Strawberry or Cinnamon Twist if I remember correctly).

Now... I rarely take baths anymore, but when I do, I never use bubbles. The chemicals that make bubble bath "bubbly" are not very nice, and considering that our skin - the largest organ in the human body - soaks up large quantities of these ingredients, I don't think it's a good idea.

What could possibly be so bad about bubble bath?

Let's take one of the ingredients, sodium lauryl sulfate, as an example. This is the compound that makes your bubble bath, shampoo, hand soap, and laundry detergent, among other household products, lather. This is not necessary to get you or your laundry, or anything else, clean. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a known human irritant to the skin, eyes, and lungs. Other concerns may be organ system toxicity and ecotoxicology (source).

Is there such thing as green bubble bath?

Sure, you can purchase bath products that claim to be green and chemical-free, but you should always read the ingredients list before purchasing.

Also, these products will likely cost more than you want to spend. Luckily, there are plenty of inexpensive options. They may not produce bubbles, but they can actually be quite beneficial to your health.

1. Epsom salts. Take a relaxing, green bath with epsom salts, which can get rid of toxins in the body and relax muscles due to the magnesium content in the salts. Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies readily absorb through the skin.
2. Magnesium flakes. Or, you could just add magnesium bath flakes (affiliate link) to the water. Not only will they help restore your magnesium levels, but you might notice a relief in aches and pains, improved mood, and healthier skin, among many other benefits.
3. Tea bags. Tea isn't just for drinking! Rather than steeping it in a mug, fill your bathtub with warm water and allow several tea bags to soak before getting in. Try green tea to help your body detox or chamomile for a soothing experience. And in case you missed it a few weeks ago, here are some simple ways you can "green" your tea (and/or coffee) habit.
4. Essential oils. If you miss your scented bubble baths, you can always add a few drops of essential oils for a relaxing, green soak. If your goal is to clear your mind and relax your body, which is usually the case when we take a bath, choose soothing scents, such as lavender, mandarin, and sandalwood.
5. Kitchen ingredients. Did you know that some of the ingredients in your kitchen are great, natural bubble bath replacements? Oatmeal is very soothing and can help calm sunburn, while milk and honey soften and exfoliate the skin.

What are your green bath time favorites?

Removing the chlorine from your bath water

While you are soaking up magnesium, tea, or whatever green bath ingredients you've chosen, your skin is also absorbing the chlorine that is in the water. Just a few weeks ago, I went over how and why you should be filtering your tap water; follow the link for a refresher on the harmful effects of chlorine and ideas for removing it.

If you want to take a bath and haven't had a chance to pick up a water filter yet, add a half cup of baking soda to help neutralize some of the chemicals in your water. As an added benefit, baking soda can promote healing. It can be added to your bath water along with any of the above green bath ingredients.

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and those who have diabetes or high blood pressure should consult a doctor before taking a detox bath. Keep the water at a safe temperature; if you begin to feel dizzy, the water may be too hot. Add a little cold water to cool it down.

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

Your challenge: This week, take some time to yourself with a relaxing, green bath.

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**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.**