Many companies have taken advantage of the recent green craze by introducing new products to consumers. These products are worthwhile since they are made with natural or plant ingredients rather than chemicals but are sometimes costlier. Going green doesn’t mean you have to spend more money, though. In fact, it should save you money. Going green is about consuming less and living a simpler life—doing more with less. It can also provide you with a little peace of mind that you are treating not only your environment better but also yourself. And what better place to practice living a green life but in the kitchen?
Ditch the Harsh Chemicals
Traditional cleaning products have all sorts of chemicals with names many of us have never even heard of. The green craze has raised the question: Do we really want to be using products when we don’t even know what’s in them? The answer is: probably not, and especially when the ingredients could potentially be harmful to ourselves, our children, animals, and our environment.
Cleaning products can also be costly. You can save money by skipping most of these products and using these three ingredients: white distilled vinegar, lemons, and baking soda. For instance, baking soda is a great method of freshening up just about anything. Sprinkle some on a carpet, let it sit for a few hours or even overnight (so long as you keep pets out), and vacuum it up the next morning. Vinegar is the best-known way to clean out a coffee pot by mixing one part vinegar with two parts water. You can even clean the toilet bowl with just vinegar and a brush.
- Mix two parts water with two parts vinegar, and a few drops of lemon juice or olive oil. Soak dust cloths or rags in the mixture, then squeeze out the excess so they are just damp.
- Pare the rind from several lemons, and put a few pieces in each dust cloth before rolling up. Store in an airtight jar with a few extra pieces of lemon rid.
These rags are handy for everything. They’re great for wiping the kitchen counter or any other surface. They also work wonders on wood furniture, giving it the same afterglow as other wood-cleaning products. Another trick is to put a larger rag on the bottom of a Swiffer, or other mop like this, and clean your wood and other floors with it.
Use Fewer Paper Products
Another green idea for your kitchen is using fewer paper products whenever possible. Try to use materials that can be reused rather than paper products, which get thrown away after just one use. Many stores sell cloths that can soak up spills and wipe up counters just as well as paper towels, such as ones made of vicose, and they can be cleaned and used again. Also, try not to use paper plates or plastic silverware; these add up to unnecessary expenses and are wasteful.
Remember, it is these little things that can make a big difference and also make you feel better. You can live a simpler, more natural life. Make sure your appliances are not in need of repair. Look for natural cleaning products in the store or make your own. Try to reduce your waste by using fewer paper products, and remember to always recycle!
3 comments
02/09/2012 at 1:07 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
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04/17/2012 at 3:12 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’ve done a good job of eliminating the harsh chemicals. You mentioned baking soda. I use that whenever I want my stainless steel sink to shine. I am not so good at giving up the paper products. I go through napkins and paper towels like crazy. I have tried to cut back. It is a work in progress I guess.
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04/23/2012 at 12:57 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Baking soda is so versatile! And making headway with saving money is definitely an ongoing process. Thanks for your comments!