In today’s world, we could all use a little extra in our pockets, especially those of us with families. Over at Whole Parenting, we focus on nurturing the child’s heart, mind, and spirit. But we also strive to help our readership have healthier environments. With so many pervasive chemicals in our food, air, and cleaning products, here are a few ways to save money and be green in your home lives.
1) Make your own cleaning products.
It’s easier than it sounds. You need vinegar, borax, baking power, vegetable glycerine, warm water, and empty bottles & buckets. If you like a certain essential oil scent, wrangle that in too. With so many websites & books on green cleaners and “do-it-yourself” products, I’ll just list a few recipes here and resources and encourage you to explore the wide world of non-toxic-non-lethal cleaning supplies.
Wood care: 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 cup vinegar, splash of lemon juice
Toilet bowl: vinegar & baking soda–swirl & flush!
Mold killer: 2 teaspoons tea tree oil, 2 cups hot water
2) Stop using disposable plastics.
How many baggies do you go through in a week? Do you ever wash and reuse them? In my household, we actually counted for a week. It was ah insanely high number. So we’ve turned to plastic/glass containers instead. My husband’s daily lunch is a big bag with lots of containers. The best part is that he uses them again! Is it a pain to wash tupperware or glass jars? Not as much a pain as paying for single-use baggies! Re-use cottage cheese, yogurt, or hummus containers (if you’re not yet making your own). Save the bag your bread comes in (if you’re not a baker). Reuse!
3) Grow your own herb garden.
It’s so inexpensive to start from seed or even to buy seedlings at the coop or farmer’s market. And when you’ve had your own basil, thyme, parsley, or lavender, you won’t go back. Gardening in general is a great green activity and money-saver, but in particular herbs, as they can be outrageously expensive. Herbs also make a great give-away gift to a visiting friend or take-away gift when you’re going to visit relatives. Everyone loves fresh herbs! They require little room to grow, little nourishment, and if you do it right, you can transplant them indoors for the winter. I cook or bake with mine daily.
The little expenses in life add up. Making your own cleaning products, using reusable containers, and growing a simple herb garden are just a few ways to make little changes in your household lifestyle.
Enjoy!
Nell
Filed under: Inside and Outside, Whole Health | Tagged: cooking, do-it-yourself, environment, food, garden, gardening, green, health, lifestyle, natural, organic, plants, self-care, vegetables, ways to save | 1 Comment »