Research on recycling habits finds that the presence of recycling bins actually increases peoples’ wastefulness. So says a cooperative study between Jesse R Catlin of The Paul Merage School of Business at University of California-Irvine and Yitong Wang of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

The study, published in the Journal of Consumer Psychologyis based on two field experiments in which waste production was compared in situations with and without recycle bins present. In the first experiment test groups were provided with a ream of paper and asked to try out a pair of scissors. The groups without recycle bins cut up much less paper than the groups that were provided with one. In the second experiment a recycle bin was provided for paper hand towels in a men’s bathroom that previously had only trash receptacles.  Paper towel use increased by 50% after the bin’s introduction.

The results of this study indicate that people feel better about consuming goods if they can recycle them, thereby decreasing recycling’s positive effect on conserving natural resources. The ability to recycle provides a convenient excuse to consume more, particularly when it comes to disposable goods, whereas the lack of a recycling option induces people to use less since they feel guilty about producing more waste which ends up in the landfill.

“Our findings indicate that merely emphasizing the positive aspects of recycling and enhancing the availability of recycling options may not be sufficient to save natural resources, or at least does not always yield the maximum environmental benefit.”

While I agree with the authors’ findings on this subject, we need to be careful about the message we take away from this study.  I think most of us feel better about the waste we produce if we are able to recycle it and keep it out of the landfill. That would seem to be a given. It is equally true that without a recycling option people will always opt for the trash. In the US at least, the lack of a viable recycling option is not preventing us from consuming huge quantities of disposable goods. Those states that have strong recycling programs, like those in the northeast and on the west coast, are able to divert more of the waste stream, while states that lack those programs, such as those in the south, continue to landfill huge volumes of refuse.

Instead of identifying the presence of recycling bins as a detriment and cause of wastefulness, we should be focusing on other factors that work with recycling to maximize the environmental benefit that can be achieved. Specifically, we need to focus on education and outreach that promotes not only recycling, but re-use and reduction as well, and we need to work towards a national extended producer responsibility policy that would force manufacturers to be responsible for the waste resulting from their products.

Education and outreach is key to the success of any residential recycling program, and it is also key to changing consumption habits. Using a combination of outreach programs, community based social marketing, educational programs and community events, we can spread the word about the importance of reducing the amount of waste we produce in the first place. Lest we forget the ‘Three R’s’ of waste reduction are Reduce, reuse and recycle. A great deal of marketing emphasis has been put on recycling. More of that effort must be directed at reducing consumption. Recycling, after all, uses natural resources, including electricity and water. It should not be seen as a free pass to engage in unfettered consumerism.

Beyond personal buying habits, extended producer responsibility (EPR) has the capacity to significantly change the way goods are marketed and manufactured in the US. EPR forces manufacturers to be responsible for the end-life of their products. Bottle bills are one example. The core charge on automotive batteries is another. These programs require producers to take back their product when the end-user is finished with it. This leads to reduced packaging and increased of use of materials that may be reclaimed rather than landfilled. No corporation wants to be saddled with the costs of disposing all of their used-up goods, so they alter their processes to reduce the amount of waste that results. In Europe EPR is the law, and the result is that virtually every consumable good is recyclable.

Providing adequate recycling options is necessary for a sustainable environment. After all, we are never going to live in a society where no one buys anything and nothing is ever thrown away. But we do need to work at changing consumption habits to reduce the overall amount of waste we produce. Recycling is not without its problems, but let’s keep the recycle bins and work on promoting policies that will further us towards the end goal of a zero waste society.

What do you think?

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Styrofoam Coolers

Image courtesy of mynjgarden.com

If you’ve ever used a mail order or internet service to purchase perishable items, you’ve probably been the recipient of a lovely Styrofoam box which held your steaks, cheeses, gourmet chocolate …whatever. So what do you do with it after it has served its original purpose?

If you’re lucky (?) enough to live near a facility that recycles Styrofoam then that’s an option. But the process of breaking down polystyrene releases a lot of nasty chemicals and many industry professionals claim that recycling it is actually more harmful than good. The trash is always an option, but we all know how bad Styrofoam is for the environment. Besides, we’re not talking about a flimsy convenience store model here. These coolers have walls 2 ½ to 3 inches thick and they’re sturdy enough to hold some serious weight. So how can we put these Styrofoam superstructures to good use?

Now, I know some of the more committed ‘greenies’ out there are wagging their fingers at me because 1, we shouldn’t be purchasing from companies that use Styrofoam for packing and shipping, and 2, we should be buying our food locally. True enough. The fact remains that there are some readers who either received one of these boxes as a gift or who actually made the eco-faux pas of purchasing one themselves. To help these poor misguided souls atone for their sins I have come up with some creative ways to repurpose the evil Styrofoam cooler.

  1. Keep it in the trunk of your car for shopping trips. Put your frozen and refrigerated items in it on the ride home. It can keep your ice cream from turning into a soupy milkshake on a hot day, or buy you a few extra minutes to run another errand before that salmon you bought starts taking it’s stinky revenge.
  2. Use it as a container to store your other recyclables. These coolers are approximately the same size as an 18 gallon recycling bin, so they’re easy to transport and hold quite a bit of material. If you have a curbside service that requires you to provide your own bins they work great for that too. Just make sure you label them so the hauler doesn’t take your Styrofoam box along with its contents!
  3. Decorate it and use it for a toy box for a kid’s room. Let your kids have fun coloring or painting it.  You can even use some colored duct tape to make a fabric hinge to keep the lid on.
  4. My step-mother used one to send me a bunch of perennials for my flower garden for Mother’s Day. The plants arrived at my home in great shape after a five day journey via the postal system. They were well hydrated and fresh. No wilting!
  5. This one is my personal favorite…Heavy duty Styrofoam coolers make great outdoor housing for your small pets. I live in a northern climate with cold winters. I had a kitty that lacked the house manners to be allowed to live indoors, so to make myself feel better about banishing her to the outdoors I took one of these coolers and made her a house. I cut a small hole for a door, stocked the inside with old towels and sealed the top of the cooler onto the bottom with duct tape. My cat took to it right away, even using it in the summer. If you want to get really fancy you can add a pet heating pad (make sure you use one specifically designed for pets with low wattage or you may roast your pet). They work great for other outdoor pets like rabbits or chickens as well.
  6. Vermicomposters can use it to make a worm bin to get rid of kitchen scraps. Fishermen can use it to make a worm farm for their own supply of high quality bait, or use it for a tackle box that also keeps the bait alive.
  7. Use it to store your off season clothes like sweaters and woolens. They’ll stay fresh and moth-free.
  8. For college kids or those on a tight budget you can cover or decorate them and use them as cheap end tables, coffee tables or ottomans. Pluse they’ve got built-in storage!
  9. Ask your kids for ideas. They come up with great ways to repurpose almost anything!
  10. Of course, if all else fails, you can always use it as a cooler!

Have other ideas for how to repurpose a Styrofoam cooler? Feel free to post your ideas in the comments section.

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Image courtesy of Earth Paint

Painting is a fun and creative activity that children love, but many paints that say “non-toxic” are actually made from chemical substances that may be harmful. If you’re looking for natural, non-toxic paints for your kids, check out Earth Paints. 

Earth Paints was founded by artist and mother Leah Fanning Mebane. Fanning Mebane has been a professional artist for over 18 years. About three years ago she removed all the solvents and toxic products from her art studio and began using all natural colors and pigments she finds in nature.

This transition away from toxic, modern paints gave her the joy of doing no harm to the  environment and the freedom to express her art and passion in partnership with the earth. Her constant allergies and headaches cleared up with the  removal of solvents in the studio. She also developed a deeper connection with the natural world as she spent more time outside the studio directly connecting  with the origins of her paints.

 Mebane makes her paint kits from natural pigments in clay and minerals. The children’s kit comes in powdered form using organic milk powder as a binder. The paints are completely natural and organic, and the natural pigments provide rich vibrant colors that are not duplicated by synthetic paints.  Earth Paint promotes the following advantages of their products:

  • Archival: Pure pigments are the most permanent of all pigments, lasting thousands of years.
  • Superior Quality: There are no added fillers or stabilizers (to increase shelf life). This increases paint intensity and allows the refraction of light to  bounce off of pigment particles. Color mixing is also greatly improved without additives.
  • Vibrancy: The pigment particles are larger and more irregular (than synthetic pigments), which allows for more light to pass through the pigment particles and creates a paint that has a higher refraction-vibrancy.
  • Non-toxic and natural: Truly certified non-toxic and earth friendly paint for you and your child (no need to ventilate studio).
  • Durable: Not affected by sunlight, temperature or humidity.
  • You don’t have to worry about harming yourself, your family, and the environment in order to create your art.
  • No more off-gassing paintings in your studio or home.
  • The risk of acute/chronic diseases from heavy metal toxins is eliminated.
  • You can safely dispose of rags and excess paint in the trash and flush wash-water down the drain.
  • The ONLY type of pigment that is completely unaffected by UV rays (commonly used to protect metal & wood).
  • Made in the USA by a small, family-owned business.
  • Connection with nature and the earth beneath our feet: Children are always shocked to learn that they’re actually painting with “dirt.”

Earth Paint also makes an oil based kit for adults using natural walnut oil.

To learn more about Earth Paint and its founder Leah Fanning Mebane, or to order a natural earth paint kit, visit their web site at http://www.naturalearthpaint.com/.

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May
1

How to remove blood stains naturally

Blood stains are one of the biggest household laundry challenges. Once the stain has set it can be almost impossible to remove, and it may have you reaching for some pretty harsh chemicals to try and get it out. While not every stain can be removed, these natural cleaning tips will resolve most of them without the possible harmful effects of chemical alternatives.

Natural Blood Stain Removers

  • Blood is easily cleaned when it’s still fresh. Before blood dries, use club soda or cold water. Dry with a towel. If necessary, repeat the process.
  • Make a paste of either cornstarch or cornmeal and water. Rub the paste into the stain and put in the sun to dry. After the paste has dried, use a brush to whisk the residue off the fabric.
  • Pour full strength hydrogen peroxide directly onto the spot. The peroxide will fizz just like it would on an open wound. Blot with a damp cloth until the stain is gone.  Rinse out with water and launder as usual. Be aware that peroxide can bleach clothing, so you may want to test colorfastness in an inconspicuous place first.
  • Vinegar poured directly on the stain is one of the most effective methods to clean blood. Blot until the stain is removed and rinse with water to remove the vinegar smell.
  • Mix up a solution of 1 part baking soda and two parts water. Blot the stain with the mixture until it’s lifted out of the fabric. Use a clean damp cloth or sponge to remove the baking soda, then launder.
  • Mix 1/4 cup borax in 1 cup water and apply directly to the stain, or mix 1 cup borax in 1 quart of water to soak your fabric. After the stain is removed rinse well with water, then wash as usual.

Remember no matter what method you use that heat will set the stain, so until you have removed the blood, don’t put clothes in the dryer or use an iron. Always use a blotting method rather than rubbing the spot. Rubbing spreads the stain further and causes it to set into the fibers. Last, make sure you check the labels on your clothing. Some materials can’t be submerged in water. Choose a blotting method for anything that recommends dry cleaning only, like silk or wool.

Again, nothing gets out every blood stain, but these methods are effective the majority of the time, allowing you to be both clean and green!

Image courtesy of WikiHow.com
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Vermicomposting, or using earthworms to recycle organic waste into high quality topsoil, is unpopular with some. This may be due to an aversion to touching worms, or an inherent dislike of the wiggly little creatures. But the benefits of earthworm recycling are undeniable.


Gardeners Put Earthworms to Work Recycling (via EcoLocalizer)

Want a recycling crew to start working up the soil? Get a batch of worms. For everyone who is getting their gardens ready for planting, a thriving population of earthworms is absolutely essential. I enjoyed this Australian website’s reference to Charles Darwin, who sang the praises for worms in 1881…

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Delhi, India, has embarked upon an eco-awareness campaign that illustrates the power of community based social marketing or CBSMBy using succinct advertising slogans with eye-catching graphics, the Delhi government is having a great deal of success with promoting earth-friendly activity.

CBSM focuses on a single activity or desired behavior, identifies the barriers to that behavior and develops a marketing campaign that addresses only that activity. Combining a short message like, “Say no to plastic bags”, with illustrations that appeal to a wide audience is much more effective than similar campaigns which promote the use of only biodegradeable or reuseable containers of all sorts.

Delhi is combining this approach with community partnerships and festivals that promote green living. The government provides grants to schools to start ‘Eco-Clubs’ which solidify the green message among the City’s youth. Their focus is on creating awareness, and they are doing it by keeping the message in front of the people. The net result is that Delhi has become one of the greenest capitol cities in the world.


Delhi’s Multi-Pronged Citizen Eco-Awareness Campaign (via EcoLocalizer)

Delhiites joined billions of people around the world in Earth Day celebrations with fervor and fan-fare. Significant credit goes to Delhi Government’s valiant efforts to create eco-awareness amongst its citizens. Delhi Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach as generating awareness and creating…

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Many floor cleaners contain compounds such as acids, solvents, pthalates, ammonia, bleach, aerosols and formaldehyde. Now think about your children and pets crawling around on floors that contain these residues. Does it make you a little nervous? Here are some ways to get your floors clean without these harmful chemicals.

Vinyl/Linoleum

Vinly and linoleum can be damp mopped with warm soapy water. Use a mild detergent free of phosphates and other harsh chemicals. You can make your own detergent with 1/4 cup Trisodium Phosphate (TSP), 1/4 cup borax or 1/4 cup vinegar mixed in 1 gallon of warm water. A few drops of vinegar will remove grease. 1/2 cup vinegar in 1/2 gallon of water will brighten no wax linoleum. Rinse with clean water. Club soda can be used to polish floors after cleaning.

Linoleum can be preserved by adding a capful of baby oil to the wash water. Add shine to linoleum without polishing by adding sour milk to the rinse water.

To remove wax from a linoleum floor make a solution of three parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Scrub the floor with a stiff brush and rinse well. Remember to wear protective gloves and keep the area well ventilated until the floor is dry.

To remove wax from vinyl tile, clean in small sections using club soda. Scrub in, let soak for several minutes and wipe up.

Hardwood

Make a solution of oil and vinegar in a 1 to 1 ration and apply a thin coat to the floor. Rub in well. You can also use a damp mop with a vegetable oil soap such as Murphy’s Oil Soap, but make sure to dry immediately after cleaning.

If you have painted wood floors, mix one teaspoon of washing soda in 1 gallon of hot water. Use a damp mop or rag to clean the floor. Rinse with clean water and dry immediately to prevent the paint from bubbling.

Ceramic Tile

Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar in 1 gallon of warm water and damp mop. If you are using hard water this combination will leave a film, so make sure to follow up with a clean water rinse. Using soft water leaves no residue.

Stone and Brick

Mix 1 cup of vinegar in 1 gallon of water and apply with a scrub brush or broom. Rinse immediately after cleaning with clean water.

Carpets and Rugs

Clean up spills immediately with club soda. To clean up red wine spills, pour a thick layer of salt on the spot. Once the liquid has been absorbed, use a damp sponge to remove the salt and the stain.

Spot clean with a mixture of 1 quart water, 1 teaspoon mild liquid soap or trisodium phosphate, 1 teaspoon borax, and a splash of either vinegar or lemon juice. Apply with a damp sponge. Blot with a clean cloth to remove the stain.

When shampooing your carpets, choose a shampoo that is soap-based and free of harsh chemicals like Earth Friendly Carpet Shampoo.

All of these cleaners are readily available in your local grocery store. Cleaning with natural products can take a little more effort. But eliminating toxins from the surfaces where your pets and kids spend most of their time is well worth it.

 Images courtesy of Blend Stock Photos and Wikipedia.
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Apr
21

Simple ways to save the planet on Earth Day

Every Earth Day there are lots of events focused around things to do to save the Earth. These include planting trees, community cleanups, marathons, fundraisers, etc. These are great events, many of which do make valuable contributions to the environment.

But lets get real…how much benefit is there in participating in these events once a year if we don’t change any of our daily habits to make a long term difference? Instead of planting a tree, how about making some simple changes in your daily life to help save the earth? Here are 10 easy ways to help save the planet.

  1. Start recycling. If you don’t have a curbside program available, find the nearest drop-off center and commit to making a monthly trip to drop off your recyclables.
  2. Purchase a set of reuseable grocery bags and carry them with you on all your shopping trips. Even better, use tote bags that you already have lying around the house.
  3. Make a commitment to stop purchasing single-use convenience items whenever possible.
  4. Stop buying bottled water and instead invest in a BPA free plastic or aluminum water bottle that you refill from the tap. If your tap water isn’t good invest in a filtration pitcher.
  5. Start a compost pile or a worm bin as an alternative to putting your organic waste in the trash . You’ll get the added benefit of high quality top soil to use in your gardens and house planters. Composting 101 or Composting Information for Kids.  The earth will thank you and so will your plants.
  6. Donate used clothing instead of trashing it.
  7. Check out thrift stores when shopping for clothes. You may find some real gems, and especially when shopping for children, you can find nice clothes for very little money.
  8. Replace your chemical cleaners with natural alternatives. For some cheap, effective natural homemade cleaners, see Earth-Friendly Cleaning in the Kitchen and Earth-Friendly Cleaning in the Bathroom.
  9. Get rid of your toxic chemical pesticides and try eco-friendly alternatives like those found in Environmentally Friendly Home Insect Control.
  10. If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, consider a hybrid, electric or flex fuel model.

You don’t need to go to alot of effort, spend alot of money, or make huge changes in your life to make a difference. Remember the adage, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Together we can all make small changes that will add up to big differences.

Happy Earth Day!

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Apr
16

Earth friendly cleaning in the bathroom

Toilet bowls, soap scum and mildew. These are typical bathroom cleaning challenges which require something stronger than mere soap and water. The big concern in the bathroom is killing germs and bacteria which may be spread by…well…the activities typically undertaken in the bathroom. This fear of pathogens often leads us to use the harshest chemicals in our bathrooms. While we aren’t likely to ingest those chemicals, they can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Many of these products can kill off the natural bacteria in spetic systems and wastewater treatment plants as well.

There is a real concern when it comes to keeping surfaces clean in the bathroom. Here are some natural cleaning techniques that will kill the germs without adding unwanted toxins to your environment.

Disinfectant

Make your own disinfectant with thyme leaves. The main essential oil of the thyme plant is thymol, which is known for it’s antiseptic qualities. Thymol is a very effective anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent and often is the primary active ingredient in commercially available ‘green’ cleaners. Among other things, thyme leaf extract kills anthrax bacillus, typhoid bacillus, meningococcus, and is effective against salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria.

To make disinfectant, pour 2 cups boiling water over thyme leaves. Allow to steep for 10 minutes. When cooled, drain off the liquid and use full strength on a sponge or in a spray bottle.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

For everyday cleaning sprinkle baking soda in the toilet bowl and then add vinegar and scrub with a toilet brush. For heavy cleaning jobs, mix 1/2 cup borax in 1 gallon of water and scrub. Tough stains can be removed by applying a paste of borax and lemon juice and letting sit for 2 hours, then scrubbing with a scouring brush.

All purpose/multi-surface cleaners

Mix 1 quart of warm water, 1 teaspoon of borax and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. You can also try a mixture of 1 quart warm water and ½ cup vinegar. Add baking soda to produce a scouring effect. 

Glass Cleaner

Mix 1 quart of water with ½ cup vinegar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle and use on glass surfaces. Use newspaper instead of paper towels to wipe the glass. It’s eco-friendly and it doesn’t leave lint behind like paper towels will.

Tub and Tile Cleaner

Remove soap scum and film by first applying vinegar with a sponge. Then use baking soda as a scouring powder and rinse with water. Grout may be cleaned with a mixture of 3 cups baking soda and 1 cup warm water. Rub the mixture into the grout and rinse with water.

Mildew Cleaner

Use baking soda, borax or white vinegar on surface mildew spots. To clean grout make a paste of salt mixed with either vinegar or lemon juice. Scrub into grout with a tootbrush.  To remove mildew from shower curtains, add 1/2 cup soap and 1/2 cup baking soda to the washing machine. Finish by adding 1 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Lime and Mineral Deposits

Remove deposits from bathroom fixtures by covering them with a paper towel soaked in white vinegar for about an hour. This will soften scale up sufficiently to be wiped off. To clean shower heads, remove them and submerge in a mixture of 1 quart water and 1/2 cup vinegar. Boil for 15 minutes. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse.

Clogged Drains

Use a plunger on the drain to loosen up the clog. Pour a handfull of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let it sit for approximately 15 minutes. Pour 2 gallons of boiling water down the drain to remove the clog.

To prevent clogged drains in the first place, use screens or traps and pour boiling water down the drain weekly to keep sludge from building up.

Porcelain Cleaner

Sprinkle cream of tartar on a damp cloth and rub on porcelain to remove light stains. For tougher stains, scrub with a paste of 3 tablespoons borax and 1 tablespoon borax. A paste may also be made from 3 tablespoons cream of tartar and 1 tablespon hydrogen peroxide. Rinse with water. Note that you should always use a nylon scrubbing pad rather than steel wool.

Employing these simple remedies in the bathroom will ensure your family is not exposed to toxins like chlorine and ammonia. As an added benefit you will find they’re easier on your wallet too.

Have other ideas? Please feel free to share them in comments.

For further reading on this topic, check out the following resources:

Image courtesy of rhdoesitall.com.

 

 

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Apr
14

Earth-friendly cleaning in the kitchen

There are hundreds of products available to clean your house. Most of the ones on the grocery store shelf contain harmful chemicals and toxic compounds, and some of the most dangerous are made for the kitchen and the bath. When it comes to the kitchen, most items can be cleaned with vinegar, baking soda, salt and lemon juice without the potential health risks of commercial alternatives. Here are some earth-friendly ways to tackle your kitchen clean-up jobs.

All purpose/multi-surface cleaners

A simple cleaner suitable for all your kitchen surfaces can be made by mixing 1 quart of warm water, 1 teaspoon of borax and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. If you don’t want to use borax on food surfaces, try a mixture of 1 quart warm water and ½ cup vinegar.

Glass Cleaner

Mix 1 quart of water with ½ cup vinegar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or rubbing alcohol. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle and use on glass surfaces. Use newspaper instead of paper towels to wipe the glass. It’s eco-friendly and it doesn’t leave lint behind like paper towels will.

Scratches can be removed from glass by rubbing toothpaste into the scratch and polishing with a clean cloth.

Degreaser

Here you’ll still need a store-bought product, but opt for a scouring powder that doesn’t contain chlorine and use fine steel wool or a nylon scouring pad.

Coffee pots

Coffee maker cleaner is commercially available in most stores, but a cheaper, chemical-free method is to fill the reservoir with white vinegar and run it through a normal cycle, then follow up with one or two cycles with clean water only to rinse out any residual vinegar taste and smell. This method is actually more effective at removing calcium and lime than the brand name products…trust me I’ve tried them all.

Remove coffee stains from the inside of the coffee pot by scouring with a salt or baking soda mixture. Add enough water to make a moist paste and rub with a sponge or cloth until clean. Rinse thoroughly. This method also works to remove tea and coffee stains from porcelain and china cups.

Oven Cleaner

If you can get to spills before they cool, sprinkle with salt and rub with a sponge. Cooled spills are tougher. Try making a paste from baking soda, salt and water and scrub spots with the mixture. For really tough spots make a solution of 2 tablespoons liquid soap and 2 teaspoons borax in 1 quart of warm water. Spray on oven surfaces and let sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing with fine steel wool.

Stainless Steel

Clean stainless steel cookware by rubbing with undiluted white or cider vinegar. The same method can be used on tableware. Remove heat stains or streaks by rubbing with club soda. Sinks can be cleaned by rubbing with olive oil.

Aluminum

Remove stains from aluminum cookware by filling with hot water and adding cream of tartar at the ratio of 2 tablespoons per quart of liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry.

Brass and Copper

Brass may be cleaned with Worcestershire sauce or by rubbing with toothpaste. You may also boil onions and use the water after the onions have been removed. Tomato paste or ketchup is also effective. Coat the metal and let sit. The acid in the tomatoes take off tarnish. For added shine and brightness, rub brass with a small amount of olive oil after cleaning.

Brass and copper can be cleaned by making a paste of either lemon juice and salt, or lemon juice and cream of tartar. Apply the paste and let sit for 5 minutes, then rinse off with warm water and dry.

Silver

To polish silver, mix 1 quart of warm water with 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon salt and a piece of aluminum foil. Soak the silver for 5 minutes. This creates an ionized solution that works like a reverse-plating process, removing the tarnish particles from the silver and attaching them to the aluminum foil. The foil can then be thrown in your recycle bin.

Pewter

To clean pewter, make a paste of 1 cup white vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt and enough flour to thicken the mixture. Apply the paste to the pewter and let it sit for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Then rinse with warm water and buff dry.

Not only are these cleaning alternatives more earth-friendly than most of the commercially available products, they are just as effective and will cost you much less money. Have other suggestions? Please feel free to add your comments and let us know your ideas.

For further reading on this topic, check out the following resources:

Image courtesy of visualphotos.com.

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