Sparkling

So, I'm not a big fan of joining bandwagons, particularly the whole "going green" idea. I don't believe that conserving energy, recycling, and eating local produce is important simply because it is the latest fad. I went along living life doing my best to keep lights turned off in the house when not in the room, changing the lint drawer in my dryer after every laundry load, rinsing out soup cans to go in the recycling bin, and deemed the nickname "health nut" from my mom. But why join the "going green" movement? It's just another fad that will fade out in the next decade or so, isn't it? Besides, why shouldn't I expect it to become another multi-million dollar industry? Why get sucked in?

However, I'm starting to change my attitude about "going green." Buying organic groceries can certainly cost you a pretty penny, but buying locally grown produce actually doesn't cost very much. Before moving from Arizona, I heard of Bountiful Baskets - local food that's left over from restaurants and grocery stores. You can pick it up at a delivery spot, and I think for a family of four you pay $35 for two weeks and get a lot of food. Small fruit stands mark Utah streets in the summer and fall - all local food. Anyone is excited to save a penny, right? (especially in this economy.) Plus, having once owned our own business, I am grateful for the opportunity to support local business owners.

Recently, I've been studying up on "green" cleaning products, specifically, home-made cleaning solutions. But to do this cost-effectively, I'm replacing the home-made solutions when my store-bought ones have run out. Last week my Clorox All-Purpose cleaner ran out. And, instead of spending $5-$6 for a new bottle, I spent $1.99 for a galon of vinegar. Mixed with equal part water, you have an all-purpose cleaning solution that costs close to nothing.

And my bathroom is sparkling!

Get this...
1. Add 1/2 c. distilled vinegar to your laundry for a natural fabric softener.
2. For a really good scouring agent: mix baking soda and castile soap.
3. Furniture can sparkle with 2 parts olive oil + 1 part lemon juice for a home-made furniture polish.
4. Do you have a wood or pergo floor? Try this:
1/3 white distilled vinegar
1/3 rubbing alcohol
1/3 distilled water; add first three ingredients to bottle & shake.
3 drops castile soap; add & shake bottle.
5-25 drops essential oil, for fresh scent; add & shake.
Shake before each use.
5. Add your favorite essential oils to any cleaning solution for a fresh smell. White Tea Tree Oil inhibits bacteria, mold, and fungus growth. I'm going to be adding 2-3 drops to every cleaning solution I make.