Being green, staying clean… And economizing (due to rising fuel prices)
Tatiana August 6th, 2008
Three of my utmost favorite household staples are all-natural products that have multiple practical uses. I am especially fond of non-toxic, eco-friendly products that not only work efficiently, but are healthier for my pets and my household, as well as being cost-effective.
Number 1: Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds: http://www.drbronner.com/DBMS/SSLI32/SalSudsLiquidCleaner.htm
Just a few drops diluted in water, it’s the ideal all-purpose cleaner for laundry, kitchen counters, floors, bathroom surfaces, and manual dish-washing… A little goes a LONG way, plus using one sole biodegradable product for the bulk of the house-cleaning tasks saves a substantial amount in comparison to buying costly, toxic and artificially-scented name-brand solvents that are potentially hazardous to ourselves, our pets and the environment.
Number 2: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apart from the fact that it’s tartly refreshing for summer salad dressings, when diluted in water (with a few drops of rose or lavender extract, for example), ACV is terrific for cleaning windows, mirrors and glass surfaces. Keeping a pre-mixed spray bottle is also practical for soothing and wiping the dogs when they return from summertime walks and is purported to have anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties due to the malic and acetic acids it contains. It’s excellent for cleaning uninfected or non-yeasty dog ears and paws, and cheaper than the disposable baby-wipes. Plus it’s also said to be beneficial to our own complexions as an all-natural toner. WebMD lists several practical uses for this ancient all-purpose tonic: http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar
Number 3: Tom’s All-Natural Glycerin Soap http://www.tomsofmaine.com/toms/product.asp?dept%5Fid=200&pf%5Fid=CB%2DNMBW
For those of us that are repulsed by soggy soap bars, or fear slipping on one and cracking our heads open in the shower, liquid dispensers are the best invention since sliced bread… The great thing about this brand is that it’s suitable for bathing our dogs, leaving their coats fresh and lustrous… At least for the dogs that don’t require medicated or prescriptive shampoos, that is. The unscented variety is not only unisex, but it doesn’t seem to offend anyone with allergies or sensitive noses, and having one bathing product for your self and the dog(s) helps to eliminate all the superfluous toiletries we so don’t need cluttering up our bathrooms.
