Spring cleaning is all about clearing away the dust and the grime, freshening up our homes and breathing in the naturalness and newness of the season. However, using toxic, chemical laden cleaners can make spring cleaning quite the health hazard.

So, avoid running the risk of allergies, breathing disorders, skin conditions and more, and use green and eco-friendly cleaners to clean, shine and scrub.

Here are the top 3 places where you can find green cleaners for spring cleaning:

1. Your Kitchen Cabinet

Yes, that is right. Start by raiding the kitchen cabinets to put together an all-natural, eco-friendly, green cleaning kit. You can clean most of your home using simple combinations of vinegar, baking soda, washing soda, salt, lemons, and water. For a quick and effective eco all-purpose cleaner, simply mix together equal proportions of vinegar and water and use it to wipe clean countertops, mirrors, windows, the refrigerator, oven and pretty much anything where you need an all-purpose cleaner. Here are some more eco-friendly cleaner recipes to help you create your green clean kit.

 2. The Grocery Store Aisles

Once you’re done making your own cleaners and need the heavy duty stuff, head to the store and check out eco-friendly cleaning products by brands such as Seventh Generation, GreenWorks and Method. These companies make cleaning products that are gentle on the skin and the planet. Method for instance, prides itself on using ingredients that come from plants and not animals while GreenWorks offers you cleaners made from naturally derived ingredients that wouldn’t burn your eyes and nose as you use them and leave chemical residues after you’re through with them.

3. In Your Closet

Yes, your closet is home to raggedy t-shirts and maybe, bed linen that really needs to go. Instead, of just throwing them away, turn old clothes into reusable cleaning cloths. Simply, wash and dry them in the sun, then cut them to size, serge the edges if you’d like or simply hem them neatly and you’ll have a stack of reusable cleaning cloths to green your spring clean season.

Spring cleaning shouldn’t mean donning face masks and getting the kids out of the house (unless, of course, that will speed things up!), it should be about cleaning your space and removing the clutter, the dirt and the grime, naturally and safely.

So, where do you find your green cleaners for spring cleaning season?

Photo Credit 1: Andrey

Photo Credit 2: Karyn Christner

If you’re unsure about the Method line of laundry detergent, you can try it out without a huge commitment. They have these adorable 8 load bottles, perfect for sampling different scents or for the dorm room. Who needs a gigantic jug o’ detergent in a dorm room? That’s right, no one.

I’ve been using the Method laundry pump for about a month now and I’m unashamedly, unabashedly in love with it. There’s no more spilling, no sticky detergent, no dripping spout, no gummy lines in my HE washer. I just squirt, squirt, squirt, squirt into the drum of the washer, shut the door and let ‘er go. It doesn’t get easier.

When effective, easy, and environmentally friendly join forces? I’m in.

Want to win a year’s supply of Method laundry detergent?

Unfortunately, Earth Day and eco-friendly living have become yet another opportunity for big brands and businesses to market ‘green’ products or ‘greenwash’ the consumer looking for sustainable and environmentally sensitive options.

Greenwashing is when corporations and big businesses put a ‘disingenuous’ spin on their products and policies and label them green or eco-friendly.

However, there are ways to continue celebrate Earth Day this April without getting greenwashed:

1. Don’t Buy the Marketing and Hype

Going green does not mean buying more stuff, labeled ‘eco-friendly’. Going green, in fact, means reducing our consumption as far as possible. So, before you pick up more stuff, ask yourself whether you really need it or not. If not, put it down and move on.

2. Read the Ingredients On Everything

Yes, whether you’re buying so-called natural soap or a bottle of maple syrup, read the ingredients. Basic rule, if they’re understandable, easy-to-pronounce and don’t include items that should be in a science lab, you may have an actual green product on your hands. But if that bottle of maple syrup has ingredients such as corn syrup, artificial or nature-identical flavorings and coloring, preservatives and thickeners, you can just disregard whatever it is that the label says.

Earth Day was first celebrated in San Francisco, on the first day of Spring, in 1970. Since then, April 22nd has been selected as the date each year to recognize the holiday. This year, observe the holiday by getting your house in shape. Here are some simple ways to make your home the greenest on the block.

Revamp your home recycling system.  If you are one of the many who haven’t established a recycling system at home, don’t spend one more minute feeling guilty – just make a change. Call the garbage company and order your recycling bins. In many cities, its free to recycle on the curb, and they drop off bins at no charge. Other cities may charge an extra fee for home recycling removal – but most areas now have some sort of service for pickup. The key to at home recycling is making it easy. Find a place near your main garbage can (usually in the kitchen) to toss your recycling trash. Put the bin anywhere else and it won’t get used nearly as much. In our home, we started with a bin in the garage for recycling. But walking all the way to the garage with trash in my hands during dinner prep was impractical. I was rarely using the bin and needed to make it more of an easy habit. I cleaned out a section in the cabinets under the kitchen sink, and installed a salvaged cardboard box cut down to fit the space for our jars, cans and paper trash. It’s much easier to access and I find that my whole family is more likely to use it now. If you live in a two story home, you’ll probably need a second recycling bin upstairs. Convenience is the name of the game when it comes to recycling. Make it easy and you’ll find better habits forming in no time.

Compost anyone? Composting isn’t sexy – but it is a wonderful way to reduce your waste production. Another bonus – you can use it to enrich your lawn and garden – and even prevent weed growth. It seems like every day someone is coming out with a new product to make composting less of a hassle. Check out this cool composting system from Envirocycle. The feeling you get from composting is fantastic. Suddenly the food your toddler refuses to eat becomes fuel for plant life – instead of just good nutrients being thrown in the garbage can. For more detailed information on composting, read this great compost tutorial.

Set up a rainwater collection system for your home. Kelly Kinkaid wrote an informative article on the benefits of rain barrels for Blissfully Domestic. Click here to learn everything you need to know about setting up one of your own. Collecting your rainwater is easier than you might think. And the benefits are amazing.

Clean Like a Mother has original music by the truly amazing Noah -he’s the one on the right in this pic. “Clean like a mother and put the hurt on dirt. . . ” yeah, it tickles me.

The Method Company is made up of “People Against Dirty.” And when they say dirty they don’t just mean household dirt, they mean dirty environmental practices, as well.

What’s really cool is their products don’t sacrifice efficacy in the name of ecology. After all, why would you spend money on an ineffective product? They chose to spend their time creating effective, beautiful and environmentally friendly products. They don’t care whether you buy their products because they work, because they smell nice, because they are beautiful (you do realize that light wall behind us in the photo is made from bottles of their handwash, right?), or if you choose Method because they ARE environmentally friendly.

All that matters is the in the end, when you use Method, you are using an environmentally friendly and safe household cleaner. Keep reading for $1 off coupon.

Naturally, for such a lovely holiday, one would want to choose the very best gifts to give to the kids in the family.

After all, if you’re using natural dyes to colors those Easter eggs, chances are you don’t want to give presents that would either be thrown away the next day or bring in chemicals and lead-laden colors into your child’s play room.

With a collection of organic and eco-friendly toys meant specially for the Easter basket:

Wooden Rabbits for the Easter Baskets

This little wooden bunny is perfect of the Easter basket, especially for kids aged 12 months to 2-years. You can pull it along and the bunny hops to chase the carrot attached to the string!

Help’s here with some really fun, simple and natural egg dyes for a green Easter. Yes, you can color an Easter egg without tainting it with chemicals and with everything from your kitchen!

Here’s how to use natural egg dyes easily to create red, yellow and green Easter eggs:

Ravishing Red Colored Eggs

Take a beetroot or two and roughly chop it up. Put it in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt, and ¾ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then, simmer for ½ an hour. Strain and keep your natural red dye aside for coloring later.

Naturally Yellow Dyed Eggs

Turmeric is a staple in every Indian household. Known as ‘haldi’ it is a part of our everyday cooking and its bright yellow color is beautiful. Naturally, I reached for it when looking to dye eggs yellow. In a saucepan, mix 3 tablespoons of turmeric in ¾ cup of water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and a tablespoon of salt. Let the mixture come to a boil and simmer for ½ an hour. Strain. Cool your natural yellow dye.

Go Green Easter Eggs

Naturally green colored Easter eggs can be made possible by boiling together about 2 cups of chopped spinach, canned blueberries and their juice along with 2 tablespoons of turmeric and 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Follow the same method of boiling and then, simmering for ½ an hour. Strain and cool. The dye will look orangey-brown but the eggs will come out nice and green.

Method for Dyeing Easter Eggs with Natural Colors

Boil the eggs and let them cool.

Place natural dyes in bowls or cups that will make submerging the eggs easy.

Submerge the eggs. The longer the egg will stay submerged, the deeper will be the hue. You can leave the eggs submerged overnight as well. In fact, if you do the dyeing with the kids in the evening, when they wake up in the morning, you can present them with their beautifully, naturally dyed Easter eggs!

Variations:

Once you’re comfortable making the basic dyes, you can experiment by mixing ingredients to create different hues. For instance, you can mix paprika with the turmeric to make a reddish yellow color or try mixing the beets with turmeric to see what color comes up. Make it into a fun experiment and the whole family can have fun coloring eggs naturally and safely this Easter.

Photo Credit 1: Jennifer Murawski

Photo Credit 2: albemar

The Method family has created a line of products that are environmentally friendly cleaners that actually clean. Sometimes when we make the green choice, we do so knowing that we’re going to have to either add in time, elbow grease, or lower our standards.

Method brought bloggers from around the country to San Francisco and held their first Method Summit. We got to meet the green chefs (the chemists who create the environmentally friendly products), the product designers (you think those awesome bottles happen by accident?), and the fragrance specialists, along with many of the other people who are involved in the creation of the product line.

The co-founders told their story, how they started in an apartment shared by a bunch of bachelors. Their story involved selling products in demos at grocery stores and out of the back of a borrowed car. The highlights of landing a trial period in Target and the fear (could they make enough product for that trial?) that followed.

Method isn’t some gigantic, faceless corporation; they are a small company impacting the way home cleaning products are made. It’s crazy to think, but the two men who launched Method are the David in the Goliath market of consumer packaged goods.

1. Save Money on Groceries

Growing fruits and vegetables is a great way to get started with gardening and also, save quite a bit of money on your monthly grocery bill. Plus, because you would know exactly what’s gone into those fruits and vegetables, you wouldn’t have to worry about chemicals, pesticides and other scary stuff.

 2. Recycled Compostable Materials

Gardening gives you great opportunity to compost and recycle. You can create your own compost from food scraps and vegetable peels from the kitchen and use it to fertilize your garden organically.

You can also, use recyclables to grow your garden on a budget. Think, recycled seed starting containers, for example.

3. Reducing Carbon Footprint

Reducing our footprint on the planet is not an easy thing to do but a garden makes that possible. By growing your own fresh produce, herbs or ornamental plants, you not only add healthy oxygen to the environment, you also reduce your footprint by cutting down on trips to the market or buying exotic fruits and vegetables.

4. Getting Some Exercise

Yes, we all know that we need to get off the couch more often, but we rarely seem to find the time. A garden will ensure that you get much-needed outdoor time and exercise to keep you fit and healthy. Plus, being in the midst of greenery is known to be a great mood booster as well.

 5. A Fun Family Activity

Finally, growing your own garden is a super-fun and almost free activity for the whole family. You can get the younger kids involved, keep the older ones engaged and get your spouse to help out too. Take gardening beyond the garden to make it even more fun. Read about it. Visit flower exhibitions. Show off the beauties from your garden to friends and relatives.

Yes, gardening can be a great way to go green and live a more sustainable life. So, tell me, are you ready to start growing your garden?

 Image Credit: Salvadonica Borgo del Chianti

Great!

Make it fun and interesting and start your seeds in containers, found all over the house.

Here are 5 great recycled seed starting containers that are perfect and inexpensive too:

1. An Egg Carton as a Container for Starting Seeds

These are probably the easiest ways to make a container to house your little seedlings. Simply remove the lid and voila, small compartments for you to fill with earth and your seeds and then, plant them directly. The carton disintegrates into the earth once planted and your plants don’t have to have their roots disturbed.

2. Baby Food Jars Make Great Seed Starting Containers

If you’re a mom with a baby who’s starting solids, all you need to do is save up all those empty baby food jars, discard the lids or maybe, keep them for some recycled crafting and use the jars to fill with soil and plant the seeds.

3. Milk Jugs and Juice Cartons are Easy, Eco Containers for Seedlings

Our homes are probably overflowing with milk jugs and juice cartons. Put them to good use in the garden by lopping off the tops, punching a few holes at the bottom and then, simply filling them with earth and your seeds.

Yes, here is a simple, effective DIY recipe for an eco-friendly and green cleaner. Best part, it is quick and cheap too!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup white, non-fruit, distilled vinegar
• ½ cup water
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda or sodium bicarbonate

Method:

• In a plastic spray bottle, pour the vinegar and add the baking soda. It’ll froth up instantly, so do this in the sink so that you don’t have any spills on the floor.
• Add the water. Shake it up nicely.
• You can use this cleaner to clean glass, countertops, your child’s highchair, toys, and pretty much everything else too.

Should you not have vinegar handy, here is another eco-friendly cleaning solution to the rescue:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups hot water
• ½ teaspoon washing soda or sodium carbonate
• A few drops of liquid soap

Method:

• Simply mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake it up to dissolve the washing soda, and you’re all set to clean up in an easy and eco-friendly way.

Green cleaning solutions are not expensive or intensive to make. In fact, it is SO easy to mix them up that once you get started, you’ll never spend another dollar on commercial cleaning solutions. Plus, you’ll have the added peace of mind that the toys you just wiped don’t have any chemical or waxy residue on them. So, go ahead, make your own green cleaner and clean your home green this year!

Photo Credit:Karyn Christner

1. Switch to Cloth

One of the easiest changes you can make to go green at home is to switch to cloth instead of paper for table napkins, kitchen dusters and cleaning wipes.

 2. Make Your Own Face Scrubs

Using green cosmetics is easier than you think. Simply mixing up brown sugar, cinnamon powder and some olive oil can help you make your own sweetly scented face scrub. Using coconut oil instead of chemical-laden lotions will keep your skin glowing and nourished. Here is some more inspiration for greening your beauty routine. 

 3. Reuse Glass Jars

Glass jars can be reused and turned into attractive gifts, canning jars or even, containers to store stationery and craft supplies. You can even keep quite a few jars in the craft closet to let the kids paint them during art sessions.

 4. Reuse As Much Paper As Possible

Paper is easily trashed and wasted. However, you can easily reuse notepaper that has one side written on it into scribble pads for the kids. Save gift wrapping paper and recycle it for craft projects, scrapbooking or even, wrapping gifts again.

 5. Turn Old Clothes into Cleaning Rags

You know that raggedy t-shirt that you want to trash? Cut it up into squares, serge the edges and you’ll have a neat set of cleaning cloths ready in next to no time. You can do the same with any old, cotton clothes and use them to dust, mop and clean up after a child’s exuberant painting session.

 6. Install CFLs

Installing CFLs is one of the best decisions you can make to turn your home into a green zone. Not only will you be saving energy, you’ll also be saving money in the long run. Start with one room, if budget is a concern and then, move to the other rooms in subsequent months.

7. Switch to Organic Produce

Want your refrigerator to be a storehouse of good health? Make the switch to organic produce and you’ll be eating healthier produce, free of pesticides and toxic chemicals. Not only will your family be eating wholesome food, the planet too will be a happier place.

 8. Save Water

Saving water doesn’t need a lot of investment. What it needs is paying attention to how we’re using or misusing water. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or using a bucket to bathe instead of the shower everyday are some of the easiest things you can do to save gallons of water.

 9. Refuse to Use Plastic

Are you still use plastic grocery bags? Make the change now. Switch to reusable cloth totes to bring home your organic produce and you would have a greener home at the end of the day.

 10. Line Dry your Laundry

Want to save energy, money and the planet? Start line-drying your laundry. Again, like with most eco-friendly practices, this one too is easy and economical. All you need is a clothesline to hang your laundry and let the sun do its job, naturally.

11. Green Your Household Cleaners

Want a clean home but no toxins? Simply make your own household cleaners using ingredients from your kitchen cabinet. Vinegar, baking soda, salt and lemons are all that you need to have a germ-free, sparkling home in next to no time. If making it sounds time-consuming, you can make green cleaning possible by switching to store-bought eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

 12. Ditch Bottled Water

Finally, stop that influx of plastic bottles entering your home by drinking water from the humble tap. Fill up reusable glass bottles and carry them when heading out. If chemicals in water is a concern in your neighborhood, invest in a water filter. You’ll make up the initial cost by saving on all that bottled water you buy when out and about.

 So, how would you be greening your home this year? Share with me in the comments below.

Photo Credit: D.Sharon Pruitt

Here is a month-by-month goal checklist for you to enjoy a self-sufficent, earth-friendly life in the new year:

January: Declutter, Recycle and Reuse

The start of the year is perfect for getting the clutter out and taking a good, hard look at what can be recycled or reused. Involve the kids in the recycling process as you get rid of toys that are no longer played with or clothes that don’t fit. Use this month to reflect upon all the “stuff” that you have and probably set a spending goal for the family so that you don’t end up replacing your clutter with more clutter as the months go by.

February: Eating Green and Healthy

February is perfect for setting the healthy eating goal. Begin the month by buying organic groceries, menu planning so that you can cook from scratch without losing your sanity and, exploring DIY options for family favorites like granola and cookies. Eating healthier is not only better for your family but also for the planet. Organic produce is free of pesticides and chemicals that eventually enter the earth and also, cooking from scratch means you’re consuming less processed and packaged foods.

March: Greening Your Laundry

The crisp air and sunny days in March are perfect for going green with laundry. Switch to organic detergents and line dry your laundry. Not only will you be saving money on power bills, you’ll be saving the environment too! This is also a great month to think about water conservation and reuse grey water too.

April: Grow a Kitchen Garden

Ahh, the weather is great and perfect for growing yourself a kitchen garden. Gardening can be a real fun eco activity for the kids and can help you grow your own organic herbs and vegetables. Even, if you live in an apartment, a “garden” of potted plants can easily be grown.

May: Plan Green Celebrations

Its almost the middle of the year and while you may have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries in the past few months, use May to plan for eco-friendly celebrations. Going forward strive to celebrate every occasion in an eco-friendly manner using reusable crockery and cutlery, cloth napkins and linen and food that is free of chemicals and preservatives.

June: Go Green with Cleaning Home

Summers are perfect for switching to eco-friendly household cleaners. Just make sure that you dispose of chemicals carefully and safely. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to make your own all-purpose cleaner using just vinegar and water. Save money, go green and have a clean home too. Wow, win-win!

July: Plan Eco-friendly Activities with the Kids

The kids are at home and you don’t want them planted in front of the television, right? So, set yourself the goal of planning fun and frugal eco-friendly activities for them. Regardless of how old a child is, you can always teach him about being green while having fun. From spending time in that organic garden of yours to making crafts, there is plenty to choose from.

August: Buy Eco and Green Back-to-School Supplies

Planning for back-to-school season is in full swing now and while you may be tempted by all the deals to buy the latest, fanciest, cutest, backpack or lunch box, stop. Can you reuse what your children already own? If not, don’t buy lead-laden, PVC-filled school supplies. Opt for natural and eco school supplies such as reusable snack sacks, tree-free notebooks as well as organic cotton backpacks.

September: Spend Time with Grandparents

Yes, this is a green living goal. Why? Because grandparents can teach children SO much about living an eco-friendly life. From baking cookies from scratch to having fun without technology to natural home remedies, grandparents are a storehouse of eco learning. Let your kids quiz them about how life was in their time and make positive changes in their own lives.

October: Enjoy an Eco-friendly Holiday Season

Yes, it is only October but goals need planning to be successful. So, plan now to enjoy a green and eco holiday season. From using good-for-you treats for Halloween to planning to rent your Christmas tree, you need to prepare in advance if you want to enjoy the holidays without hurting the planet.

November: Be a Green Beauty

The holiday season is perfect for revamping your skincare and beauty routine and switching from chemical-laden lotions and makeup to natural, homemade and eco products. You can easily make your own face scrubs and lotions using ingredients that are right there in your kitchen. So, make that switch.

December: Celebrate!

Yes, you green living goal for the last month of the year should be to celebrate everything that you’ve done in the past year. From greening your laundry to switching to eco-friendly cleaners to cooking from scratch, you’ve come a LONG way this year. So, take the time to celebrate the fact that with each month, you’ve come closer to living a life that is good for you and the planet.

What green living goals will you be setting yourself this year? Let me know in the comments and I’ll be your personal cheerleader!

Photo Credit:lululemon athletica

Photo Credit: 

Does your green and eco-friendly self cringe at the thought of shelling out money for a tree that would only be dumped at the end of Christmas season? Do you wonder about the safety of an artificial tree?

You’re not alone.

Christmas trees and the debate between real vs. artificial has been going on for really long now and while the jury is still out about the winner, we can go ahead and explore some options that really are eco-friendly and safe for the environment and your family.

1. Rent a Christmas Tree

Top of the list is a novel but totally green and eco-friendly practice of renting a live Christmas tree that comes intact with roots and is in a pot and still growing while you decorate it for Christmas. All you need to do is contact the Christmas tree rental company and ask them to deliver the tree and then, later pick up the tree after Christmas is over. Easy-peasy and eco, too!

Is it more expensive? Actually no. Most companies may charge a refundable deposit however, the actual cost is the same as buying a live tree.

Post-Christmas, once the trees are returned to the companies, they are either replanted in the nursery or in other locations, depending upon how big they’ve grown. Some companies donate the trees to reforestation projects or use them in urban landscaping projects. The Original Living Christmas Tree Company, for instance, plants the trees around schools, churches and in parks and watersheds.

Renting a Christmas tree is a brilliant and easy-to-do eco option that not only gets you a tree that wouldn’t be destroyed once the holidays are over but also lets you purify and freshen the air you breathe while the tree is in your home.

Some companies that offer “living” Christmas trees for rental are The Original Living Christmas Tree Company, The Living Christmas Co and The Little Tree Company.

2. Buy a Live Christmas Tree

If you can’t find a company to rent you a living tree this Christmas, maybe you can just buy one but with roots and all and then, have it replanted in your garden or if that’s too small, in a public area, such as a park.

Of course, you’ll need permissions for this as well as spend some extra money too, but think about it, no breathing in of toxic fumes, helping the planet by growing a tree and celebrating a green Christmas as well. Yes, it feels good, doesn’t it?

If you’d like more information about tree planting, check out the American Forests website

3. Alternative Christmas Trees

Photo Credit: F_A

Finally, you can go the alternative, DIY route and make your Christmas tree out of twigs or cake. For a twig tree, simply get a painted pot, fill it with mulch, so that the twigs can stand in it. Next, get some artistic looking twigs, cleaned of dried leaves and mud and “plant” them in the pot.

Then, just decorate.

For a “cake” Christmas tree (like the one in the photo above)that is bound to be a hit in a home with kids, check out this simple recipe from Disney ®Family Fun.

Or if you’d rather not make an alternative tree, you can get yourself an ornamental tree, there are ornamental trees available for all reasons and seasons.

Would you be getting yourself an eco-friendly Christmas tree this holiday season?

Make the holidays a greener and happier affair for both the planet and your family with these DIY recycling tips and ideas:

Recycle Greeting Cards into Wall Décor

Need to add a dash of holiday color to your walls. Create a Greeting Card Gallery on one of the walls.

All you need are some nails, a piece of twine or even, wool would do, some clothes pegs and your stash of old greeting cards.

• Drill the nails into the wall, one at each side.
• Tie the string around the head of the first nail and pull it tight across to the other nail. Tie again.

That’s it. Now use the clothes pegs to fix the cards artistically on the string. You can create as many “rows” as you’d like and vary the distance between each for more impact.

Recycle Newspaper and Artwork into Wrapping Paper

Make a commitment to not buy or waste any wrapping paper this season. So, will that mean your presents will go unwrapped? Actually, no. Just recycle kids’ artwork as well as old newspapers or magazines (see photo above) into wrapping paper that is green and personalized. For instance, for a sports-loving Uncle, you could wrap the gift in the Sports section of the paper. A fond Aunt would love to get her gift wrapped up in her niece’s artwork.

Host a Holiday Decorations Swap Party

Getting tired of putting up the same decorations year after year, but don’t want to break the bank on new ones? Recycle your decorations at a Swap Party. Invite a few friends over and ask them to bring decorations that they don’t want to use this year as long as the items in good condition. Then, swap!

Recycling Holiday Gifts

Now, this one may make you cringe a little but really, haven’t we all received gifts that we’d never use or need? Yes, we have. So, recycle those gifts and match them with people who’d actually appreciate them. There is little use in keeping that blue bedspread hidden in your linen closet when your teal-loving friend may actually use it.

This holiday season when you receive gifts that are not the right fit for you and cannot be returned or exchanged, put them into a Gift Closet and recycle them through the year.

How do you recycle during the holiday season? What are your best recycling tips for green and eco-friendly holidays? Do share in the comments below.

Photo Credit:JaseMan

Here are some fun and easy DIY Thanksgiving crafts that kids of all ages can do and enjoy:

Create a Thanksgiving or Gratitude Box

Bring the feeling of thankfulness alive by making a simple yet beautiful Thanksgiving box.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Empty cereal box or similar cardboard carton
• Sheet of solid colored or patterned paper to cover the cereal box
• Scrapbooking supplies: magazines pictures, old photos, greeting cards
• Scissors
• Glue
• Glitter and stickers

And then, let’s make it:

1. Glue the open ends of the cereal container shut.

2. Cut a slit in the top of the box.

3. Cover the box with solid-colored or patterned paper.

4. Let the kids decorate it with photos, pictures or simply an image of whatever they’re thankful for. Add embellishments with stickers and glitter.

Hand out small notes to everyone and let them write down whatever they’re thankful for. Pass the box before you sit down at the table and then, read the notes after dinner. A lovely way to teach kids the meaning of Thanksgiving while having fun too. How cool is that?!

Make Personalized Placemats for Thanksgiving Dinner

Add a dash of personalization and creativity by getting the kids together and making fun placemats for your Thanksgiving Dinner. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Thick card paper 11”x17”, one for each member at the Thanksgiving Table
• Color copies of family photos. Include at least one of each member of the family.
• Thanksgiving notes written by the kids or by you, on their behalf.
• Glue
• Assorted embellishments such as, glitter, stickers, cutouts, etc.

Directions:

1. Glue the photos, collage style on to each placemat.

2. Glue a personalized Thanksgiving note somewhere in the middle or the corner of the collage.

3. Add assorted embellishments as each kid sees fit. Mine loves stickers and glitter so we get a lot of that on each placemat.

4. Allow to dry.

5. Once dry, head to the copy store and have them laminated. Voila, easy-peasy personalized photo placemats for Thanksgiving Dinner.

Fall Leaf Coasters

Similar to the personalized placemats, you can make beautiful coasters using nothing more than leaves and cardstock. Simply, collect some colorful Fall leaves on your next Nature walk and glue them on thick cardstock cut to the size of a traditional coaster. Laminate and you’re done!

What crafts will you be making for a green and eco-friendly Thanksgiving?

Photo Credit: Steven Depolo

We must also start thinking about ways to cut down on heating costs and yet stay warm. Here are the five best and simplest ways to save money on home heating and still stay nice and toasty this winter season:

1. Get Your Heating System Serviced Regularly

Begin by calling in a certified technician to service your heating system each year. While the cost of $80 to $100 may seem a lot, think of all the money you’ll save by using a serviced, clean and efficient heating system. A typical service will include cleaning the unit and changing the filters in the furnace and humidifier.

2. Use Ceiling Fans and Solar Energy

I know what you’re thinking. Heating and ceiling fans? But hear me out. Heat rises and running a ceiling fan at low speed and in reverse will cause the warm air to circulate and keep your home warmer for longer while reducing the time your furnace needs to run. See, makes sense, doesn’t it?

Also, make full use of the sun’s natural and free heating energy by keeping drapes on the southern side of your home open during the day. Not only will your home be warmer, it will also be better lit! Do remember to pull the drapes shut during the evening to keep the heat inside.

3. Insulate the Ceiling

I did mention that heat rises, right? That is why you need to ensure that your ceiling or attic (if you have one) is well-insulated.

4. Read the Labels

Reading the labels is important not only for food items but also for electrical appliances. Check the “energy star” label on every new appliance that you buy this winter. More stars means better energy efficiency as per the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. So, you stay warm and save on energy costs too.

5. Dress Warm to Stay Warm

It makes little sense to lounge around the house in summer wear while spending a bomb on heating the home. Instead, bundle up and dress in layers to stay warm without turning up the thermostat. Bring out the extra blankets and comforters and use them around the house on couches and sofas to snuggle up in while chatting, reading or watching TV.

Staying warm in winter shouldn’t burn a hole in your savings. Use these simple yet effective ways to ward off the winter chill and save money too.

Photo Credit: Shay Sowden

It’s the spooky season and chances are you’re stocking up on candy and treats for little trick-or-treaters. However, in the midst of all the ghouls and goblins, take a moment to plan a Halloween that is green and eco-friendly too while being seriously spooky!

Here are some green and eco-friendly tips for a Halloween that is high on fun but low on environmental impact and cost:

Ditch the Plastic Costumes

Costumes, regardless of how scary they look, shouldn’t be scary from an environmental perspective. Ditch the costumes made of PVC or soft vinyl and instead, opt for eco-friendly, DIY-style costumes. You’ll be amazed at the wonderful costumes that you can create with some old sheets, craft supplies and a dash of creativity.

Here is a great article on Last Minute Halloween costumes to inspire you instantly.

The other option is to buy used costumes or better still, organize a costume swap with other parents at the school and get cool costumes that can easily be recycled once Halloween is over.

Go Organic with Face Paint

A costume isn’t complete without some face paint but you don’t have to choose those toxic, chemical-laden paints for your kids’ skin this year. Instead, choose a non-toxic color such as the Terra Firma Face Paints offered by Ecomom.com as well as the eco-friendly non-toxic nail polish from Piggy Paint that comes in an aptly titled seasonal set, “Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun”.

Green Treat Ideas

All that candy during this time will not do anyone good. Least of all, your kids’ teeth. So, this year, instead of doling out candy, get creative and give out small tokens instead. These could include homemade food items – dry fruit or fruit leather, whole food bars or small boxes of organic granola.

The Green Halloween folks have tons of eco-friendly treat ideas listed for you to choose from or you could just choose from these fun Fall treats for Halloween by Megan.

Save Energy During Halloween

All those candles, lights and lamps can quickly add up to a high impact Halloween. So, does that mean you have Halloween without candles and lamps? Actually no. Instead, choose candles that are made of 100% beeswax or soy candles. Use LED or solar lighting if you can instead of regular lamps and lights.

You can also save on energy and fuel consumption by restricting trick-or-treat trips to around the block, on foot and in a group. It is safer, more fun and definitely better for kids and the planet too.

Are you planning a green and eco-friendly Halloween? What tips do you have?

Photo Credit: Sarah Ackerman

Make Doodle Pads out of Scrap Paper

According to results of a research study published in the Science Daily , doodling helps memory recall. Plus, doodling is a great way to boost creativity as well.

Make eco-friendly doodle pads for the kids with sheets of paper that have just one side written on. Stash extras in the art closet while leaving a few lying around to let the kids scribble on them.

Nature-Based Art Projects

Nature walks are a great way to introduce kids to different plants, animals and insects. They’re also a great way to stock up on raw material for art projects.

Inspire creative thinking in kids by encouraging them to engage in at least one nature-based art project. It could be as simple as sticking leaves on cardstock for preschoolers to as advanced as making reusable cloth bags for tweens.

If you need some ideas, TLC Family’s website has tons of Nature craft and experiment ideas to choose from.

Hold an Art from Trash Exhibition

Gather kids in the family or neighbourhood and give them a carton of “trash” or scrap material and tell them to let their imaginations run loose. Used gift wrap, old greeting cards, raggedy t-shirts,  newspapers, magazines, empty cans or cartons are just some of the things you could include in the “trash”.

Include some basic craft supplies – scissors, glue and paint and then, watch them come up with creative masterpieces.

Put on an exhibition displaying their works of art and who knows, maybe you could even sell a pencil holder made of an empty can.

Garden Up Some Creativity

Gardening is a fun family activity that can inspire kids in more ways than one. A kitchen garden or even, potted herbs are a simple yet easy way to boost creativity in kids while encouraging them to be green and eco-friendly.

Involve your kids in choosing plants, the layout of the garden and other gardening-related activities, especially using the produce or the flowers and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is for them to learn about sustainability and self-sufficiency while thinking creatively.

Inspiring kids to be creative and eco-friendly isn’t a difficult job. What will be difficult will be getting them to stop once they start!

Photo Credit: D.Sharon Pruitt

As a result, grandparents can be great teachers and help to encourage their grandkids to be more responsible and eco-friendly.

Here are some must-know ways about going green that can kids can learn from grandparents:

Grow an Organic Garden

Some grandparents are great gardeners and can recall growing their own produce and perhaps even grains. Kids can learn how to set up their own kitchen garden, choose the right plants, tend to them and grow organic produce from their grandparents.

Not only is gardening a fun bonding activity, it is a great way to spend time outdoors and go green as well.

Cooking from Scratch

Some grandmothers would not recall opening a tin to make soup or buying cake from the store. If your own culinary skills aren’t all that great, drop the kids off  at Grandma’s and let them learn how to make cupcakes from scratch and not from a box.

Older kids can also learn chopping fresh fruits and vegetables or bread-making from grandparents and understand the importance of using fresh over canned or preserved foods.

Line Drying Clothes

Many of our grandparents or great-grandparents didn’t have dryers and yet managed to dry their laundry just fine. Let the kids learn about line drying from grandma and adopt the practice in your own family as well and see the amount of energy and money that you end up saving while drying clothes naturally.

More Basic Green Living Skills to Learn from Grandparents

Living green is great for your family. Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint, you also save money.

Here are some more basic but essential green living tips that kids can learn from grandparents:

• Grandma can easily teach basic sewing skills to the kids to help them learn how to stitch on a button or mend a tear.
• Rainwater harvesting is something some grandparents would recall doing as kids themselves. Collecting rainwater is a great way to slash the water bill and preserve water too.
• Curbing food wastage by brown bagging it or eating at home more often.
• Walking instead of driving, running instead of sitting. Grandparents can share fun, interesting stories about how they did without a car or much public transport and also, how they spent time playing outdoors instead of watching television inside.

So, this Grandparents’ Day, let the kids make their gifts and not buy them from a store. And spend time with Grandpa and Grandma learning simple ways to be green and eco-friendly. Maybe plant a tree and see it grow through the year. Or just bake some bread and have it with homemade soup.

Photo Credit: Ben Hoyt

Well, you can avoid this nightmare by taking some steps to dispose off or recycle hazardous household waste and chemicals. Here are some ways to properly recycle and dispose of common household chemicals and toxic products.

Check the Label

Begin by reading the manufacturer’s instructions for disposing off leftover cleaning solutions or chemical products. If you can’t find this on the label, do visit the website and look for the information over there. It may usually be listed under FAQs or Product Information.

Household Chemical Collection Options

Most communities have a facility that collects household hazardous waste and toxic products. Look for one in your area. While some may have a permanent facility that collects chemicals all year round, others may have chemical collection days at a central location. Alternatively, the EPA advises that should your community not have a collection centre or a collection day, you can drop off certain products at local businesses, such as garages, for recycling or disposal.

Don’ts for Disposal of Household Chemicals

Along with the dos, there are some dont’s as well that you should keep in mind when disposing off hazardous products at home.

• Don’t pour them down the drain. Check with your local authorities since different areas have different regulations regarding household chemical disposal. However, at all costs, avoid flushing them into the sewer, drain or toilet if you use a septic tank system.
• Don’t attempt to finish them up. If you have an unused or half-used bottle of strong household chemicals like bleach or ammonia, don’t try to use them up in the attempt to finish them. These chemicals are toxic, poison the air and are a huge health hazard for homes with infants and elderly people.
• Don’t mix them up with other products to increase efficiency or make your own special chemical cleaner! According to the EPA, incompatible products can react, ignite and even, explode.
• Don’t ever store household chemicals in food or drink containers, such as bottles.

Finally, try to reduce your consumption and usage of chemicals as much as possible. Household cleaners, for instance, can be the first to go. Switch to eco-friendly cleaners for a clean and safe home. Be vigilant about storing the chemicals that you do have to use and as soon as you’re done with them, follow the steps above to ensure that you dispose of them safely.

References: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Website

Photo Credit: Dan McCay

What if that water wasn’t available? What if we were under strict water rationing?

Scary, isn’t it? Well, I know that that scenario is a bit extreme but if we all don’t practice some smart water conservation techniques, it could become a reality at some point of time. Water conservation does not mean giving up your bath or washing your clothes once a month. It means being smart and sensible about using water in your everyday life. Remember, every single drop counts.

Here are some simple water conservation techniques for the average householder, followed by ways to use grey water:

Turn off the Tap

You’ll be surprised at the number of people who leave the tap running while they brush their teeth, shave or do the dishes. So, go ahead and pay attention when you start brushing your teeth tomorrow and turn off that tap.

Ditch the Shower and the Hose

Yes, I know I said you don’t have to give up bathing but you can ditch the shower. According to EarthEasy.com, showering longer than 5 minutes wastes 5 to 10 gallons of water. So, either install low-flow showerheads or start using a bucket and pail.

Similarly, using a hose to wash the car, drive, patio or yard can waste hundreds of gallons on a weekly basis. Instead, use a bucket and a broom for the drive and yard or a bucket and sponge for the car and save gallons of water each week.

Fix the Faucet

Leaky faucets and dripping toilets are not just a nuisance but a big source of water wastage. Get them fixed right away. The U.S Geological Survey states that a constantly leaking toilet wastes up to 22 gallons of water every day!

Teach Kids About Water Conservation

Kids can be great about saving water. So, start early and teach them simple but effective ways of saving every drop. Show them how to turn the faucet tightly enough so that it is easy to open but doesn’t drip. Encourage them to use water wisely when taking a bath or brushing their teeth. Schedule water play during the summer months for only once a fortnight. Read to them about water conservation and let them come up with ways to save water. The Water Use It Wisely website has lots of fun games, resources and lesson plans to help you teach kids about conserving water.

Using Grey Water

Now that you’ve started saving water and conserving it, what do you do with all that grey water. Grey water is basically waste water from your home, excluding the toilets. According to Lets Go Green.com , “Typically, 50-80% of household wastewater is greywater from kitchen sinks, dishwashers, bathroom sinks, tubs and showers.”

How do you use grey water to maximize your water conservation efforts?

Here are some ways to do this safely and easily:

1. Use grey water to water your plant collection. Both indoor and outdoor plants can easily be watered using this household waste water. However, don’t use kitchen grey water in the garden since this type of grey water contains more harmful micro-organisms than other type of grey water and can damage both the plant and the irrigation systems.

2. Use it to flush toilets. Collect grey water in a bucket while you’re showering or scoop it out from your bathtub once you’re done and pour it down a toilet. No need to flush and a clean toilet too!

Conserving water and reusing grey water is not only eco-friendly but also easy on the wallet. So, go ahead and make these small changes that add up to a big difference.

Photo Credit: Even Normann

You see it all the time, use lemon juice or vinegar for cleaning. They are the green choice, use these safe and eco-friendly products and the world will smile.

Ok, I get it, they are the safe, environmental choice. But how on earth do lemon juice and vinegar actually help clean the house?

Most of the time when cleaning a surface we’re looking to transfer dirt from one surface onto a rag or towel that can then be washed and reused. The way we accomplish this task is to bring the dirt into solution so it can be moved from one surface to another. It’s really nothing more than basic chemistry at work.  Water is pretty much our standard solvent. There are exceptions, like when we use rubbing alcohol to clean up ink.

For today’s discussion a solvent is the liquid that dirt -or solutes- gets dissolved into. (Yes, I’m playing fast and loose with chemistry terms, but we’re only getting the basic idea, not study for Organic Chem finals).

Water, especially hot water is decent at bringing dirt into solution, but that ability can certainly be improved upon. We do this by changing the acidity of the water. Typically we lower the pH making the solution more acidic. The good news is that both lemon juice and vinegar are derived from natural sources. Distilled white vinegar is cheaper than lemon juice, but it has the drawback of a less than pleasing smell.

The more easily dirt can go into solution, the better your homemade cleaning agent.

Bonus: Adding a tiny squirt of detergent, like Dawn also helps make your cleaning solution more effective. Detergent molecules are two sided, they have one side that loves water and another that repels it. Detergent molecules completely surround tiny droplets of oil -which water can’t dissolve. When the tiny droplet is completely covered with detergent molecules, only the water loving sides are exposed, this allows the oil to be suspended in water.

If an acidic cleaning agent doesn’t seem to be working, try mixing up a new solution with water and baking soda or borax. Both of these are green and work in the opposite direction by raising the pH of water.

Go Green with a Solar Oven

A solar oven uses the rays of the sun to cook food in the most eco-friendly fashion. Food is cooked by the heat from the sun’s rays, which are concentrated using reflectors and collected in a simple, black, well-insulated box-like container. Temperature in the oven can go up to 300 to 350 degrees on nice, bright sunny days.

Best part, while you can buy a solar oven, you can save further by building your own, easily and simply. Here’s a simple 15-step guide to building your own solar cooker or oven.

Materials:

• Cardboard Boxes. One sized at least 20×22 inches and the other about an inch or two bigger than the first.
• Corrugated Cardboard Sheet for the lid. Make it at least 4 to 6 inches longer and wider than the outer box.
• Glass. At least 20×24 inches or 2 to 4 inches longer and wider than the inner box.
• 50 feet of aluminium foil.
• Thin black metal sheet, equal or slightly smaller in measurements to the inner box. You can also use flat, black spray paint
• Lots of straw or dry leaves or crumpled up newspaper sheets.
• Hanger wire
• Silicone caulk
• White glue

Make Your Own Solar Oven

1. Turn the bigger, outer box upside down. Now place the smaller box on top and center it and draw a line around it. Cut this out to make the window opening.

2. Now place the outer box on the cardboard piece for the lid, center it and draw around it. These are the fold lines. Extend these lines to the edges of the lid.

3. Place the inner box between the fold lines on the lid and trace around it. Cut only three sides of the inner line – one long line and two short ones.

4. Fold the flap that’s formed for the reflector. Voila, you have a window opening that is the same size as your inner box.

5. Next, join the boxes by turning the outer box the right side up. Spread glue on the inside of the rim.

6. Turn the smaller box upside down and place it inside the outer box.

7. Press the flaps of the rim against the inside of the window opening rim and join the two boxes into one double-walled box.

8. Then, time to create your insulation. Apply glue on all four walls of the inner box with care as well as all surfaces between the two boxes. Stick your aluminium foil sheets and then, fill any gaps with crumpled newspaper or straw. Repeat the process for the underside of the inner box. Close and glue the flaps of the outer box to seal the bottom of the cooker.

9. Turn the box facing upwards. Thin the white glue with water and apply it with a paintbrush on the dull side of the foil. Carefully, place the sheets to the inside and rim of the box, spread and smooth tightly. Set aside to dry. Repeat the procedure for the underside of the lid flap as well.

10. With the lid upside down, make a cut at the four corners just to the first fold lines. Score and fold along the edges. Overlap and glue the corners and keep them secured with something, like a clamp, till they dry.

11. Then, time to insert the glass in the window. Take the silicone caulk and spread it along the underside of the window opening rim. Press the glass in firmly yet gently so that it seals well. Leave to dry overnight.

12. Use the wire hanger to make a prop for the lid. Glue same-sized pieces of corrugated cardboard to the rims of the lid and the reflector parallel to one another. Bend the wire at both ends. Insert into corrugations to keep reflector propped open.

13. Next, add the black metal sheet inside the box or spray paint it black and leave to dry. This will be the surface on which the pots will sit while cooking.

14. Finally, put on the lid, prop the reflector open, aim toward the sun and leave it to dry out for several hours before starting to cook in it.

15. Enjoy eco-friendly, energy-efficient cooking!

So, go ahead and spend the weekend with the kids in tow to put together a solar oven and let the summer sun do your cooking for you!

References: DeGunther, Rik. Solar Power Your Home for Dummies, 2010. Wiley Publishing, NJ.

Photo Credit: Abri Le Roux

Cook Outdoors, Save Energy

With the temperature soaring and the long days, the summer season is the perfect time to take cooking outdoors. Not only will it help you keep cool but will also help lower energy costs easily and effectively. Here are some reasons why it makes sense to cook outdoors and also, how to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Why Go Grilling

Grilling food or cooking it outdoors can be a great way to cut energy costs that cooking food on the hob can run up. The summer season makes grilling a good choice not only because of the variety of fruits and vegetables available that can be grilled easily but also because the days are longer and the weather is so much better. Plus, cooking on the hob consumes more energy as compared to the latest energy-efficient grills in the market. According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, the top 6 reasons why people cook outdoors are:

• “because it is affordable and helps save money,

• because it is convenient and easier than cooking inside

• because it tastes so good.

• because it’s a great way to spend more time at home.”

Tips for Green, Energy-Efficient Grilling

While cooking outdoors is naturally better than cooking indoors, there are several ways in which you can make it a greener and more eco-friendly experience. Here are a few green grilling tips and ideas:

Choose a Green Grill

While charcoal grilling is the good, ol’fashioned way to go about cooking your food outdoors, it makes sense to invest in a grill that uses either biogas, propane or at least liquefied petroleum. According to a research report by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, “A liquefied petroleum gas grill operated for an hour would emit 5.6 pounds of carbon dioxide while a charcoal grill would emit about 11 pounds. An electric grill would account for about 15 pounds of carbon dioxide.”

Gas grills burn cleaner and leave behind less residue. If you do go for coal grills, choose the all-natural lump variety to avoid the additives used in briquettes.

Eco-friendly, Energy-Efficient Grilling

There are several ways in which you can lower energy cost while cooking outdoors. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Planning to make a steak? Yum! Choose organic and grass-fed meat and then, shower it with some of this flank steak marinade to help tenderize and moisturize it when grilling. Also, keep basting the meat over the grill to get that perfect steak. Marinades will help reduce the time needed to grill meat by tenderizing them and speeding up the cooking process besides improving the taste as well.
• You can also marinate veggies in some olive oil and herbs and soften them up before putting them on the grill.
• Put the hood of the grill down to not only increase and maintain energy efficiency but also help heat be distributed evenly throughout.
• If you have a charcoal grill, using an electrical charcoal starter will be a greener, energy-efficient choice than petroleum-based lighter fluid.

Maintaining Your Grill Makes It Energy-Efficient

A clean, well-maintained grill will consume less energy and help you use your grill year after year to create tasty and healthy meals. Use soy-based cleaners instead of the more harmful petro-based cleaners and you’ll have a clean, green grill easily.

Cooking outdoors can be a fun family activity and by using a few simple tips and tricks, you can ensure that it is eco-friendly and energy-efficient too. So, go ahead and make that yummy grilled ribs, but remember to use green grills, natural foods, and grilling techniques to maximize energy-efficiency.

Photo Credit: D.Sharon Pruitt