Green Lifestyle Tips: Creating Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

05/06/2011

It’s that time of year, again…time for spring cleaning! Unfortunately, many products and chemicals that we use to make our homes sparkle and gleam can be harmful to the environment, our families, and ourselves. Here are some recipes for effective household cleaners that are easy and cheap to make, and gentle on the environment!

Basic Window Cleaner:

•3 tsp. liquid soap

•3/4 c white vinegar

•1/2 tsp. baking soda

•4-8 drops lemon essential oil (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake well before using. When using, just spray on and wipe off! A more environmental alternative to using paper towels are a lint-free cloth or crumpled newspapers.

Soft Scrub (for toilets, sinks, and bathtubs):

•1 c baking soda

•1/4 c liquid soap

•2 aspirins, powdered

•3-4 drops of tea tree oil (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and available at health food stores)

Mix all ingredients together and add enough water to make a paste. This mixture can be kept in an empty shampoo bottle, or a similar container. To use apply with a sponge, scrub, and rinse thoroughly.

Drain Opener:

-pour 1 c each of salt and baking soda down the clogged drain, followed by ½ c vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it down with 2-3 quarts of boiling water.

*recipes from “Make Your Place: Affordable, Sustainable Nesting Skills by Raleigh Briggs”

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Frost Valley YMCA

Frost Valley YMCA is a 5,500-acre, year-round camp - There's something for everyone here in the Valley. From group and family retreats to overnight camps to horse camps to teambuilding, we've got you covered. School groups love taking a three-night field trip to explore the natural world and learn about the environment and their classmates. Family weekends are the perfect getaway for the young and the young at heart. Teambuilding retreats afford corporate, collegiate, religious, and other groups the opportunity to challenge themselves and effectively work toward common goals. In the summertime we're where kids and teens gain independence, explore the world, and make lifelong friends through various camps such as traditional sleepaway camp, farm camp, horse camp, adventure trips, and day camp. Call (845)985-2291 or email info@frostvalley.org to learn more today!