learn how to green your home

Adapted from an article on reformenergynow.com

• Turn off all unused lights when leaving the room or when they are no longer needed.

• Utilize natural lighting when possible. When reading during the daytime, open a curtain or blind and sit next to the window.

• Change out incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Incandescent (regular) light bulbs waste most of the energy used to power them in the form of heat. A typical incandescent light bulb has a light returned to power ratio of about 15 lumens per watt. A compact fluorescent bulb has a ratio of about 50 to 100 lumens per watt1. The amount of power that is saved over the life of a bulb can result in significant cost savings as well as using less energy. A typical compact fluorescent bulb can last from 4 to 7 years, and come in many sizes, shapes, and styles. For more information click here.

Submitted by Cait Johnson, Care2.com

Here are some great formulas that really work to remove grease stains, chewing gum, food and red wine stains, and even cat mistakes. Find out how to have sweet-smelling, fresh-looking rugs, safely and naturally.

Always try these formulas on a bit of rug that is out of sight first, to be sure they won’t cause discoloration or fading.

Submitted by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com

Citrus peel extract is an excellent choice against fleas for dogs, because its components—d-limonene and linalool—kill all stages of the flea's life cycle. I have completely eradicated our home and dogs of fleas using citrus peel extract—I don’t think anything else works as well. Still, you must use caution: while it is a natural material, and much safer for health and the environment than toxic synthetic pesticides, it is not without problems, especially for asthmatics (see “Caution,” below). Citrus shouldn't be used around cats.

For Fleas from and on Dogs
Assuming you don’t own a cat, and you keep your windows open when using citrus peel extract products, get rid of fleas in your house by washing floors twice a week with a solution of 1/4 cup citrus peel extract (available in health food stores--citra solve is one brand) in 1 to 2 gallons of water. Spray bedding with a mixture of 2 teaspoons citrus peel extract and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.

To make a fur rub for the dog, cut up 4 lemons, and simmer for one hour in 1 quart of water, adding more water as it evaporates. Cool the mixture, strain, and massage into the dog’s coat. Note that there are a number of pure citrus-peel-based pet products on the market

Submitted by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com

Most modern synthetic cleaning products are based on age-old formulas using natural ingredients that were passed down through the generations because the chemistry was right. Going back to the original naturally-derived ingredients is a way to make cleaning products that work, don’t pollute, and save you money. Most are found in your kitchen cupboards. Mix and match with well-chosen and environmentally-friendly green cleaning products found in health food stores, and you can easily and simply transform your home into a nontoxic and healthy haven.

Submitted by Annie Berthold-Bond, Care2.com

Learning to clean from scratch—making home-made recipes—can truly work if you take time to understand a bit about the chemistry behind how the materials work. Here are the five ingredients that I find to be the safest, most effective, and useful for cleaning.