Old school alternatives for sold out tissue, wipes and diapers

Covid 19 binge buying has left shelves empty of many essential items. Just what does one do for toilet paper when a bidet is not a viable option? What if your baby needs wipes for sensitive skin and there's none on the shelf? Thankfully, there's an old school substitute for just about any essential item that's been shopped out of availability.

Toilet paper doesn't have to be paper

When TP started vanishing off the shelves, hubby and I bought a large pack of cheap washcloths just in case we ran out of TP while quarantined. I realize some folks might find this solution unappealing but it's no different from using cloth diapers for your baby. Just keep a stack in a basket for ease of use.

Washcloth TP tips:

To avoid irritation, run your wipe cloths under water before use.

Rinse before tossing in the laundry. (Or not, whatever you're comfortable with.)

Keep used cloths in a separate hamper. Wash separately as well.

Microfiber washcloths make awesome baby wipes

They're perfect for babies with sensitive skin. They're relatively inexpensive too. Especially when you consider that they can be re-used. Like commercial baby wipes, they're not just for diaper changing. They're soft enough for baby faces too.

Microfiber cloth baby wipe tips:

Make them portable by storing in an old wipe box, zip-lock bag or plastic container.

You can pre-wet them with water or unscented mineral oil.

Bring a separate zip-lock bag for used cloths that need washing.

Wash any unused pre-wetted cloths at days end to avoid mold issues.

Instead of bleaching, use hot water and a cup of hydrogen peroxide in the wash.

Cloth diapers are an obvious substitute for sold out disposables.

Don't worry, these are not your grandmother's cloth diapers. Modern ones are leak-proof and have snaps so no stabbing baby with awkward diaper pins. Some have washable liners for easier clean up too. Cloth diapers will save you money and are less polluting. You may even decide to switch permanently once the Coronavirus crisis is over.

Bonus tip:

By now you know about making your own hand sanitizer, right?

If not, simply mix up a solution of 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol 1/3 cup aloe vera gel. In a pinch, you can use straight rubbing alcohol but adding the aloe vera does keep your hands from drying. Keep your solution in a liquid soap dispenser for ease of use.

Cutting off plastic pollution and more at the source

At the tip top of my list of things that make you go hmmmm is this little gem. (And I do my part, but...) Why is it the average citizen is always left holding the bag and making up for all the irresponsible companies manufacturing tons upon tons of plastic and other products that jeopardize the planet?

Why are we expected to spend countless hours sorting it all out and in some cases paying for it to be picked up and processed?

Pinterest is filled with clever ways to re-use one time use items made with environmentally hazardous products and we fall for it every time.

Meanwhile, we miss the most obvious solution.

Why don't the powers that be simply make it illegal to make this crap in the first place?

Why in the heck is so much guilt loaded onto the average citizen when they can't afford or haven't the means to recycle in communities where doing so is neither free nor easily done? If “they” want us to recycle everything, why do “they” make it so hard?

In other words, why are average citizens always held responsible for the messes left behind by big business?

The answer is that there would be less money in the pockets of the ultra rich, of course. Awww, don't you feel so sorry for the billionaire owners of these companies who will lose money if they have to do things the right way?

And of course, they will try to pass the truth behind their actions off by citing job losses. Really? Are we going there? Because certainly, there will be more jobs created by the new, more responsible industries. We've seen that coming to fruition with wind and solar power already.

But hey, it's easier to make the average citizen feel guilty for corporate irresponsibility, right?

Yup.

And so it goes, forever and ever, Amen.

Cheap, green bathroom disinfecting

Commercial all purpose surface disinfectants can cost up to 15.00 a bottle. You want your bathroom to be clean and sanitized. You can't afford those prices. What's a tree hugger to do? Luckily, you can clean and sanitize your bathroom using common ingredients that don't harm the environment or make a huge dent in the household budget.

The power of steam

Inexpensive steam cleaners sanitize just as well as bleach. Prices range from 30. and up, depending on brand and functions. The simplest ones are mainly intended for flat floor cleaning. Others have nozzles for cleaning hard to reach areas, such as under pedestal sinks. Steam is a powerful disinfectant that uses only pure H2O. That's about as Eco-friendly as it gets.

Lemons and limes

You hear a lot about cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. Lemons and limes are a bigger secret that's just as effective. Both lemon and lime juice are great at freshening, sanitizing and removing grime. Limes are quite powerful on soap scum, rust and even mold. Try lime juice and baking soda on grout, shower rust and other tough bathroom stains.

Keeping toilets fresh and clean

You don't need chemical solutions to clean, freshen and sanitize toilets. Scrub with a paste of baking soda and vinegar to sanitize. That's all there is to it. If you prefer a scented solution, thyme and lavender essential oils have disinfectant properties as well. Use them around the toilet base and under the seat, where germs tend to collect.

Mirrors, windows and reflective surfaces.

Ammonia and water is a common homemade window cleaning product. Unfortunately, it's not so green. Commercially made Eco-friendly window cleaners are expensive. Why use them when less expensive ingredients will do the trick? Vinegar and water produces a streak free shine that rivals any known product, green or otherwise. Rubbing alcohol and water will do the same. Both are powerful disinfectants. To properly sanitize, use a solution of 60% vinegar or rubbing alcohol and 40% water.

Green disinfecting air freshener.

It's certainly a good idea to clear the air of harmful bacteria. Rather than relying on commercially made, chemical laden products, why not use something that sanitizes and freshens without harm? Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Add a little at a time until the strength of the scent is to your liking. Essential oils are all natural. They won't harm the environment. Still, it's best not to breathe them in directly, especially if you have trouble with allergies, sinus issues or asthma.

Note: To avoid discoloration, do not spray this solution on fabric.

Alternative medicine as a green living strategy

Most alternative medicine practices are green practices. Many green ways of preventing or curing disease are considered alternative medicine. Let's take a look at some alternative medicine recommendations and explore the green link in each of them

Eating close to nature

Using food as alternative medicine requires eating as close to nature as possible. Skipping processed foods, chemical pesticides and fertilizers (in favor of growing your own food) is about as green as it gets. Organic gardening is great alternative medicine for just about any health problem you might have. Eco-friendly organic food makes such great preventative medicine.

Herbal cures

Herbs are often used as natural remedies in alternative medicine. What could be more green than these gifts of mother nature? Whether you make a poultice, a salve or sprinkle them on your spaghetti, herbs contain a high amount of antioxidants. They also contain unique ingredients to relieve the symptoms of many diseases and conditions. For the most health and green benefits, be sure your herbs are organically grown.

Therapeutic alternative medicine

What could be greener than a massage? How about a session of yoga, or other therapeutic alternative medicine? These practices have been used for thousands of years with no harmful environmental side effects. They certainly beat invasive surgery, radiation and other forms of conventional medicine when it comes to going green. So, are they alternative medicine or green living choices? Happily, they fit in either category.

Home remedies
Many home remedies contain simple pure ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda. There are no harmful chemicals to wash down the drain. No medicinal chemicals going down the toilet and into our water supply. Be careful, though. Not all home remedies are green. Do your research!

Summing it up

No matter what alternative medicine you choose, it's likely a green choice as well. Much alternative medicine is derived from a healthy respect for mother earth. If you're a true supporter of all things natural, aligning your alternative medicine choices with green living for a greener lifestyle just makes good sense. Taking cures from nature without showing respect for the earth just wouldn't be right.

 

Are green and frugal the same?

Is there a difference between being green and being frugal? Aren't they the same? I once thought the answer to this question was a resounding yes. Now I realize the answer isn't all that clear. Sometimes being frugal is green. Sometimes it's not green in any sense of the word.

Frugal people do use less resources. They are very thrifty, but not always environmentally friendly. The frugal habits I was taught as a child have served me well. Still, some need a bit of tweaking to go green. What can we frugal people do to transition to an even greener lifestyle?

Using leftovers sounds green and frugal, doesn't it?

Plastic containers are re-usable. Are they ecofriendly? Not at all, uness they are specifically made to be. Most are not. And the production process itself wastes resources and causes harm.
How can we make saving leftovers a greener practice, while remaining thrifty? I've started saving leftovers by placing them in glass containers or a ceramic bowl and covering them with a plate. Turning frugal green can be as simple as that.

A garden is frugal and green, right?

Not so fast. How does your garden grow? With chemical pesticides and fertilizers all in your rows? Did you know there's a green alternative for every chemical pesticide and fertilizer out there? Don't let garden centers talk you into buying something you and your family don't want in (or on) your food.

Why add to run-off pollution? Take the time to learn about companion plants that keep away pests and nourish growth. Look into composting and other ecofriendly gardening techniques. You'll save money and the environment.

Driving that old clunker instead of upgrading is frugal.

Is it environmentally friendly? That's a matter of opinion. You must consider the age of the car as pertains to emissions. Older cars are not ecofriendly in that respect. What about buying a new car? Does manufacturing a new energy efficient green car present it's own environmental hazards? Of course it does. Plus there are resources used to think about.

No matter how you look at it, biking and using public transportation are more frugal and environmentally friendly than either option. Walking, of course, comes first in the naturally green race.

Going paperless is frugal and green.
Or is it? If you're an online writer, like myself, you have to at least keep an electronic record of your work. Going paperless saves the trees. What about saving energy? If you're going paperless there are things you can do to be even more environmentally conscious.

Away from the computer for more than 20 minutes? Shut it down. If you must print, use the two sided option. Keep the rest of your office green by using daylight for heat and lighting whenever possible.

Being frugal isn't always green.

In fact, it's nearly impossible to go completely green these days, frugal or not. Still, for those of us who care about our impact on future generations, doing so is well worth the time and research. It's sad that our modern lifestyle gives us little choice but the option to weigh our odds.

The best we can do sometimes is to make the least impact possible. It seems that in giving ourselves creature comforts, we have also given ourselves a whole new set of problems. Going green while saving money may not be as practical as it once was. Still, it's the right thing to do.

Cheap green Christmas gifts for tween girls from fabric scraps

Cheap Christmas gifts for tween girls aren't hard to come by. Tween girls are really getting into the environmental movement and just starting to think about room decor. Why not give them a truly green and meaningful Christmas gift this year? Make these inexpensive gifts yourself by reusing and recycling items you may already have.

Memory quilt

Use scrap fabric from special outfits or even Dad's old pj's to make a beautiful warm Christmas quilt for a tween girl. She'll love a quilt with random flower patches sewn on. Choose fabrics with meaning. Let them guess the origin of the fabric pieces. Quilts are the original green room decor item for teen and tween girls.

Bulletin board

This green gift for tweens starts with a regular large cork board. Cork is a sustainable product. Decorate the cork board with recycled fabric scraps. Embellishments to reflect the personality of your tween. Personalize the board with her name or favorite hobby. This thoughtful green gift gives them a spot to tack friends photos or reminders on.

Throw pillows

Tween girls love pajama parties. What's a pajama party without a pillow fight? Make various shapes and sizes of throw pillows with scrap fabric. This cheap ecofriendly Christmas gift will get plenty of use. Check your tween's room out in advance for color schemes. Be sure to subtly ask if she is planning on any room decor changes too.

Headboard

Make a unique fabric scrap headboard for a tween girl. This green Christmas gift can be done in a variety of ways. Here's two:
Hang a fabric collage as a headboard. Use two large fabric scrap panels as a dramatic curtain headboard.

Note: You can also cover a board with fabric wrapped cushion for an elegant room decor look.

Fairy-tale bed

Give your tween a fairy-tale bed with flowing scrap fabric hung around it. This green Christmas gift makes her feel like a princess. Curtain rods can be suspended from the ceiling to hold the fabric. Use strips of chiffon or tulle tied and allowed to hang down. Scrap ribbon ties and sweeps back the curtain for a dramatic effect.

Picture table

This gift is made by recycling an old wooden coffee table. Sand the table down. Paint it to match your tween girls' room decor. Glue pictures and scrap fabric to the table as a collage. Cover with non-toxic decoupage glue. You can also make this table using a jigsaw puzzle, news clippings or other memorabilia.

Funky fashion purse

What tween girl doesn't like purses? Make a basic purse out of scrap fabric. Add more scrap fabric pieces, patches and buttons with silly sayings until you are happy with your masterpiece. Or, put together a kit your tween can use to make it herself. Just sew the purse and give your tween the objects to add on.

Kids: Green gift ideas for your grandparents

The frugal ways of grandparents are ecofriendly habits. Why not reinforce their green style with these inexpensive Christmas gifts? Grandma and Grandpa know that grandkids don't have a big budget for Christmas. Luckily, going green doesn't have to break the bank. Combine grandparent frugality with grandkid sized piggy banks for these cheap, green Christmas gifts.

Homemade stationary

Grandparents love to write snail mail. Kids can make homemade stationary as a Christmas gift. Just chop up some old paper and bits of flower heads in a blender with a small amount of water. Spread the pulp out into a sheet on some fine screen. Let dry and peel off. Be sure to wash the blender right away after use.

Soy crayon drawings
Use that recycled homemade paper you just made for the next gift idea. What grandparents don't love drawings from their grand-kids? Kids can use soy based crayons to draw beautiful pictures and designs on homemade paper. Pop the drawing into a cheap frame from the dollar store to give a finished look to this Christmas gift.

Milk jug bird feeder

Grandparents often have a love of nature. Why not make them a bird feeder for Christmas? This inexpensive Christmas gift is a snap to make. Cut a slanted hole in the top of the jug, leaving the handle intact and taking off the pouring spout. Use odd bits of cheap scrap paper to glue a mosaic pattern all over the jug. Tie a string for hanging to the handle. Fill with bird seed.

Quilt Squares

Use up that old fabric to make a pretty pack of quilt squares for grandparents. Grandma can stitch up a nice warm Christmas quilt for her and Grandpa. Or maybe Grandpa is the “seamstress” of the family. Who knows? You can use old worn out clothes to make quilt squares too. Pinking sheers cut fabric into squares of the same size that won't ravel. Tie a pretty ribbon around each bundle.

Bucket gardens

Some grandparents lack the space to garden. Try putting together a bucket garden as a cheap green Christmas gift. Use an old bucket with the outside painted a pretty color. Poke holes in the bottom of another bucket for drainage. Slip the bucket with the drainage holes inside the pretty one. Add a bag of good soil, along with some seeds. Now, Gram and Gram can just add water and watch the magic happen.

Plastic shopping bag dispenser

Here's a great Christmas gift for frugal grandparents. Remove the label from a plastic 2 liter soda bottle. Cut off the bottom. The bottom becomes the top. Decorate the bottle by covering it with contact paper. Punch two holes one inch apart at the top for hanging from cup hooks. Stuff bags into the open top. Pull bags out of the pour spout to dispense.

Drawer sachets
Grandparents love fresh smelling sachets for their clothes drawers. Make these cheap green Christmas gifts using items around the house. You'll need small circles of breathable fabric and ribbon to make the bags. Just lay the fabric circles out. Pile scented potpourri in the center. Gather the circle. Tie the ribbon in a bow to hold it together.

Homemade potpourri

Why not make your own homemade potpourri for the sachets? This can be given with or without a container. Package it in a pretty bag or bowl. Making potpourri isn't complicated. There are techniques to keep a longer lasting scent in the potpourri. The above link will help you learn to make your own potpourri that lasts.