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.

Inexpensive ecofriendly Christmas gifts for coworkers

Looking for green gift ideas for Holiday gift exchanges? You want to give coworkers nice presents but remain environmentally conscious. You don't have a big budget either. Why not make your own homemade green Christmas gifts?

Herb growing kit

Your coworkers can grow their own herbs with this great herb growing kit. Include small ecofriendly clay pots, soil and herb seeds in a pretty basket. This cheap Christmas gift for coworkers lets them grow healthy, ecofriendly herbs indoors all winter. In spring, the herbs can be transplanted outdoors or in larger pots.

Fancy it up:

Paint the outside of the pots in pretty spring colors with non-toxic craft paint.

Baking mixes

This is a popular gift coworkers will love. Layer dry ingredients in a glass mason jar. Include a recipe. List wet ingredients, mixing and baking instructions. Tie a pretty ribbon around the jar with the recipe attached. For an added touch, bake a finished batch and put them all in a basket together.

Fancy it up:

Package it in a mixing bowl. Add a wooden spoon with a pretty red checked bow.

Jams and jellies

Jams and jellies are actually quite simple to make. They make a really pretty homemade Christmas gift for co-workers. Make a big batch. Give one jar to each coworker on your list. They can reuse the jars for any purpose including making their own batch of jelly. Include a recipe to make it easier for them.

Fancy it up:

Cut circles from floral fabric. Rubber-band them over your jars for a handmade look.

Homemade pickles

Who doesn't love pickles of one kind or another? Whether they're dill or bread and butter, these pickles won't last long. They can be made in large batches just like the jams and jellies. Include a recipe for a nice touch.

Fancy it up:

Add whole dill, garlic cloves or whatever whole spices you like to each jar.

Soap

Why not make homemade soap for Christmas gift exchanges? It really is quite easy. Buy inexpensive soap base at any craft store. Craft stores also sell soap molds, scents and colors for environmentally sound soap making. You can even buy an inexpensive soap making machine that melts and blends the whole thing for you. Pour into molds and you're done.

Fancy it up:

Craft stores also sell ingredients for making bath bombs, shampoo and lotion. Why not include a few in the basket with your soap?

Handmade candles

Your coworkers might also enjoy homemade scented candles. You can buy a cheap candle making machine and supplies too. The machine isn't necessary but it does make the whole process easier. Craft stores sell candle scent, wicks and colors too. Your fellow employees will be impressed with your craftiness.

Fancy it up:

Include decorative candle holders. Embellish your candles with cut outs from old Christmas cards

Fruit and nut basket

Food baskets are always a welcome Christmas gift for coworkers. Check to be sure your recipient has no nut allergies before giving this cheap ecofriendly gift. You can buy nuts in the shell by the pound at your local supermarket. Dump them into a pretty basket over fresh seasonal fruit.

Fancy it up:

Toss in a decorative nut cracker or a simple one with a bow around it. I've had my basic metal nutcracker for over 20 years. It's still going strong. Talk about sustainable!

Green your gift wrap

Fabric gift wrap pleases seamstresses.

Enhance your earth friendly lifestyle with creative ideas for gift wrap. Go green by using recyclable and reusable items to wrap presents for special occasions. Going green doesn't have to be boring, plain or ugly. These suggestions are unique and beautiful.

Newspaper as green gift wrap may seem common.

Jazz up this eco friendly gift wrap. Fill spray bottles with a food coloring and water solution in several colors. Go green and colorful by spraying newspaper for a tie dye effect.

Amp it up: Spray an old map with watered down brown acrylic to antique it.

Go green by brown bagging it with style.

A used brown paper bag becomes a work of art. Use rubber stamps, stickers, ribbon and embellishments left over from a scrap booking page, to make a creative gift bag. This gift wrap idea can be re-gifted or recycled as well.

Fabric gift wrap pleases seamstresses.

Go green by wrapping gifts in fabric for people who sew. Re-use old scraps or find a pretty clearance piece. This ecofriendly gift wrap can be turned into a usable item by a gifted seamstress.

Make a shopping/gift bag as reusable wrap.

Make a useful item such as a green shopping bag to use as a gift bag. The recipient will be delighted to get two gifts in one. Fill the shopping bag with green products for the home for a true green living gift.

A gardener might appreciate a gift of seeds in a pot.

Include tools, and other gardening supplies. Tuck them all inside a pretty flower pot. Tie a recycled fabric ribbon around the flower pot to perk it up.

A plant makes a lovely earth friendly gift that needs no wrapping.

The only wrap required is a ribbon and card. Choose a versatile green living plant that can be used indoors or out. For go green sustainability, perennials are best. For the card, use scraps from a children's art project.

Use shredded paper from the office as bag filler.

Reuse this normally wasted resource. Encourage the gift recipient to re-use or recycle the shreds to promote green living.

Make a crazy green gift wrap bow.

Tye random paper shreds together with ribbon. Just line them up on the ribbon at varying lengths. Now take the two ribbon ends and tie a knot around the paper shreds. This eco friendly bow should resemble a burst of fireworks when done.

The best way to go green with gift wrap is to save it.

Open gifts carefully. Save every ribbon, tag, wrap, bag and bow for future use. Green living means using everything to it's full potential. Even after gift wrap has reached it's limit, it may be recyclable.