In my last blog I spoke about how I’ve become more “green” since moving to China.  Today I’m going to tell you about the newest way I’ve become “green”.  Over the last couple of months I’ve starting cleaning “green” for several reasons. One of course is that I care about the environment.  Secondly, I live in China and can’t read the labels of cleaning products, besides who can really read the ingredients and know what they are in English either.  We just know that the ingredients are harmful chemicals that we probably don’t really want around our families, which brings me to a third reason.  I have an 10 month old baby that loves to crawl and put everything in his mouth.  Do I really want him crawling on a floor cleaned with harmful chemicals or mouthing furniture dusted with chemicals.

When I decided that I was going to “clean green” there were some things that I already I knew I could do, for example using vinegar to clean glass.  But I also knew that there had to be more ideas.  So like most people I looked on line to find more information.  I was relieved to find that most household cleaning can be done with a few simple ingredients that, if I was in the US, I would have at home.  White vinegar, baking soda, hot water.

Below are several links that I’ve used to find recipes for green cleaning.  Some are more advanced, for example, did you know you can make your own laundry detergent or disinfectant?

Word of caution:  green doesn’t mean “safe”  some cleaning recipes include ingredients like borax that still require caution when being used and must stored away from pets and children.  Even when you make your own cleaning products store them in a safe place and make sure they are clearly labeled.

www.wswmd.org/recipes Has a very comprehensive list of green cleaning recipes and it they are in a very easy layout.

www.thegreenguide.com/home-garden/cleaning/diy-cleaners

www.organizedhome.com/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products

www.sideroad.com/Budgeting/homemade-cleaners.html

www.cozgroovy.com/ Has a great recipe for making your own laundry detergent.  I haven’t tried this, but it’s looks simple and an option for those of you who want to up your level of green. (FYI:  I’m currently having trouble accessing this website, but I think it’s because I’m in China)

Essentially you can really do all your cleaning using very simple ingredients you probably have in your home.  Everything from dishes, dusting (olive oil and lemon juice), to cleaning your oven. Who doesn’t want oven cleaning to be better, if nothing else the noxious fumes from store bought products could kill you.

If you’re  interested in cleaning green, but don’t feel you have the time, look for someone in your area who will come to your home and clean green or ask your current cleaning person to “green” their cleaning.

HAPPY CLEANING!

Do you complain about traffic? Do you have a long commute? Did you know that cars account for 20% of the U.S. global warming emissions? 20%! You should continue to drive, but have you stopped to consider what the alternatives might be?

Walk – Do you ever drive to places that you could just as easily walk to? Helps the waistline too!

Bicycle- Wouldn’t you just love to whiz past that long line of cars as they wait in rush hour traffic? This is multi-tasking people! Exercise reduces stress! And with the rising cost of gasoline, who couldn’t use a few extra bucks?

Mass transit- Metro/Subway/Bus.  Whatever your community offers! Sometimes this may not be the most convenient way to go, but have you considered how much easier it would be to let someone else do the driving, while you sit back and read? At least check it out! The schedules and low prices might astound you!

Fuel efficient car – not everyone can own a hybrid (but if you can…do…they rock!). If you are in the market for new wheels, however, at least look for a car that gets good mileage! No words to the Hummer drivers here…we would like to give everyone a chance…

Are you an office supply junkie? An office supply hoarder? Do you only have what you actually need on a daily basis in that top drawer? Screen your office for green- here are a few ways to make it easy!

REDUCE- use only what you need.  How many post- its are required for the job?

Use refillable pens and pencils! Doesn’t it make sense? Why throw out the entire pen just because it needs more ink?

Use recycled paper! There are notebooks, copier paper, you name it. Check out Staples online and put “recycled” in the search box – you’ll be amazed by what’s offered. By using recycled paper, 95% less air pollution is generated than what is generated for virgin paper.

You want to make it all easy? Try Greenline Paper Company and order everything you need for the home and office online!