Eco-Friendly Home

I have been researching ways to substitute earth-friendly products for chemical-laden ones around our home.  I have been using Seventh Generation toilet cleaner, laundry and dishwasher detergent for a while now, but now I want to go even further.  I have decided to try Vinegar as a weed killer and had Bradley use Miloganite to fertilize the lawn this year.  I also plan to start shifting over to vinegar for cleaning, as well as baking soda, cream of tarter, Castille soap and Borax.  I may try my hand at making my own laundry detergent and hand soap as well.

I haven’t bought disposable cleaning wipes in years, because they are expensive and wasteful, but I do like the thought of having a quick and easy solution for wiping down the bathroom counter.  Then it dawned on me – I can make reusable cleaning wipes.  I purchased a plastic food storage container with a rubber seal and a set of flour sack towels.  I cut the towels up, getting six wipes from each towel.  I folded them to fit in the container and poured all-purpose cleaning solution on them. (At this point I use diluted Simple Green which is non-toxic and biodegradable)

In addition to household cleaners, I am also interested in making healthier health/beauty choices.  I have been using organic shampoo and conditioner for years now to get away from the sulfates.  Recently, I spent a morning making homemade lip balm using this recipe.  I ended up making 14 tubes – the price per tube was a little more than $1 (which is what you would spend at the store for Carmex), but I still have a collection of empty tubes and a good bit of cocoa butter left over to make another batch one day.  I have also substituted coconut oil for lotion some.  I am trying out homemade bug spray, using witch hazel and peppermint essential oil.  My next adventure may be making shaving cream.