Posted on April 30th, 2009
This spring clean look for a greener sheen when it comes to furniture care. Most store bought polish, spray and wax contains any combination of petroleum distillates, nitrobenzene, synthetic fragrance, silicones and/or solvents. The result is a toxic glop that can be harmful to the air and the people inside your home (especially if they tend to lick surfaces – you know who you are). Add to that the butane and volatile organic compounds (VOC's) from the aerosol pumps the gunk is stored in. Of course there are plenty of healthy alternatives for sale but why not polish up on a cheaper solution and make it yourself? Here’s how:
Combine 1 part lemon juice ...
Posted on March 31st, 2009
Spring has officially sprung and if you’re like us, it’s time for some deep cleaning around the house. To help keep cleaning green, try using lemons – they’re inexpensive and currently in season. Lemons have the acid to break through scum and remove residue, and even have antibacterial properties. Plus, they make everything smell great!
Here are a few lemony recipes to get your home in tip-top shape:
Floors
Add one cup of white vinegar and the juice of ½ of one lemon to 2 gallons of water. Mop and go!
Drains
Add small lemon wedges to your garbage disposal (we like to use the cast-offs from our ic-water) and send them for a spin. The lemons ...
Posted on March 1st, 2009
The greenest of all the holidays is approaching. You know, the one where you are actually supposed to pinch someone if they aren't green? (If only that was allowed every day!)
This St. Patrick's Day, we challenge you to keep the green in green beer - and we don't mean by a droplet of food coloring. We mean by cheers-ing Ireland with a bit of organic brew. Hey, you didn't have to ask us twice to do the research - we went straight away and found some green brews to try and we're here with the results!
What we chose
When at the market, we looked for beers with 2 qualities: ones that had a little round USDA ...
Posted on December 31st, 2008
With the Holidays over and a new year beginning, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is next year’s Christmas tree. Well, you should! In the great tree debate between cut and artificial Christmas trees, the clear winner is potted, living trees that can be replanted in your yard or a community garden for a lifetime of providing oxygen, shade and a habitat for lots of critters. Consider potting a tree now for use next Christmas or even a few Christmases down the line if bigger is better to you. Don’t celebrate Christmas? We bet you know someone who does, and a homegrown potted tree would make an excellent gift next Holiday season. ...
Posted on November 29th, 2008
December is a great time to sit back with a cup of something hot and watch the snows of winter fall from the sky. Whether you’re entertaining family and friends for the Holidays or just watching the season from the comfort of your warm home, make sure windows are clean and shiny without the use of harsh, toxic cleansers. Most glass cleaner is made with ammonia, which is a major respiratory irritant, but you can make your own with just a few ingredients you probably already have lying around.
Glass Cleaner
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Combine alcohol, water and vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well. If desired, ...
Posted on October 29th, 2008
...eat them! The first frost may have stunted your tomato vines but think twice before sending them to the compost. These unripe, tarty fruits are amazingly delicious as salsas, soups, relishes, fried (like the movie), or even in desserts – bizarre but tasty.
Fried Green Tomatoes (from epicurious.com)
4 large, firm green tomatoes cut crosswise into ½ inch slices
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup finely ground cornmeal
1 tsp paprika
2 eggs
vegetable oil
Sprinkle the tomatoes with the salt and pepper; set aside. Combine the cornmeal and paprika in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Cover the bottom of a heavy skillet with ½ inch of oil, then place it over ...
Posted on September 29th, 2008
Oh Thanksgiving, that wonderfully delicious day signifying the things we’re most appreciative of. For some it’s a day of rest, for others its slaving away in the kitchen. Many will gather with family and friends or watch football on the couch and cuddle up to a slice of pumpkin pie. For most, there’s going to be a turkey involved someway, somehow but for the rest, well... not so much. If you find yourself in the “not so much” category or have someone in your life who is the “not so much” type and you’d like to help them feel included at the table (and perhaps more thankful for tofu than they had imagined) ...
Posted on August 30th, 2008
Pack a Lunch!
The time has come to revive the lunch box! Pack a lunch to bring to work and/or send one with the kids school. Bringing your own saves money and disposable packaging everyday. Be the envy of all your friends (or colleagues!) when you bust out your healthy, delicious eco-meal when the whistle blows.
The best way to maximize the green of your lunch is to eat local, seasonal and organic. Pick food high in nutrition and low in meat. Natural, unprocessed foods are best and avoid individually packaged snacks and treats. Need some ideas to get your wheels spinning? Here are a few of ...
Posted on July 30th, 2008
This month's recipes are fit to keep a favorite - and highly necessary - beverage as clean as possible. Yes, you guessed it: it's your water. You may have heard that over 2/3rd of your body weight is actually "water weight", but did you know that blood is 83% water, muscles are 75% water, your brain is 74% water, even your bones are 22% water. Pure water, when free of contaminant, chemicals, additives, or anything unnatural - is pretty miraculous stuff. Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water will increase your energy and mental performance, detox your body from waste, keep your skin looking radiant, and aid in shedding pounds, ...
Posted on June 29th, 2008
Lay the cutting board out as a fabulous fashion runway and return to your roots - of carrots and beets and onions! This July, show off the pick of your produce by throwing a Garden Party.
Who: You and your feasting frenzy of friends
What:
1) Go to your garden and grab all the ripe produce you can pick for one big salad. Butter lettuce, carrots, beets, broccoli, and bok choi are just a few that come to mind.
2) Clean your vegetables thoroughly and chop to your heart's content.
3) Combine in a large glass bowl for ultimate "show off" potential
4) Make a light vinagrette combining the following ingredients and shaking well:
1/4 cup of mustard (stone ground or ...
