Urban Blog

There is more to a greener house than just composting your trash and the type of energy you use. You also have to have alternatives to commercial products for personal care, cleaning and even freshening the air that you can use that are gentler to the environment. There are also other methods for doing some household tasks that are better for the environment. 

1. Apple Cider Vinegar
 
Cleaning Windows and Countertops – Mix this with some water and you have a window cleaner that will not leave an unsightly residue. This is also free from the chemicals in glass cleaner. You can also use this vinegar and water on countertops, as it has antibacterial qualities. 
 
Acne Treatment – This vinegar applied to acne will kill the bacteria that cause acne. It does not have some of the negative side effects of the chemically based acne treatments. Dilute this vinegar with two parts water before using. This same mixture is an excellent natural toner for the skin to return it to its natural pH after cleansing it.
 
2. Cornstarch
 
Powder – Cornstarch is great used in place of baby powder or other body powders. There is no talc or other ingredients that could cause problems. Even though talc is a natural product, it is one that could contain asbestos according to the American Cancer Society and therefore, should be avoided. Cornstarch will safely absorb moisture away from the skin without any chemicals.
 
3. Washing Soda
 
Laundry Detergent – Washing Soda (sodium carbonate) mixed with Borax and pure castile soap makes an ideal alternative for washing clothes. This mixture has no fragrances, phenols, phosphates, sulfates, or other harmful chemicals. Take 28 ounces of Washing Soda and add 38 ounces of Borax and mix it with 2.5 ounces of pure castile soap (comes in bar and will have to be shaved off the bar). Add about 1/4 cup of this mixture to your tub of laundry.
 
4. Baking Soda
 
Deodorant – Baking soda applied under the arms is a natural body deodorant. It prevents odor from forming under the arms. Many commercial deodorants contain aluminum along with other chemicals that we do not need.
 
Drain Freshener and Cleaner – Baking soda by itself will freshen up a stinky drain. Just pour some down the drain and let it sit before flushing with water. To unclog your drain, pour one cup of baking soda down it followed by one cup of Apple Cider Vinegar that has been heated. Let this sit for about 5 minutes, and then flush with about one quart hot to boiling water. No chemicals needed!
 
5. Clothesline
 
Drying Clothes – Drying clothes indoors or outdoors on a clothes line saves use of traditional energy and even saves your solar energy that you generate for other uses. Either way, drying clothes in this manner is a green alternative to machine drying clothes.

6. Oil of Peppermint

Air Freshener and Pest Repellent – Placing oil of peppermint on some cotton balls is a great way to freshen the air and repel pests. Make sure to place the cotton balls in dishes or on some foil to prevent the oil from getting on fabrics. This oil eliminates the need for chemical air fresheners or insecticides.
 
These are just some of the alternatives to help you live a greener life. What other alternatives can you find to use?