Green Works For A Green Clean Home Review
I have always considered myself environmentally friendly. Long before it was in-vogue to be green, I monitored my family’s recycling and tried to do whatever a middle-schooler could do to “save the planet.” But my green tendencies really took off when I became pregnant with my daughter. The idea of exposing this tiny, uncontaminated little girl to chemicals made my stomach turn. Suddenly, my favorite cleaning products were no longer good enough to clean the space I shared with my perfect little baby.
Of course, her innocence only lasted so long, and by the time she got to preschool I sort of figured she is being exposed to all kinds of chemicals at school, and well… I got lazy. So I resorted back to buying old standbys and whatever was on sale, still grabbing the “green” stuff when it went on sale, but being less than perfect green with my cleaning.
With baby #2 set to enter the world any day now, I am back to my vigilant green self. Once again there will be a pristine new baby in this house, and I refuse to expose her to tiny little body to excess chemicals. Enter my new line of cleaning defense (again) – Green Works.
So what makes “green” cleaning product “green.” Well, they are actually made with plant-based ingredients (not straight-up man-made chemicals) that are also biodegradable. So, not only are they better for my baby, but since they biodegrade, they do not pollute our water system with more chemicals. If you aren’t familiar with the Green Works line of products, you will be happy to know that one, the products actually smell… good (not chemically) and two, they still get the job done.
My favorite Green Works product – cleaning wipes. I love cleaning wipes, easy and quick to use they cut through grime in one step (yep, lazy mom loves that I don’t have to spray and wipe, just wipe!). Oh and unlike other cleaning wipes, Green Works wipes are biodegradable, so I could totally throw them in my compost pile that I have been meaning to start for the last three years… Or at least they will break down quicker in the landfill.
For times when I have to do the two-step process (spray and wipe) the all-purpose cleaner is pretty great too. I use it on everything, glass counters, etc. Lacking that traditional harsh smell of other all-purpose cleaners, it still gets the job done.
The one product I don’t really use, or see the need for is the bathroom cleaner. It seems to work well enough, but I am partial to the all-purpose cleaner. Why I need a separate cleaner for my bathroom?
Green Works laundry detergent is HE safe (very important to me, considering my new Whirlpool washer), and (according to the website) “dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin.” Of course the second part is very important with a little one on the way, but it is also important to me because I have super sensitive skin. (This is the one area of cleaning that I am very brand loyal and careful about what I buy – all the time.) Generally speaking, I don’t like scented detergents (allergies), but I didn’t mind the light scent much. However, I have since learned that there is also a “Free & Clear” version that doesn’t contain a scent, and I would definitely try that version next time.
Oh, and given my recent discovery with OxiClean I was also very excited to learn there is a Green Works Oxi!
Look out house, you are in for a green cleaning.
Disclosure – I was provided with Green Works products to facilitate this review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reusable Holiday Bags for Gift Wrapping
Eliminate waste this holiday season and skip the wrapping paper. Instead, give the gift of reuse with a limited edition Holiday ChicoBag™ brand reusable bags. These reusable holiday bags are ideal for wrapping gifts. The limited edition reusable holiday bags are available in three festive colors and feature a whimsical winter scene on the bag and a cheerful snowman on the pouch. Available while supplies last, get yours today!
Available at www.chicobag.com. Cost $12.99 each (available in red, green and blue). Get 20% off all ChicoBag brand products with coupon code CBM20 through December 31, 2010.
Review coming in November.
Composting Is Simple With The Nature Mill Review
Guest Post
The Nature Mill Review describes how the actual mixing process is totally carried out by the composter. Reviewing the instruction guide on the Nature Mill Review will make sure the proper blend of ingredients is added to the machine. Once materials are poured in, the top portion mixes the compost together to break down the elements. Also, naturemill composter reviews share how the tray heats up the compost to sterilize the waste. In addition, this gives the right amount of oxygen to aerate the compost and avoid any naturemill composter problems.
How It All Began
In 2009, the city of San Francisco required citizens to use their free compost bins. The Nature Mill Review shows that one resident, Russ Cohn knew there had to be a better way to compost, but continued to use his city provided bin for the time being. One day he went on vacation, forgetting to pour out the compost bin. When he came home from his trip, he found an unpleasant surprise.
A Mistake Became An Invention
The composting process had already started in Cohn’s bin. He then created the concept for a composter. Studying the NatureMill composter problems revealed that more oxygen, a powerful air filter, automated mixing and insulation were needed. This would lead to more NatureMill composter reviews to develop the most efficient process. After multiple patents and prototypes and the Nature Mill Review, the final product was born. Nature Mill Review shows a great product was developed from an unintentional oversight.
CMP.ly/3
10 Tips to a Cleaner, Greener Home
It isn’t just a buzz word, it’s a way of living so that while we enjoy our lives we leave the world a better place for everyone to enjoy. My family recently watched Wall-e for the first time. For those who have seen and fallen in love with this movie, I know where have we been, it was wonderful For those who have not, where have you been – it is a must see. In addition to falling in love with a robot in a cartoon with very few words spoken, it is a striking call to action for the green movement. I already consider my life fairly green, but this movie really hit home to me as to why I do this and why we must continue to strive to get others to join our movement.
As with most things in life, when you first get started it can seem overwhelming because there are so many things to do. Don’t let that stop you from doing anything, start with one or two small things and go from there. Here are 10 tips to a greener home:
- Recycle – Don’t stop at soda cans, milk jugs and the newspaper, many curbside pick ups have expanded to include cereal boxes, Styrofoam, junk mail and more. The key is to research what your local municipality will pick up. Then designate one place for your recyclables to go. In time, recycling becomes second nature.
- Resale – If your house is like mine, clutter takes over. Don’t toss your unwanted items out with the trash (that makes me nutty), find a new home for your stuff. The obvious is donating your items to charity, but how about making a little extra cash for your stuff. Look for a consignment store for clothing, kids stuff and even home items. Your clean up your clutter and keep your clutter out of the trash.
- CFLs – I have been a long standing holdout on this one, but I am finally coming around. Frankly, I was freaked out about breaking one with the whole mercury thing… but how often do you really break a light bulb anyway? And with the CFL you replace so infrequently, there is even less chance of breakage. (I would still freak if I broke one, but one by one I am making the switch.)
- Squeegee - We keep a cheap squeegee in the shower, and after each shower we squeegee the glass walls. This habit comes to my family by way of my hubby’s OCD and used to drive me nuts, but then again I don’t have to scrub the scum off my walls because I keep it at bay. It’s green and saves me time! Yippie!
- Green Laundry – I recently switched from my fav brand of laundry detergent to an eco-friendly detergent. Not only is it plant based, but it is more concentrated so it takes less packaging. Not only does it clean just as well, but it’s easy to use and green. I switched to Method, but there are lots of brands to choose from.
- Cold Water – Unless your laundry really needs a complete germ cleaning, like bath towels, your laundry doesn’t need hot, and probably not even warm, water. I wash sheets, towels my hubby’s undershirts in hot, everything else in cold. Saves money and energy. Two thumbs up.
- Baking Soda – There are so many uses for baking soda, you can even give your odor eating fridge baking soda an extra life. After my odor eating baking soda has gone dud in the fridge, I pour it (slowly) down the garbage disposal with some ice chips. It freshens and sharpens the disposal blades.
- Select-a-Size – My family can’t give up their paper towels. I admit it, we use them for everything. But one way that we cut down on waste is by using select-a-size sheets. I rarely need more than 1 sheet for any job, and since the sheets are smaller it saves paper towels and money by making the roll last longer.
- Reusable Totes – People who know me, may be tired of hearing this, but it is time to make the switch. I use reusable totes for everything, in face, I have a whole platoon of totes ready for multiple uses. Grocery store, mall, Target, returns, etc… Say no to paper or plastic and bring your own.
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products - Whether you are cleaning the shower, sink, dishes or floor opt for products made from plant based materials and skip the harsh chemicals. If you have ever noticed yourself choking and gagging at cleaning products, there’s a reason for it chemical overload. Say no to harsh chemicals and go with green products to do your cleaning.
These are just 10 things you can do, there are so many more. I challenge you to try to adapt just one of these green tips into your routine, I promise once it becomes routine you will forget you are even being green. Hey, if I can do these things, I know you can too.
Disclosure – I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Mrs. Meyer’s blogging program, making me eligible to get a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Clean out your closets, be green and earn cash
If you have been putting off a closet cleaning in your kiddos room, I have a great incentive to get you motivated. Clean closets, a greener planet and COLD-HARD CASH.
You could clean out your closets and have a garage sale, but that’s a long day in the hot sun. Or you could consign your items with a consignment store, but consignment stores set the price and it can take months to get your money, plus you typically earn only 40% of the sale. Enter option number three – a consignment store that is only open for one week where you set the price and earn 65% of every sale. If you live in Central Florida, Boutique for a Week is just such a place.
At Boutique for a Week Central Florida parents are invited to register as consignors to sell their gently used kids items. With a list of high standards set for what can and cannot be sold, buyers can find excellent quality name-brand items for a fraction of their retail price. In addition to earning cash for your items, sellers at Boutique for a Week also enjoy early shopping, which means they have the opportunity to get the pick of the litter for their kids.
I have never been to a Boutique for a Week event, but I am planning to consign a few items at the next event to check it out. I don’t have much to sell because I save a lot in hopes of another baby (some day) and I also consign a few things along the way, but if it works out at this event you can bet I will save up for the next event!
Boutique for a Week happens just a few times a year, and the next event is just 16 days away – June 28 – July 2. If you want to sell at Boutique for a Week, register as a consigner on its website (note, there is a $5 charge to register). Consignor drop off is June 26, so this weekend takle those closets. Even if you have as few as 10 items, you are welcome to be a seller. Oh, and if you are on Facebook, check Boutique for a Week out on Facebook.
In case you don’t get your closets cleaned out in time, come be part of the green cycle and shop!
Disclaimer – I was provided a gift certificate to shop at Boutique for a Week for this post, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.
