So in an effort to do my part I have changed some very simple things around here. As not be wasteful and because I don’t have the money to just completely replace everything around here with green items, I’m still using some things that would not be considered good.
· One of the first things I did was get biodegradable dish soap. Having rather sensitive skin it was an easy switch for me. Really the price isn’t bad, dish soap lasts forever so it’s not a hit to my wallet. I’m using Seventh Generation dish soap now. I never use gloves so when I’m rinsing or just washing the big pots and pans by hand I noticed that my hands don’t dry out like they used to. Awesome!
· I also changed my laundry detergent to Free and Clear from Seventh Generation. It is specially designed to work with cold water which I use anyway to save on the electric bill. Very gentle, does not give me hives.
· For a general cleaner around the house I use my own little concoction of white vinegar mixed with water and a few drops of citronella essential oil to help with the vinegary smell. Really it seems to work better than the off brand pine sol that I was using.
· To clean the carpets I use warm water mixed with vinegar, a couple drops of dish soap with a tablespoon or so of borax. The vinegar seems to help it evaporate quicker so the carpet doesn’t stay damp as long.
· Apple cider vinegar poured on a rag and rubbed on the furries to help provide relief from fleas. The fleas are bad this year so it doesn’t get rid of all of them.
· Borax rubbed in the carpet to parch the fleas to death. Sounds awful I know.
· I hang most of my clothes up to dry so they don’t shrink and also to save use less electricity. Our dryer does not have a “no heat” setting and just running it would use electricity.
· Don’t use the air-dry option on the dishwasher. I tried turning it off at first, but there didn’t seem to be a difference. Now when the water drains I just turn the dial to stop and keep the door shut so they will dry from the heat in already in there.
It’s not a lot but it’s something. We also recycle, have a nice big recycling bin in our apartment. Use reusable shopping bags, which are awesome by the way.
