Green Cleaning

make-it-monday

kitchen-cleaner

Another repeat today.  I thought I’d share some green cleaning ideas.  Last year I posted about this vinegar spray that works great for glass and stainless steel.  And you can also use vinegar as a weed killer — just pour it directly onto your weeds on a dry day.  My weeds were dead just hours later, but you must be careful not to get it near the plants you want to keep!

I don’t use the vinegar mixture to clean my counters anymore, but prefer to use a little Dr. Bronner’s castile soap mixed with water for kitchen counter tops, sinks and other solid surfaces.  I use baking soda to clean sinks, tubs and toilets.  I have not attempted natural laundry detergent because I’m afraid to aggravate my already temperamental front-loading washing machine, but I’d like to try.  You can save a lot of money on cleaners by going natural.

Eco Finds Friday

ecofinds

Today’s finds are from Cosa Verde, a showcase featuring independent green artists.  The interesting thing about this site is that it takes you to the seller’s commerce site (frequently Etsy) to purchase the product.

Nesting Necklace, $70 from figs & ginger.

Linen Tea Towel from jewelweeds, $14.

Hand Bound Orangeflower Journal, $29 from birddog press.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Vintage Tote, $60 from pouch.

Socktopus the Sock Monkey Octopus, $25 from friends of socktopus.

Eco Toes for Toddlers, $27 from infusion fibers.

Plum Wrap Dress – Local Organic Cotton with Hemp Ties, $110 from conscious clothing.

Cactus Organic Crocheted Dishcloths from myissag, set of 2 for $12.

Sample Guest Soaps from besem natural scents, $9.

Craft Green: Eco-Friendly Tutorials

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recycled-craft-tutorials4

In the upcoming week I’ll be writing about eco-friendly crafts in celebration of Earth Day.  So here are some eco-friendly tutorials to get you started.  Look for more upcycled projects and green giveaways throughout the week.

Homemade Paper from Instructables.

Gift Bags from Envelopes from How About Orange.

Plastic Grocery Bag Pom Poms from Creature Comforts.

Junk Mail Paper Beads from The New New.

Girl’s Spring Mini-Tote from Betz White.

Crocheted Tawashi from Linda Permann for Craft Stylish.

Fabric Scrap Bowl from Linda Permann at Craft Stylish.

Recycled Crayons from Make and Takes.

Sweater Skirt from Whip Up.

Recycled Sweater Kid Pants from Green Kitchen.

Magazine Bowl from A Little Hut.

Travel Candle in Recycled Tin from Design Sponge.

Vote Earth Tonight

earth-hour

Vote Earth tonight from 8:30-9:30 pm by turning off your lights.  That’s 8:30 pm your local time, wherever you are.  My six-year-old is concerned that she won’t be able to use her night light, but I have assured her that I will turn it back on later!  I do think it’s important to explain to our kids how we get energy and how our energy use impacts the earth.

This poster was created by the controversial artist Shepard Fairey.  I sort of think his art is BS, but that’s just my opinion.  I do like this image.  Wonder where he “borrowed” it from?

More Amy Butler

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More from Amy Butler?  Seriously, does this woman sleep?  Fabric, china, paper, stationery, gift wrap, and now a new organic line of bedding.  Quilt available online now, more to come in March.  Since she seems to be going green with her gift wrap, paper and now this, here’s my vote for her next project — organic quilting weight cotton.  There’s not much out there and the design choice is minimal.  And maybe it could be made in the good ole USofA?