Basic H2 Uses

So with the holiday season among us I found some really cool ways to use the Basic H2 and make my life a lot easier.

Greasy Cooking Easy Cleaning
The other night my husband wanted roasted potatoes. And of course I was completely out of any form of oil so I melted butter, put the potatoes, seasoning and butter in a Ziploc bag and shook them. The Green part of me doesn't throw away my Ziploc bags as I like to reuse them, but cleaning butter out of it was going to be a chore. So I thought well Basic H2 is such a good degreaser so let me try. I put a few drops of Basic H2 in warm water and shook the bag, then flipped it inside out very lightly rubbed the bag and rinsed......Butter was GONE, and I saved a plastic bag from the landfill...for now.

Christmas Tree
Want to make your Xmas tree stay greener longer. When you water your tree put to drops of the basic H2 into the water. Since Basic H2 makes water wetter the tree can drink water more efficiently. I also put 2 drops in my plant water for the indoor plants as well.

Greener Christmas

Greener Christmas

This holiday season during the economical hardship make this year green with some great money saving and eco-friendly tips.

• Don't cut the tree - Purchase your x-mas tree containing the root ball,then after x-mas make it a tradition to plant the tree. Our family makes a sign for each tree with the year and date we planted the tree. This also helps extend the holiday season and helps the environment by planting a tree.
• Give Eco-Friendly Gifts- Visit www.Gaiam.com for some great eco-friendly gift ideas.
• Use real dishes and glasses. Each holiday season we end up throwing out tons of plastic and paper plates that fill up our landfills and pollute our water supply.
  • If you must use disposable stick to the green product that are biodegradable. My favorite is Earth Shell, I pick them up at my local Wegmans and I pay $2.85 for 25 plates and the plates are nice and thick. Plus they are made out of corn and fully biodegradable. For a full range of disposables that are environmentally friendly you can also visit www.thegreenoffice.com
  • Wash you dishes in a green dishwashing detergent that is Phosphate free. Try out http://www.shaklee.net/edge/product/00295
• Create your own wrapping paper - Use paper bags and let the kids decorate them with some of their famous artwork then wrap gifts with the decorated paper.
• Send Electronic Cards - When sending invites or thank you cards try this year using email or www.evite.com this will not only save on paper but also carbon emissions.
• EcoDecorations - Try decorating the table using materials found outside such as extra clippings from your Christmas tree, cranberries, bark and rocks.

Soy vs. Paraffin Candles

Now with the holiday in full bloom many of us are lighting candles in spirit of this festive holiday season. However we need to be aware of the health issues we can be causing in our homes by lighting traditional candles. There is a safer alternative, Soy has many benifits and is a safer choice

Benefits of Soy:

Renewable - Soy candles are made from soy and vegetables both renewable resources.
Cleaner - Soy candles burn much cleanerby emmitting virtually no soot and are non-toxic
Biodegradable - Soy wax is biodegradable and will not fill up our landfill
Washable - Soy wax can be easily removed with warm water and and light detergent such as Shaklee
Local Farm Support - Purchasing soy candles supports the local soy farmers of America. Also when possible try to find a soy candle retailer near you to support your local economy as well.
Longer Burn - Soy candles on average burn 25% longer than traditional candles.

Real problem with Paraffin candles:

Petroleum - Paraffin is made from Petroleum which is not a renewable resource.
Poor Air Quality - Soot releases fine particle into the air which is harmful for our indoor air quality it also puts a toxic coating our homes filters and air ducts.
Toxic - Paraffin candles contain over 10 toxins and some are known carcinogens
Foreign Dependence - Using Paraffin candles does not help in the fight on getting ourselves off our foreign dependency on oil.

I get my soy candles from Soy Valley Candles, which are made right hear in Easton PA.

Happy Candle Burning!

Green your Thanksgiving

Greening your Thanksgiving

Every year for the last 5 or so years I have hosted Thanksgiving and this year it will be the same. However this year we are holding a Green Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is all about giving Thanks and this year how about giving thanks to Mother Earth. Instead of going crazy with the Thanksgiving meal apply the K.I.S.S philosophy (Keep It Sweet & Simple) below are a few ways you can Green your Thanksgiving table with K.I.S.S.

• Choose locally grown Veggies and Meat - visit www.localharvest.org and find out farms near you. You will be surprised at the money you can save by shopping local.
• Use real dishes and glasses. Every thanksgiving we end of throwing out tons of plastic and paper plates that fill up our landfills and pollute our water supply.
  • If you must use disposable stick to the green product that are biodegradable. My favorite is Earth Shell, I pick them up at my local Wegmans and I pay $2.something for 25 plates and the plates are nice and thick. Plus they are made out of corn and fully biodegradable. For a full range of disposables that are environmentally friendly you can also visit www.thegreenoffice.com
  • Wash you dishes in a green dishwashing detergent that is Phosphate free. Try out http://www.shaklee.net/edge/product/00295
• Carpool - If you are traveling a distance and have other family members near you try to car pool with family members.
• Take the 100 Mile Challenge - www.TreeHugger.com created a 100 mile Challenge which is your Thanksgiving feast should only consist of things you can find within 100 miles of your home.
• Use Organic - When available use organic food instead of non organic or . If using a local natural farm just make sure you understand there farming process and are comfortable with them. Most of the farms I frequently visit are natural farms which are basically organic they just can afford the high USDA fees.
• Send Electronic Cards - When sending invites or thank you cards try this year using email or www.evite.com this will not only save on paper but also carbon emissions.
• EcoDecorations - Try decorating the table using materials found outside such as scattering leaves on the table and creating a centerpiece using cranberries and dried sticks.

Dry Cleaning - Is there a safer alternative

Me and my husband have a wedding to attend this weekend so I am in need of getting our formal wear cleaned. Since we began living non toxic I have not needed to use or even think about a dry cleaning. So today I started researching the real dirt on dry cleaning. The chemical used in dry cleaning is called "perchloroethylene" (PERC) and according to the EPA it can cause some pretty serious damaged not only to our health but the environment. The below quote was taken directly from the EPA site for PERC .

Breathing PERC for short periods of time can adversely affect the
human nervous system.  Effects range from dizziness, fatigue, headaches and
sweating to incoordination and unconsciousness.  Contact with PERC liquid
or vapor irritates the skin, the eyes, the nose, and the throat.  These
effects are not likely to occur at levels of PERC that are normally found
in the environment.

So what can we do to avoid this. Below are some alternatives to dry cleaning:

• Wet Cleaning - uses water and non toxic biodegradable detergents to clean delicate fabrics such as wool, silk..ect. And also finishes using steam pressing
• Liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - This can be used in place of PERC.
• Hydrocarbon Solvents and Siloxane - Also can be used in place of PERC

However for were I live I would have to travel 40 miles to get to a wet cleaner or someone that uses the alternatives. So for me I am going to do the next best thing listen to what the Sierra Club recommends for reducing your exposure.

• Remove the plastic bag outside and let the garment stay outside for 24 hours to air out.
• Hang garment outside for 24 hours to allow PERC is dissipate
• Dry Clean as little as possible
• Avoid purchasing clothes that say "Dry Clean Only"

Keep in mind that the EPA reports the danger of breathing PERC as "in a short period of time". If you would like to read the full EPA write up on PERC here is the link http://www.epa.gov/chemfact/f_perchl.txt

Drinking Water Safe?

I recently met a women who told me that her family only drinks bottle water because it was safer than town or local water. The scary facts is that most bottle water is no more than tap water packaged into a fancy bottle. A few year ago the EPA ran some popular spring water through some testing and they found bacterial contaimination, industrial solvents along with arsenic. Another scary truth is that the FDA exempts regulating bottle water that is packaged and sold within the same state. This means that your town water is more closely regulated than the fancy bottle water you are purchasing. Not only is the water not great for you but think about all those plastic bottles entering our landfills. This is so much unnessasary waste we are creating that can simple be eliminated very easily.

First if you have a well, Congrats! Go get your well water tested if will cost around $20. If your water is good you will end up saving big by being able to use your own water. If you are not so lucky I would suggest purchasing a water filter unit such as Best Water. Once you have a healthy source of water go to the store a purchase a metal water bottle to hold you water. The problem with traditonal plastic bottles is once they go over about 72 degrees the plastic begins leching chemicals into the water. I get mine from Sigg they are nice water bottles and I even get ones for the kids too. Now since the Green trend you can even find these at all kinds of stores such as Wegmans, Target, Whole Foods...ect.

Cheers to Healthier Water!

10 Ways to a Greener Home

So, what can you do to make your environment greener and remove the toxins from your home and from your body? Here is Sloan’s Ten Simple Steps for a Greener and Healthier Home:

1. Start by replacing a bunch of your cleaners (your general spray cleaner, glass cleaner, counter-top cleaner, floor and bathroom cleaners) with a natural, nontoxic all-purpose cleaner. You will only need one product to do that. Really!
Shaklee’s Basic-H2 will accomplish this step: http://www.shaklee.net/edge/shopNowProd/00015

If this is your first time using Basic-H2, we recommend getting the 3-pack of Get Clean spray bottles. Each spray bottle is attractively labeled and has instructions for different mixtures for All Purpose Cleaning, Glass Cleaning and Degreasing: http://www.shaklee.net/edgeshopNowProd/50443

2. Replace your laundry detergent with a natural nontoxic one so the clothes you wear and the sheets you sleep on have no fumes for you to breathe. Shaklee’s Fresh Laundry Concentrate in powder or liquid form does the job even better then store bought brands. HE compatible and fragrance-free options available. Go to: http://www.shaklee.net/edge/shopNowProd/GetCleanLaundry

3. Go to your bathroom and read the shampoo, makeup and moisturizer labels. Ask yourself, “Do I really need scent in these products?” Take stock of all of your other products and try to replace one a week with a safer, greener choice.

For Shaklee’s Natural Personal Care Products go to:
http://www.shaklee.net/edge/shopNowProd/DailyCare
For Shaklee’s Natural Beauty Products go to:
http://www.shaklee.net/edge/shopNowProd/Beauty
For Shaklee’s ProSante Hair Care Products go to:

http://www.shaklee.net/edge/shopNowProd/HairCare

4. Use BPA-free plastic baby bottles and fill them with breast milk or organic formula. Choose powdered formula over canned formula to avoid BPA leaching from the can lining. For more information on BPA-free bottles go to:

http://babyproducts.about.com/od/feedingdrinks/tp/BPA_free_baby_bottles.htm

5. Pay attention (without freaking out) to the toys you buy for your kids. Avoid lead paint and soft plastics that contain phthalates. Also a good germ cleaner for toys is Shaklee's Germ Off Fragrance-Free Disinfecting Wipes. They clean and disinfect odor-causing bacteria without alcohol or bleach. Order online at: http://www.shaklee.net/members/shopNowProd/00322

6. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store and avoid processed foods. Even better, choose organic and locally grown meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables. Find locally grown produce, farmer’s markets, family farms and other sources of sustainably grown food anywhere in the country at: http://www.localharvest.org/

7. Try to get the plastic containers out of your kitchen and replace them with glass containers. For more on the benefits of glass containers go to: http://www.greendaily.com/2008/09/18/glass-vs-plastic/

8. Make a vow to stop buying bottled water—NOW. Instead, buy a water filter pitcher and keep two in your fridge at all times. Shaklee’s BestWater Pitcher or MTS 2000 Water Filter (both rated #2 by Consumer Reports) provide clean fresh and easily accessible water that saves you big money over bottled water. http://www.shaklee.net/edge/shopNowProd/WaterTreatment

9. For cleaner and healthier air, open your windows once a day when the outside temperature is comfortable. Also check out the AirSource 3000 Air Purifier that dramatically reduces all three of the major forms of indoor air pollution, including particles such as pollen, pet dander, dust and cigarette smoke; microbes such as mold and bacteria; gases and odors. It purifies the air up to 3000 sq. ft. making it ideal for most homes. For more information go to:

http://www.shaklee.net/edge/shopNowProd/55102

10. When buying new stuff for your home, focus on green products, especially mattresses and carpets.
For green carpeting check out: http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/96/letters
For green bedding check out: http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/107/bedding

Steps taken from:
Green Goes with Everything and the Ten Simple Steps for a Greener and Healthier Home!
Sloan Barnett, is a green consumer advocate and regular contributor to NBC’s "Today Show". Sloan has written a thoroughly researched, highly readable book about getting the chemicals and toxins not just out of our homes and out of our environment, but out of our bodies as well!


You can order Sloan’s new book Green Goes with Everything: Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble or where other bestselling books are sold.

Febreeze is back...well sort of.

Like most busy moms sometimes I throw laundry in the washer and dryer and forget about it for a few days and then need to rewash or somehow get the wrinkles out. Well the other day I left a load in the dryer and forgot to take them out. In a mad rush to get the girls to school and me to work I remembered my work clothes were balled up in the dryer where they have been sitting for 2 days. Well needless to say they were a really wrinkled and didn't have that just cleaned smell. The smell was more like a smell that says, I am a busy mom with two kids and I can't find my head let alone remember to take clothes out of the dryer. I started to panic, I have to get to work and these are the only clothes to wear, plus I have a meeting with my Director today. So in a pinch I grabbed 1/4oz of the Shaklee Fabric Softener and mixed it with 16 oz of water. I then sprayed my clothes till they were damp and through them in the dryer for 5 mins. When I took them out not only were the wrinkles gone but I now smell like success.

I was so pleased of my new found mixture I ended up spraying the entire house with it because it smelled so clean. It is amazing what a little safe, clean fragrance can do for your attitude. The rest of the morning seemed to go by with easy.

My Review of Fragrance Free Baby Wipes- 420 Count

Originally submitted at Diapers.com

Nature Babycare Baby Wipes- 420 Count

14 travel packs of 30 wipes each

 

Special offer- limited quantity available!

 

Nature babycare products are the result of many years of intense work and development by Swedish mother Marlene Sand...

Fragrance Free Baby Wipes- 420 Count

Great Wipes

By Aloe Leaf Non Toxic & Green Living from PA on 9/30/2008

 

4out of 5

Pros: Durable, High Quality, Good Value

Cons: Slightly dry

Best Uses: Kids Dogs any Messes

I really like these wipes they work great on everything. I would still by them even if my kids were out of diapers. The only complaint I have is that the wipes are slightly on the dryer side. But I would rather have slightly dryer wipes than chemicals. Plus if the baby is really that dirty, they need a bath and not just wiping the mess off.

(legalese)

Mara & the Grease Can

Last week the girls were outside enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I turned my back for one second and Mara had her arm 1/2 way down the grease can from the grill. How she found this still remains a mystery. But by the time I got to her she had a fist full of grease. She was squeezing her fist together and laughing as it dripped through her fingers and made a gushy sound. Being completely grossed out I grabbed her and ran inside. As I got inside I thought oh...how am i going to get all this grease off. So I figured I would just at least get all the drippy globs of grease off first. So I took the Shaklee Dish Wash soap and poured some in her hand and then rinsed with water. Well to my surprise ALL the grease was gone, that easy I was amazed.

Next I want to test this on de-skunking a dog. Being a dog groomer we have our secrets in getting out skunk smell from dogs. The concoction includes Dawn soap due to it good decreasing skills, however it is not easy on dogs skin and coat because it is very harsh. Well if Shaklee worked this good on grill grease hands, imagine what it could do for skunk smell. And it would eliminate the harshness of dawn on delicate coats. Have a skunked dog let me know!

Laura

Get Clean - Basic H2

I figured I would start my review on green products by the product I have found infinite uses for. Shaklee's Basic H2 is great I couldn't live without it, to date I have used it to clean my floors, carpets, counters, showers, sinks, kids toys, dog toys, windows, humidifiers and I am sure there are more these are the only ones coming to mind. If anyone has this I have a document outlining all these uses for it, if you want me to send this to you just shoot me an email.

The greatest part about this cleaner is that it cost so little for what you get out of it. This one little $12 bottle makes thousands of bottles of window cleaner. I am not joking you put to drops (yes I said drops) in 16oz of water. It cleans windows better than anything else I have ever used. Basic h2 is nothing short of a miracle product. If you are interested in it click here

Chemicals in Cleaning Products

It amazes me how many chemicals are in typical commercial cleaners. I cant get over how much we as consumers are blind to what is being added to our household cleaners, make-up, body washes and even famine products. Since becoming chemical free 9 months ago I now see clean in a whole new light. Before clean was a smell, I knew I did a good job cleaning when everything smelled like lemons and would make me nauseous if I stayed in a single room to long. I remember every time I was done cleaning I would have a horrible headache. I was proud of that headache because I thought it meant that I did a good job cleaning.

Now 9 months later I know clean is not a smell or a headache, clean is knowing my family is safe.