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!