Clean & Green: R3 Day

Today is Earth Day!  It is the day when we remember to care for our Earth.  It is a day to do something that beautifies or preserves the land that God gave us.  It is a day to practice the 3R's!

Reduce:   Use less.  Turn off the lights.  Unplug for a day.  Avoid plastic bags.  Consume your leftovers. Use less gas.  Use less water.  Just use less.

Reuse:  Wash out the plastic bags and use them again.  Place coffee grinds and crushed egg shells around a plant as fertilizer.  Use old jars to store leftovers or craft supplies.  Use rinse water for watering plants and kiddie pool water for watering lawn.

Recycle:  Turn your trash into something new. Cut and tape cereal boxes for shipping.  Make art with your old Christmas cards.  Take your paper, plastic, electronics, construction, glass, automotive, construction, garden, and household waste to the appropriate recycling centers.  

Recharge your batteries.

Repurpose a plastic bottle into a plant watering vessel.

Refrain from using disposable towels.

Upcycle old clothes into reusable shopping bags.

Repair broken electronics.

These websites had great R3 ideas:

http://www.squidoo.com/reuse-everything

http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/02/waste-not-want-not/

http://earth911.com/recycling/

http://www.treehugger.com/htgg/how-to-go-green-recycling.html

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycling-symbols-plastics-460321

http://www.earthday.org/

http://www.earthday.org/footprint-calculator

http://edu.earthday.org/

For more of our Clean & Green series, see these links:

Monday, April 18th: The Earth Plan

Tuesday, April 17th:  DIY All-Purpose Mild Abrasive Cleanser

Wednesday, April 18th:  Twirly Fairy Craft

Thursday, April 19th:  Wall Garden  Salmoncakes

Clean & Green: Upcycled Rags

Clean & Green: Floor Cleaner

This is my go-to cleaner for my floors.  It works great on tile or laminate but I wouldn't try it on wood.  It is also great for wiping down cabinets.  It removes the grime and leaves behind a fresh smell.







Floor Cleaner

1/4 C vinegar
2 Gallons water
8 drops essential lemon oil
8 drops essential tangerine oil

Wipe the floors down with a rag or mop.  I like to go behind and dry my floors, too.  Change the water when dirty to ensure an equally good clean throughout the process.




For more of the Clean & Green series, go to:

Monday, April 18th: The Earth Plan

Tuesday, April 17th:  DIY All-Purpose Mild Abrasive Cleanser

Wednesday, April 18th:  Twirly Fairy Craft

Thursday, April 19th:  Wall Garden  Salmoncakes