I am starting this thread in order to encourage us all to research, share and try out different ways in which to live more gently on the Earth. I think that both the planet and our own health and happiness would benefit greatly.
So...to start things off I will put a few helpful URLS and ideas that I use.
The Natural Resources Defense Council: http://www.nrdc.org/
While this is based in the USA, there are a lot of good ideas and resources on the site.
Environlink Homepage: http://www.envirolink.org/
This page has a LOT of useful links for all kinds of information on it.
Nuclear Information and Resource Services: http://www.nirs.org/
Great site for info regarding energy and nuclear issues
Most of us do not have tons of money to spend on things to renovate our homes and such, so we have to look to inexpensive alternatives. Not always possible, especially when it comes to organically grown food and cloth, but there are things we can do.
On another thread I posted a recipe for a household cleaner that can replace most of what we buy. There are good reasons to do this. Most commercial cleaners are loaded to the gills with chemicals you really do not want around yourself or your kids. We are taught/conned into believing that we have to massacre every bug, germ and virus in our environments if we want to have any chance of being healthy. It is a lie.
For one thing, the chemicals used damage us, our kids, our pets, wildlife and everything else. Secondly, using this stuff only breeds bigger and badder bugs, resulting in antibiotics not working as well when we really need them. Hospitals are famous for this. The stuff they use only breeds more resistant strains of things like staph. Thirdly, the simple things like hot water, soap, vinegar, etc. wash away the vast majority of germs and such anyway. And fourthly, we need germs and bugs in order to be healthy. Our immune systems are designed to respond to these things by becoming stronger. We actually weaken ourselves when we try to live germ-free.
So...here is my grandmother's recipe for a general, all-purpose cleaner:
1 gallon hot water
1/2 cup ammonia
1/2 cup vinegar
3 tablespoons baking soda
This works beautifully on counters, in refrigerators, to clean out washing machines, etc. If something is REALLY dirty, increase the amounts of ammonia and vinegar by another 1/2 cup each.
For windows, I use either a few tablespoons of ammonia and vinegar in hot water or a product called Bi-O-Kleen Glass Cleaner. I like the spray bottle and the stuff cleans well with no environmental problems or fumes.
There are some products on the market, in the USA, that are very good. Simple Green is what I use in toilets and for very greasy stuff. Grease on clothing - I use a product called Bi-O-Kleen Cleaner and Degreaser. One bottle makes 32 or more gallons and it is made with grapefruit seed and orange peel extract, along with coconut and other environmentally friendly things. This stuff can be used on upholstery, counters, in the laundry...all over the place.
I think that sharing what we do to make our lives healthier and more in balance with Life is a wonderful thing. And we can include gardening tips, tips on where to find organic products, recycling and anything else we can think of.
Peace and Bright Blessings,
Samantha Ravensdaughter
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