With the influx of problems becoming more evident in our world such as global warming, repetitive oil spills in our oceans, ozone layer depletion and pollution just to scratch the surface, there has been an heightened sense of urgency and devotion towards establishing a cleaner world. Our focus on helping to protect our environment and save our planet has never been more compelling. Anyone can be part of a supporting cast dedicated towards helping to conserve and preserve our delicate planet Earth by being conscientious and using the term GREEN more than you would in days of future past. I am not referring to green like the color of money, or the New York Jets Professional Football Team, or even Shrek created by Disney/Pixar imagineers, what I am referring to is, the color associated with being environmentally friendly. Whether on a grand scale or simply by choosing to switch to all natural cleaning products, it can be that simple.
Harsh, toxic solvents and petroleum based products cause all sorts of problems to our environment such as ground water contamination. Switching to all natural household cleaning products can reduce problems associated with these chemicals and represents a smart step in the GREEN scheme of things. Factor in the problem that these same harmful cleaning agents can pose potential problems to animals and humans and contain warnings regarding environmental concerns as well. Who needs this, especially when their are ways of avoiding and eliminating these products from your cleaning arsenal all together.
Three of the best known products that can give you a bang for a buck, literally, since they actually cost less than a dollar at dollar stores and supermarkets everywhere, are vinegar, backing soda and lemon juice. All three of these products provide a proven solution to household cleaning chores, by wiping away dirt, certain bacteria and odors. It is truly amazing how natural, non toxic and inexpensive products such as these readily available products can provide cleaning power while disinfecting and deodorizing as well.
Many aquarists are aware of just how powerful and effective vinegar(acetic acid) is at removing salt creep(caked on salt that has dried and solidifies on lighting and equipment), as well as breaking down calcium carbonate that has precipitated out of saltwater and causes filters and pumps all sorts of problems in due time. Again, vinegar is non toxic to humans as well as delicate livestock in your prized aquariums. As a side note, vinegar is also effective at reducing pH levels of water that may become elevated over time and increase the percentage of calcium being administered to your water through Kalkwasser dosing.
Some other tricks of the trade that can provide great results using these products, that you may not have ever imagined.
Here goes…have an unpleasant odor emanating from your sink, pour some baking soda down the drain. If you have a garbage disposal tied in to your kitchen sink with an unappealing smell, to say the least, try dropping a whole orange, lemon or lime down the drain and turn on the disposal. You will be amazed by the results and pleasing smell. How about dusting furniture? Mix olive oil and lemon juice together and voila, you have furniture polish. Have lime deposits in your bathtub or coffee pot, use vinegar to remove it. Vinegar will also help to remove carpet stains! Clean dishes can be achieved by mixing baking soda and vinegar together. The baking soda cleans and deodorizes while the vinegar cuts through grease and grime and removes wax buildup. Want to get rid of mildew vinegar and a sponge will do the trick. To create an effective toilet bowl cleaner, again, mix vinegar and baking soda together and scrub.
I think you get the picture by now. All of the environmental friendly ways of cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing without potential harmful risks to our environment, pets and family members, plus think of the money you can save by switching to these very economical products, and with the state of the economy as depressed as it is, what a pleasant way to save a buck or two, wouldn’t you say…
Happy Cleaning, Environmental Conservation and Preservation…
Every little bit helps!
