Ways to go green (part 1)

"Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference." - Jane Goodall


Ever heard of carbon footprint and how crucial it is to have one's footprint lowered to save Mother Earth from further destruction?  It's good to know that there are several industrial entities doing such.  But here are some tips on how to reduce our own carbon footprints and take lighter steps on earth.


Keeping our homes clean is a noble idea, but a lot of cleaning agents actually contain materials (toxic-corrosive) that can do more harm than good in the longer run. 


From the Greenpeace website, here are some green ways to clean our homes.


Let's start with the drains.  It would be best to follow two simple rules.  NEVER pour grease down a drain and always use a drain sieve to keep food scraps from being washed down.   In our household,  we periodically pour boiling water down the drain as we wake up in the morning when the drain  pipes are most dry.  And then I have learned that it is best to add baking soda and salt for best results.  (mix 1 cup baking soda and 1 cup salt - pour over the drain, then follow with a pot of boiling water).  Done once a week, this should keep the drain open and odor free.


For clogged drains, once again, Baking Soda helps.  Pour in 1/4 cup (60 ml) baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup (125 ml) vinegar.  Close the drain until the fizzing stops and flush with boiling water. 

And for hair that comes off while showering, don't let it wash down the drain.  Just leave it over the drain, and throw it afterwards. 

For bathroom cleaning, use a firm bristled brush with either baking soda or a mild all-purpose cleaner and baking soda. Rinse with hot water.

For hard-water areas use vinegar or lemon juice to dissolve the mineral build-up. For really tough jobs, saturate a rag and lay it on the problem spot for a few hours before rinsing.

For mold and mildew, rub tiles and grout with a cloth which has been moistened with vinegar and scrub with an old toothbrush. 

These simple alternative cleaning solutions are just some of the baby steps we can take to treading our Earth with lighter feet.  

Reducing carbon footprint is not as technical as it seems.  Every individual's collaborative effort can offer results of great proportions.