Reducing waste and damage to the surrounding are is something that we've been talking about a lot recently here at Basmati.com, and something that is becoming increasingly important. In order to minimize my environmental impact, I've started to use some alternatives to the everyday household cleaners we use that are safe for the environment.
For those of you who might not have time to make all of your own products, there is an awesome company called Seventh Generation they produce all natural and Eco-friendly household cleaners, baby care products, and feminine care products. For those of you who have the time here are 4 DIY Cleaning Products:
Bleach – Bleach is known as a great disinfectant, cleanser, and brightener. Here is a basic bleach alternative recipe.
- ¾ Cup 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
- ¼ Cup Lemon Juice
- 10-15 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- ¾ Cup Baking Soda
- 7 Cups Water
Carefully mix all of your ingredients together. Then, let the solution set for about 24 hours. Use 1 cup of the solution per load of laundry. * Be sure to use hot water as it works better with the ingredients.*
Windex – You can use straight vinegar or you can make a solution using:
- ½ Cup of Rubbing Alcohol
- ½ Cup of Water
- 1 Tablespoon of Vinegar
- Mix ingredients. This can be used immediately.
Pine Scented All-Purpose Cleaner – This solution is one of the better ones I have tried.
- 1 Tablespoon of Unscented Castile Soap (I like to use Dr. Bronner’s)
- 4 Cups of Warm Water
- 10-15 Drops Pine Essential Oil
- Mix all ingredients and store in your reusable cleaning bottle.
Lavender Dish Soap – This recipe takes just a little more work.
- 2 Cups of Water
- ¼ Cup of All Natural Soap, Grated or Flaked
- ¼ Cup of Castile Soap
- 2 Teaspoons of Washing Soda
- 1 Teaspoon of Vegetable Glycerin
- 30-40 Drops of Lavender Essential Oil
- Bring your water to boil and remove from heat. Add soap flakes and stir until they dissolve. Add all of the remaining ingredients, mix well, and pour into your glass pump bottle. Allow 24-32 hours for the ingredients to mix and dissolve properly.
The more mindfully we shop, the more conscious we become in our way of living. Being thoughtful and considerate doesn't only apply to one another as humans, rather it applies to everything within the universe – our actions impact the surrounding environment. For every action there is an equal or greater reaction, we have to be the change we want to see. I have made many changes in order to improve my impact on the world around me, just like many others. We need to reach out and teach out to as many people as we can. Talk to your local grocers and producers, get with other like-minded individuals and take a stand. Lets start cleaning up our act!
