Natural Air Fresheners

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image of pink flowers

Whether you’re trying to freshen up your house for guests or if you’d like to cancel out strong food odors from that delicious meal you just made, there are quite a few natural air fresheners you can use instead of chemical-laden commercial air fresheners.

FRESH PLANTS / FLOWERS
Live or cut, a bunch of flowers can add beauty to your space as well as purifying the air. They have been known to neutralize the air by removing the formaldehyde given off by furniture or kitchen cabinets made with fiberboard. Live rubber plants, azaleas, and bamboo palms are also thought to be able to do this. Some flowers are so fragrant that their scent will fill the air while they are in bloom. Gardenias, lilacs, lilies, and some organic roses smell lovely and linger.
LEMON
If you’re cooking vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage or fish, all which give off sulfur orders, use lemon to reduce the smell. Slice about six lemons and simmer them in a handful of cloves in a pan of water for ten minutes. Much better!
ROSEWATER
You can make your own sweet-smelling rose water by placing a few drops of rose oil in a small bowl of water and add a solubilizer (available in the cosmetics section of health food stores) one drop at a time. Float fresh rose waters on top and replace them as they brown.
POMANDERS
To add a natural fragrance to your closets and drawers stud oranges with whole cloves, spaced evenly and as close together as possible. Don’t forget about it once you put it in there and when you’re through with it, compost it.
SOAP
Aside from using natural chemical-free soaps for washing, they make excellent drawer fresheners too. Place them in with your socks, undergarments, pajamas for a clean fresh smell.
EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus appears in many products, from deodorants to shower gels to cold remedies. It is known for its sinus-clearing power. Simmer eucalyptus leaves on the stove in water to freshen the air and clear the sinuses. Put a sprig of eucalyptus in a room to freshen it for a couple of weeks.
VINEGAR
Vinegar can neutralize stinky smells, such as cigarette, strong cooking odors, and musty smells. Fill a glass dish with 1/2 inch of white vinegar and place in musty drawers or cabinets until the smell goes away. Make ice cubes out of vinegar and run them through your garbage disposer to eliminate odors.
ZEOLITE
This non-toxic, odorless volcanic rock is known to remove pet odors, cooking, and smoke smells, You can buy it at hardware stores in pouches or shakers. Hang the pouches in closets or basements or use the powder on spot odors.
(Ref: Martha Stewart, Home Keeping Handbook)
N.Parkington

Biodegradable Golf Balls

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golf ball

Albus Golf, a company located in the Spanish city of Barcelona, had a mission: to design innovative and unique products with ecological and biodegradable features that improve the sustainability and biodiversity of marine life, in order to satisfy the sporting and leisure requirements of our customers and improve their environmental awareness. I’d say they achieved that mission with the invention of the biodegradable golf ball! Anyone who plays golf will know that hitting golf balls into the sea, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes is prohibited. This is because regular balls are manufactured using plastic materials which are highly polluting, they can cause the death of fish and other marine animals if ingested. What is more, because golf balls do not biodegrade, they will inevitably accumulate on the sea bed. Not any more thanks to the biodegradable eco-friendly golf ball!

According to the Albus Golf website:

“ECOBIOBALL is a single-use ball with a unique and exclusive design for practicing golf close to marine environments (sea, ocean, rivers, lakes and ponds).ECOBIOBALL is the first and only golf ball in the world which, after being used and subsequently biodegrading releases fish food.This is why we have defined it as ecological and biodegradable. Thanks to its innovative formulation, it starts to biodegrade immediately on being submerged in water. In less than 24 hours, its external coating starts to open, and in 36 to 48 hours the internal core, comprised of 100% fish food, is
released into the water, where it can be eaten by fish.”

The following photo from the Albus Golf features the Ecobioball 48 hours after submersion in water, as you can see the external layer has begun to be broken down releasing the fish food core into the surrounding water.

As I understand it these balls aren’t meant to be used on driving ranges, or golf courses where regular balls can be retrieved but to have the opportunity to practice close to marine environments without polluting them, and to bring an added value to such environments. Whilst I don’t play golf myself, I do know some golfers and they’ll be very pleased to know that now they can practice close to the water and be eco-friendly at the same time!

Check Out These Natural Dog Foods

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bowl of dog food

Duck & Potato Dry Formula
Stay-Fresh Packaging. Limited Ingredient Duck & Potato Formula. Select Carbohydrates Include Potatoes, Oatmeal & Toasted Oats / Organically Grown Quinoa from South America. It sounds like an entrée at a fine restaurant, duck and delicious potatoes. But these are also a fine and delicious source of nutrition and make Pinnacle an excellent choice for active adult dogs. Good nutrition is about variety, and the variety of protein sources in Pinnacle – the duck, the potatoes, plus oatmeal, toasted oats, and the grain quinoa – means all essential amino acids are here. It also means that complex carbohydrates, essential for energy, come from a variety of sources as well.

Chicken Formula Dry Dog Food
Holistic chicken and oats formula. Stay fresh packaging. Include grapeseed oil, with no added allergens. Contains organically grown quinoa with mixed dehydrated vegetables. Formulated for both adults and puppies alike.

Trout and Sweet Potato Dog Food
Holistic trout and sweet potato formula. Stay fresh packaging. Include grapeseed oil, with no added allergens. Contains organically grown quinoa with mixed dehydrated vegetables. Formulated for adult dogs

Fromm Pork and Applesauce
A savory blend of hand-selected pork with fresh Wisconsin apples complimented with carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans.

Small Breed Adult
Made by Artemis, Fresh Mix Small Breed is a scientifically formulated holistic puppy food made to meet the nutritional requirements of small breed puppies, taking into account their particular breed characteristics. All proteins are selected from USDA-inspected plants, and the inclusion of fresh meat in the formula enhances the nutrient profile and palatability. Artemis includes balanced levels of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids and herbs, which are vital for healthy skin, lustrous coat and maintaining and promoting natural wellness. Contains Yucca Schidigera extract, also, which reduces both body and waste odor. Fresh Mix is free of chemicals, preservatives, artificial additives and by-products.

Probiotics/Prebiotics are crucial for young puppies since they are preparing to transition from mother’s milk to dog food. Fresh Mix Small Breed PuppyFood contains Probiotics (digestive enzyme) and Prebiotics (friendly bacteria) so that the puppy’s digestive system will accept the new food and be able to digest all the vital nutrients.

Help Your Feline Friends Play Eco-Friendly Too

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image of a cat

The majority of pets owners have either a cat or a dog or used to at some point in their lives. Cats are typically easier to go eco-friendly with because of the types of toys that they play with. Today I have some products to show you that will not only help entertain your feline friend but also help the environment out as well. Catnip toys can be quite a catch with cats :). A friend of mine who used to have five cats at one time used catnip toys for them all of the time. Take a look…

Yellow Fish Catnip Toy
Fish-shaped cat toy filled with only organic catnip. Cat gone fishin? At over 7″ long and completely filled with potent Yeowww! organic catnip, these fish are keepers! Filled with 100% organic catnip.

Apple Catnip Toy
Round apple-shaped cat toy filled to the seams with 100% Yeowww! organic catnip. An apple a day keeps the vet away! Be the apple of your cat’s eye. Filled with 100% organic catnip.

Barn Mouse Catnip Toy
Bringing the mouse to the house! West Paw Design’s newest mouse toy is made from durable faux suede and silky soft material with long curled ears, wispy whiskers, button nose, and a dangling leather tail. So soft and cute your cat may want to cuddle instead of pounce! Filled with certified USDA organic catnip. Comes in two different colors.

Kickin’ Chicken Catnip Toy
Old McDonald never had a chicken that looked this good! With long spindly legs made of cotton cord and a tuft of white faux fur hair, this chicken will hold a cat’s attention all day. West Paw Design’s durable corduroy material is generously stuffed with organically grown catnip and finished with a tinkling bell. Filled with certified USDA organic catnip.

Stinkies Catnip Sardine
Yeowww! Stinkies catnip sardine is a colorful eye-catching fish – a keeper, naturally – filled to the gills with 100 percent Yeowww! organically grown catnip. The catnip sardine is over 3″ long and jammed full of intensely powerful Yeowww! organic catnip. This little fish will reel in the big cat.

Slide Your Computer Mouse Onto Something Earth Friendly

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image of a mouse on eco-friendly-pad

In the market for a new mouse pad? Mousepads these days are reasonably priced for the most part. Want to bring eco-friendliness to your mouse habits? Try using an eco-friendly mouse pad instead. They are still reasonably priced just as the not so eco-friendly mousepads are. Check them out, and help support the cause for a brighter, cleaner, healthier environmental future. Also, if you know of a local store that carries eco-friendly mousepads please share it in the comments section. It could help out the other readers. Thanks! We should try to help each other as much as possible, especially during these tough economic times. Every little bit counts every step of the way. Have a good day, everyone!

Tetra Pak Mouse Pad
Made entirely of recycled Juice Boxes. The plastic coating bonds the sheets together and viola! no glue needed. Random colorfulness makes these wonderfully unique and one-of-a-kind.

Fellowes Recycled Mouse Pad – Leaves
Earth-friendly mouse pad is made from 95% recycled tires, optical-friendly for superior tracking, non-skid rubber base protects desktop from scratches, durable and easy to clean. USA orders only.

Recycled Mouse Pad – Blue Ocean
Earth-friendly mouse pad is made from 95% recycled tires, optical-friendly for superior tracking, non-skid rubber base protects desktop from scratches, durable and easy to clean.

Scenic Foam Mouse Pad, Nonskid Back, 9 x 8, Sunrise Design
Colorful mouse pad works great with both optical and ball mice. Striking photo design will enliven your workspace. Non-skid backing keeps mouse pad still while you move.

Recycled Plastic Mouse Pad
Mousepads are made of recycled polythene bags and measure 7.5″ x 9.5″ (19 x 24.1 cm). Handmade in and fairly traded from India.

Not interested in earth-friendly mouse pads but want to encourage a healthy environment? Try one of these two mouse pads:

Blue Recycled Mouse Pad
Non-slip backing keeps the mouse moving while the mouse pad stays in place. Dimensions: 9.25″ x 7.75″. No minim order.

Handle With Care Mouse Pad
Non-slip backing keeps the mouse moving while the mouse pad stays in place. Dimensions: 9.25″ x 7.75″. No minim order.

Could Rice Be the New Concrete?

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image of a bowl of rice

According to this article that I came across on Discovery’s website there is a whole new use for rice husks. Concrete obviously isn’t the most eco-friendly thing in this world, however, it is possible that rice husks could change all of that. Take a look at the article on it below. You may find it to be enlightening…

A new way of processing rice husks for use in concrete could lead to a boom in green construction.

Rice husks form small cases around edible kernels of rice and are rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2), an essential ingredient in concrete. Scientists have recognized the potential value of rice husks as a building material for decades, but past attempts to burn it produced ash too contaminated with carbon to be useful as a cement substitute.

The world’s penchant for consuming concrete is a huge problem for climate change. Every ton of cement manufactured for use in concrete emits a ton of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Worldwide, cement production accounts for about 5 percent of all CO2 emissions related to human activity.

Now, Rajan Vempati of ChK Group, Inc. in Plano, Texas, and a team of researchers have figured out a way to make nearly carbon-free rice husk ash. Heating husks to 800 degrees centigrade (1,472 degrees Fahrenheit) in a furnace drives off carbon, leaving fine particles of nearly pure silica behind.

“The process emits some CO2, but it’s carbon neutral. Any that we emit goes back annually into the rice paddies,” Vempati said.

In recent years, concrete has become a repository for various waste products. Slag from steel mills, coal fly ash and silica fume — a leftover from the silicon metal industry — all have found second lives as replacements for carbon-belching Portland cement.

“I think the reason rice husk ash has had difficulty making it into mainstream applications is it typically comes with quite a high carbon content,” Jan Olek of Purdue University, who was not involved in the study said. “If properly prepared, it could be a very useful, good material for efforts to limit emissions of carbon dioxide in the concrete industry.”

Adding the ash makes concrete stronger and more resistant to corrosion. The team speculates that rice husk ash could enhance performance by replacing up to 20 percent of the cement typically mixed into concrete in the construction of skyscrapers, bridges and any structure built on or near water.

Article continues here.

Green Dog Odor Remover Now Available At Wal-Mart

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image of a dog

First off, I hope all of the Dads out there had a fantastic Father’s Day weekend! Second off, here are the current results from last week’s poll:

Based upon your votes there are more of you who are giving eco gifts compared to anything else, which is based on the number of votes received. That’s a great thing because we all should help those around us who need help with getting their foot on the ground to go green.

This week’s poll is: Does Your Pet Live An Eco Life? Click Here to vote!

Readers, something amazing happened when I was doing my grocery shopping at Wal-Mart today. I stopped down the dog aisle looking for something in particular for my faithful, though often a moody, dog. Unfortunately, they did not have what I was looking for. However, on my way out I did notice something well worth mentioning to all of you, and could not wait to share it. I came across some odor removers that are eco-friendly put out by a company called Clean + Green.

While the products that I found were for dogs, this brand does carry odor removers/cleaners for various pets, so make sure to check out a Wal-Mart near you whenever you get a chance. What really astonished me, though, is that this brand puts out a product for wood/laminate/tile floors aside from just carpet. The price range that I saw these odor removers/cleaners at was between $6.00 and $7.00 each. Every store more than likely will vary in price. Here are a few of the products that I found by Clean + Green at my Wal-Mart, which can also be easily purchased online as well:

Clean + Green Carpet Odor Eliminator, Cleaner and Stain Remover For Dogs
Clean + Green Carpet Odor Eliminator, Cleaner & Stain Remover for Dogs cleans and permanently removes stain and odor on the carpet from dog clean up problems such as urine, feces, and vomit.

Clean + Green Wood and Tile Odor Eliminator, Cleaner and Stain Remover For Dogs
Clean + Green Wood and Tile Odor Eliminator for Dogs cleans and removes stain and odors from dog cleanup problems on finished wood and tile such as urine, feces or vomit.

Clean + Green Furniture Odor Eliminator, Cleaner and Stain Remover For Dogs
Petrotech Clean + Green Furniture Odor Eliminator, Cleaner and Stain Remover cleans and removes stain and odors from dog cleanup problems on fabric, upholstery and bedding surfaces.

Clean + Green All-Purpose Odor Eliminator, Cleaner and Stain Remover For Small Animals
Clean + Green All-Purpose Odor Eliminator, Cleaner, and Stain Remover cleans and removes odors and stains from small animal cleanup problems in cages, litter boxes, and air.

A Little Something To Sweeten Up the Grill

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fruit

Love to grill but looking for something different to grill other than meat and vegetables? Want to satisfy your starving sweet tooth? This recipe by Whole Foods Market just might be the trick for you then! Their recipe for grilled fruit with caramelized orange sauce is really good and definitely helps out if you have a sweet tooth. Opt for as many organic ingredients as possible. Don’t like the fruits listed in this recipe? Simply replace with your favorite fruits instead. Also, if you don’t have any orange juice on hand you can use apple juice.

If you aren’t a fruit eater you can always attempt to replace the fruit with vegetables, such as carrots for example. When carrots have a little sweetness added to them, whether with the use of other fruits or something else, they taste extremely sweet, pending on what you use. Another vegetable you can try is corn. Personally, I’ve never tried to sweeten corn, however, I do know people that have and they love it.

Also, don’t forget to check out Wednesday’s Quick Tip Below!

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients:
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
canola oil
2 large peaches or nectarines, pitted and cut into thick wedges
2 ripe but firm bananas, peeled, halved lengthwise then crosswise
1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into thick slices

Method:
Whisk together juice, sugar, and zest in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced by half, 6 to 8 minutes. Set aside to let cool completely.

Meanwhile, grease grill grates with oil and preheat to medium-high heat. Working in batches, arrange peaches, bananas, and pineapple on grill in a single layer and cook, carefully flipping once, until just hot throughout and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer fruit to bowls, drizzle with sauce and serve.

Nutrition:
Per serving (about 6oz/183g-wt.): 150 calories (20 from fat), 2g total fat, 0g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 0mg sodium, 33g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 27g sugar), 1g protein

Wednesday’s Quick Tip: Organic tomatoes can be quite costly, offset this by growing your own at home.

Helpful Tips On What To Do With Baking Soda

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image of baking soda
  • Instead of washing your garbage cans with soap and water, try using baking soda and water.
  • Want to polish silverware? Using a damp cloth polish/rub the silverware with baking soda and the damp cloth, followed by simply rinsing the silverware and drying it.
  • Remove odors in shoes by sprinkling baking soda in them. The baking soda will absorb the odors.
  • Add a tiny bit of baking soda to your favorite shampoo. This aids in getting rid of build-up on the scalp and in the hair caused by styling products.
  • Bee sting bugging you? Create a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the bee sting and allow it to dry before removing it. Usually, this will help to get the stinger out. My friend’s mother used to be a Nurse, whom I received this tip from.
  • Tired of pain caused by a canker sore? Make a mouthwash of water and baking soda, use as you would your regular mouthwash. This will help to relieve the pain caused by canker sores.
  • Applying a paste made of baking soda and water to a sunburn will relieve some of the pain.
  • Apply baking soda with either an extremely soft cloth or a powder puff to underarms in place of regular deodorant.
  • Love to plant roses but absolutely hate dealing with black spot fungus? Never fear! Mix together 1 teaspoon eco-friendly liquid dish soap, 1-gallon water, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Spray this mixture onto roses in order to treat roses for black spot fungus.
  • Add anywhere from ¼ to ½ cup of baking soda to a foot soak, stirring well. This will soften tired feet’s skin.
  • Add ½ a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. Drink it, and it will greatly help to relieve heartburn.
  • Sprinkle baking soda in cat’s litter box. This will definitely help to get rid of odors.
  • Want a cleaner toilet bowl? Place 1 cup of baking soda in the toilet bowl. Let it sit anywhere from 1 – 2 hours, then flush the toilet to rinse. This will not only help to clean the toilet bowl but also help with odors if there were any previously present.
  • Place baking soda in a refrigerator and or freezer, putting fresh baking soda every 30 days. This will absorb odors.
  • One thing that has been mentioned by a few people before was to mix a little bit of baking soda with water and then apply it to a corroded auto battery. Supposedly it will dissolve the corrosion.
  • Clean your dishwasher by using baking soda instead of dishwasher soap, and run it through a cycle.

Taking An Eco Approach To After Shave

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image of a man shaving

Men, especially, look to aftershave to help soothe their skin and prevent razor burn and bumps. While most men use aftershave some women do as well. Typically when women use aftershave it is because they have extra sensitive skin and are trying to prevent razor burn and bumps. Below you will find more natural aftershaves. Not only will they treat your skin better but they will also treat the environment better.

George’s Aloe After Shave
Georges Aloe Vera After Shave is stimulating with a refreshing scent restores moisture to the skin! 78% “Always Active” Aloe Vera.

Thayers Witch Hazel After Shave With Aloe Vera Extra Strength
Thayers After Shave Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula reduces post-shaving irritation and leaves skin supple to the touch. Made of extract from the Witch Hazel shrub (Hamamelis Virginiana) and a blend of other time-tested ingredients – Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe Vera Formula Astringents and Alcohol-Free Toners are soothing, natural treatments that cleanse, tone and soothe your skin.

Earth Science Aloe Herbal After Shave Skin Soother For Men
For dry and normal skin. A unique skin soother formulated without stinging alcohols. Soothes and cools the skin and helps prevent razor burn or irritation. Normalizes the skin to a pH of 4.0 to 6.0. I have bought this brand for someone once before and it worked really well for them.

Reviva Labs After Save Conditioner
Skin Texture will feel and look smoother, while Reviva Labs After Shave Skin Conditioner helps protect skin from dust and pollutants.

EO Products After Shave Tea Tree and Lemon
This revitalizing After Shave Splash refreshes and cools the skin surface. Essential oils noted for their natural crisp scent and healing properties, invigorate and tone skin naturally. Use Daily to awaken, revitalize and revive skin. Paraben and Alcohol-Free, this splash won’t dry skin. Witch Hazel serves as a powerful astringent to tone and balance. Nourishing Algae and Mugwort heal and nourish while Aloe, Panthenol, and Nourishing Olive Wax leave skin soothe and moisturize. Pure Lemon, Tea Tree essential oils and Gentle Organic Jojoba work together to restore moisture and clarify skin naturally.