Green Cleaning and Vinegar

Around our house we are trying to be a bit greener these days.  First up was tackling the shelves full of cleaning products.  While we had switched to more eco friendly cleaners (Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, Method, etc), they do tend to be a bit more costly.  So, we started looking for alternatives.  I just recently stumbled upon two books with some great information regarding "natural" cleaning alternatives using vinegar, baking soda, lemons and salt along with tea tree oil and Borax.  I am looking forward to giving some of these a go.

With our daughter's recent issues with migraines and seasonal allergies, we are striving for a healthier/cleaner lifestyle.  Simple changes, such as buying lunch meats without nitrites/nitrates have made a tremendous different.  Also, we feel that by ridding our house of toxic household cleaners we can only be helping her and the environment.  And, I've found that some of the "home" remedies work better actually!  For instance, vinegar is a great fabric softener and lemons and salt do wonders for cleaning our new stainless cookware.  And, they are so much more cost effective too!

So, I thought I'd share the books with you...best part, I purchased them at our local Barnes and Noble for $4.49 each ($5.98 less my membership discount).  You can find them online as well.

The first,

 1001 Practical Uses...really!!!  This book takes you through a short history of vinegar, the science of its production, conversion chart for measuring, types of vinegar, and uses (laundry, outdoor, cleaning/odor control, cooking/recipes, health/personal care, pets/animals, home decorating/renovation-wow, who knew??!!

The second,

Natural Hints and Tips For the Eco-Friendly Household.  This book takes a look at vinegar, baking soda, lemons, salt, tea tree oil and Borax and their applications in the home and surrounding areas.

Both books are by Margaret Briggs (along with Vivian Head).

Even if you aren't into the whole "greener" lifestyle, these books really do offer some fascinating information.

Hope everyone is enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.  It is a beautiful sunny, almost 80 degree day here (too hot already).