Go Paperless with Your Service Providers

More and more I've been finding that credit card companies, banks and insurance companies would love to take your business with them, "green." Not for the reasons that I might hope, but industry is waking up to the idea that we don't want all their paper and we are perfectly capable of reading statements online and printing a copy if needed.

The biggest change came from Kaiser. I was thrilled when they offered the Guidebook online and immediately signed up to receive it that way. It takes an extra step, but you can often prevent all the unwanted paper from accumulating just by letting your service providers know that

you don't want it!

Berkeley Home Can "Green Up!"

Shopping in Oakland and Berkeley

In honor of Earth Day, I thought I might mention, even when the product is organic and local, shopping is not really "green."

The best thing you can do is to shop with intention. When you patronize your local businesses, with local City tax bases. The money stays here in town and supports what you are for.

Your Clean Green, Healthy Berkeley, Oakland Home

I've been bit by the bug... Spring cleaning!

The weather has been incredible and just getting all the windows open and airing out the house feels amazing. When we think about going green or taking steps to help the environment, green cleaning is an area where we can make an impact. Green cleaning supplies are available at Trader Joes and Whole Foods and plenty of other spots. Target has a great selection of Method products.

But almost as easily you can make them yourself from products that you commonly have around the house or can purchase in bulk for much less than you would pay for fancy cleaning supplies.

I recommend that you get (or recycle) a few spray bottles so you can pre-mix solutions for your "new" cleaners so that everything is at hand when the inspiration arises.

A clean bucket will hold your sprays, *microfiber cloths, gloves and scrub brushes and even a toothbrush. With everything convenient, your job will be much easier.

A quick chemistry lesson before you mix your cleaners:

Acid versus Basic

Acid cleaners are good for rust, soap scum, water spots
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Club soda
Vinegar

Basic cleaners are good for body oil, food stains, everyday dirt and grime
Soap
Baking soda
Borax
Washing soda


Recipe for All-Purpose Spray
(good for counter tops, spills, good on most surfaces)

One 16 oz. spray bottle
Two tsps. borax
hot water
1/4 tsp. liquid castille soap


Recipe for All-Purpose Liquid Cleaner (good for large jobs like floors)

One gallon hot water
One tbsp. baking soda
Two tbsps. liquid soap or detergent


Recipe for Glass Cleaner

One cup distilled white vinegar
One cup water
1/2 tsp. liquid dish soap (optional)
3-8 drops essential oil (optional)

*a note about microfiber cloths, though made from petroleum, they are practically indestructible and are effective with just warm water in many cases, a really good cleaning tool!

Drop back by for more green cleaning tips and other tips for a healthy home!

All in the Details

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