Here's the update on my Adventures in Going Green:
1. I've used the reusable bags when I go shopping - and I love them!! Not only does it feel good to not have a gazillion plastic bags at the end of a shopping trip, but they are sturdy, they stand upright, and they hold so much!
2. I like my homemade cleaners - although they do require an extra step (wipe down with clean cloth & water) - the ones with baking soda or cornstarch in them will leave behind a film if I don't wipe up. However - the fact that they are so cheap to make and aren't full of icky harsh chemicals makes up for it.
3. I like using the rags instead of paper towels for cleaning - we still have some paper towels in the house, so I'll use them up, but then I'm hoping to not buy anymore.
4. There are plants growing in every single one of my pots on the front porch!! I have no idea if any veggies will actually grow - but it's so fun to see them coming up. We have snap peas, tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash and green beans planted. Yum!
5. Recycling is going well - still haven't made it to the recycling center to empty my bins (and they ARE getting full...) but I've noticed how much less trash we have.
6. I haven't gone any further really with the whole canning/preserving thing - but I'm still interested.
7. I've been looking into more natural beauty/skin/haircare products and techniques. I'm now using a natural deodorant (no anti-perspirant, which scared me at first, but I actually found that after a few days, my body adjusted and I actually sweat less. Weird) and washing my face with oil (once again, scary sounding, but your skin adjusts - I used to have some oily patches & some dry patches... now everything feels nice & smooth - no flaky spots, and once again, no icky chemicals). I use a mineral foundation, and am still looking into stuff for my hair. We're on a budget, so it has to be natural AND inexpensive... those two don't often go hand-in-hand.
Anyway - that's how things are going. Thanks for keeping me honest! And ENJOY the holiday weekend!!
- Katie
- A Few of My Favorite Things ~ Shady spots on sunny days ~ Knowing people well and and loving them well ~ Yarn, fabric... pretty much anything crafty ~ My incredible husband who knows I'm crazy and loves me anyway ~ Our daughters Hazel, Meriel and Ruby, who have thrown our lives into the most precious tailspin imaginable ~ Above all else - the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus
4 thoughts:
I tried washing my hair with baking soda for about a week and gave up. I want you to try it and tell me how it works for you.
I've never even heard of the oil washing. I'm going to give that one a whirl. My face is pretty sensitive but oil works for me!
I hope your vegetables come through for you. We planted a little garden a few weeks ago with tomato, cucumber, squash and zucchini. Now all we have to do is keep from killing them!
have you looked at vitacost.com? if you're looking for organic products, i find them to be the cheapest. we buy all our burts bees, jasons and kiss my face products there, plus our supplements. shipping is super cheap and products are usually at least 40% off from the stores prices.
also, this is expensive, but it's the only natural deodorant that works well for me, but i'm a sweater...they're at lush.com. all products are 'homemade' and super yummy smelling...but they do come with a price tag..although, they do last awhile...i think there's a new lush in one of the malls around detroit.
do you make your own wipe solution?
I've never tried vitacost - but I will look at it - Thanks!
I do make my own wipes solution, through a very non-technical process of adding "some" tea tree oil, apricot oil, and baby wash to about a gallon of water. I keep the jug in Hazey's room and pour it over the wipes in the warmer whenever I need to. It's worked great - she's never had a bad reaction. (knock on wood).
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