greenliving
washcloths destined for the laundry. The Good Housekeeping Research Institute suggests that towels can be used up to four times before washing if they are hung to dry between showers, reducing both water and energy usage. To avoid spreading germs, personalize
A Lovely Loo that’s All Green, Too
Tips for Eco-Friendly Plants, Shades and Cleaners by Avery Mack
K
ey elements like low-fl ow faucets and showerheads, VOC-free paint, sustainable fl ooring and nonporous countertops form the foundation of an eco-friendly bathroom. Now let’s take a look at the softer side of green. Start by considering the use of honeycomb window shades and double-glazed windows to keep this most intimate room comfortable year-round and reduce utility bills. Periodically letting in fresh air helps keep the room dry and reduces growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. While the kitchen harbors the most germs in the house, the bathroom is a close second. Instead of harsh chemical cleansers, try white vinegar, a safe and economical alternative. Its acidity is effective in killing most germs. Madeleine Somerville, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, author of All You Need Is Less, uses heated vinegar misted on the shower door to remove soap scum. To achieve a shiny tub, she advises mixing one-quarter cup of baking soda, one tablespoon of natural dishwashing soap and enough water to make a paste. The baking soda also freshens the drain when the tub is
rinsed. Toilet bowl ring stains can be scrubbed away with a pumice stone. “Cleaning faucet aerators and exhaust vents on a regular basis extends equipment life, maintains effi ciency and prevents minor plumbing problems,” advises Keita Turner, a New York City area interior designer. Turner has also installed dual-fl ush toilets that necessitate less water and upkeep. Bathroom odors are another concern. A few drops of essential oil on a cotton ball placed inside the toilet paper roll freshens the air every time the roll turns—without the plastic waste byproduct from store-bought brands. Baking soda removes odors in the bath like it does in the fridge. Upgrade from a simple bowlful by designing a mini-Zen meditation spot using a fl at, open wooden box and a doll house- sized rake. Adding a smooth rock or two for texture heightens visual appeal. Green plants can chip in by absorbing odors, as well. Many, like the Boston fern, thrive in shower steam. Flowering plants add an inviting touch. Be sure to choose child- and pet-safe greenery. Even quick, water-saving showers eventually result in towels and
22 Central Florida natural awakenings
towels and washcloths for each child by color or marking with an initial or colored dot. Organic cotton towels are eco-friendly, comfy and widely available, as are organic cotton bath mats. For the crafty, make a mat from recycled towels or upgrade to a foot- massaging mat made from recycled wine corks.
On special occasions when a soothing bath is called for, add a whimsical touch with Mr. Green, the world’s fi rst rubber duck made in the U.S. from environmentally-friendly, recycled and recyclable material. “Recycled materials call for different sculpting and molds, so designing Mr. Green was the hardest thing we’ve ever done,” says Craig Wolfe, president of CelebriDucks, in San Rafael, California. It’s a fun way to remind kids about going green while they spend a
Cleaning Recipes
Freshen drains and keep oils and lotions from clogging bathroom pipes by pouring one cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of hot, white vinegar. After it foams, wait fi ve minutes and then fl ush with hot water.
Mix two tablespoons of salt with one teaspoon of white vinegar to form a paste effective for cleaning chrome faucets.
Scrub chrome with a cut lemon to remove hard water stains.
Use lemon juice and an old toothbrush to scrub grout.
Periodically douse the toilet with a half-cup of lemon juice and swish with a toilet bowl brush to keep it fresh.
Add a few tablespoons of lemon juice into a spray bottle fi lled with water to clean windows and mirrors.
Primary Source:
BroccoliCupcake.com
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