Green Shopping
What sort of bags should I use to carry shopping?
When you head out to go shopping, make sure that you have bag with you. In the UK we throw away enough carrier bags to carpet the entire planet every six months.
How should I cover left-over food?
When you cover leftover food, instead of using foil or cling wrap, it's much better to use something reusable, such as Tupperware, or simply put a plate over a bowl of leftovers to keep it covered.
Is it possible to buy eco-friendly cleaning products?
Conventional cleaning products can be bad for the environment. Bleach and chemical agents used in cleaning products may leave your home looking clean, but they can make a mess of the water supply if they find their way into the rivers. Detergents contain phosphates which, released into our lakes and rivers, damage the ecosystem and they can kill fish and other organisms. Try and buy an eco-friendly detergent or make your own. When shopping, the label may help you out. Watch out for words such as irritant, flammable, toxic and corrosive.
Do I need a new cleaning product for each new area of my home?
You don't need a different cleaning product for each area of your home. Many natural ingredients work well in every area. For baths and sinks try bicarbonate of soda to remove lime scale. In showers use a borax solution and an old tooth brush to remove mold, and vinegar to set the shower head in. For your drains, try baking soda and vinegar. In the loo try a borax solution, or borax and vinegar. And, for your cooker, salt and vinegar and a rough cloth will make stainless steel surfaces shine.
