Going green is easier than you think!
I've shared lots of tips on going green because going green is a great way to save money and the environment! Regardless of which is your primary goal (going green or saving money), you will find they complement each other nicely. Here are some ways that going green can save you money.
Household Cleaners
If you ever stop to add it all up most families spend a significant amount of money on household cleaners, from toilet bowl cleaners to sink scrubbers. There are concerns that the chemicals used in many of these cleaners are unhealthy and potentially carcinogenic.
You can make your own natural cleaners for a fraction of the cost, a few of my favorites include dishwasher tabs and laundry detergent. I make these on a regular basis and they have just as much cleaning power as store-bought cleaners.
Some other ideas include using baking soda:
- Made into a paste with water makes a good sink and bathtub scrubber, and can even be used to clean an oven.
- Combined with borax, a little liquid soap, and peppermint essential oil, baking soda becomes a cream scrubber
Don't forget about vinegar, not only is it inexpensive but a powerful cleaner for things like:
- White vinegar and water make a good floor cleaner for hardwood
- Add a little lavender essential oil to the vinegar and water and wash your windows
Just think of how much money you can save cleaning if you use some simple and inexpensive items in your pantry!
Personal Care Products
Beauty products can cost a great deal of money, and some of the ingredients are dubious. Substances like parabens, which are found in cosmetics, have been implicated in cancer. It's considered green to use natural personal care products, but that can be even pricier. Making your own is far less expensive and just as natural and healthy!
For a creamy, moisturizing cleanser for your face:
- mix 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet almond oil
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
To make an exfoliating cleanser simply add sugar or baking soda.
Instead of spending a lot of money on shampoos and conditioners here is a simple solution:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a cupful of warm water and pour that over your head as a shampoo.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons per cup of warm water) makes an effective conditioner.
By making a few simple changes in your cleaning routine or personal hygiene you can not only save money but use fewer chemicals too!
What's your favorite green recipe around the house?