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5 Non-Toxic Ingredients for DIY Cleaners and How to Use Them

July 25, 2020 2

Many people with pets or kids have noticed that many of the ingredients in commercial cleaning products are not only harmful to people and animals but can be fatal. So, it’s no surprise that people are looking to remove these harsh chemicals from their homes and replace them with great, green, healthy alternatives. Fortunately, there are some great, green, affordable substitutes that can be used pretty much anywhere in your home and that you likely already have sitting in the pantry. Read on for my 5 favorite, non-toxic ingredients for DIY cleaners and how to use them in your home.

1. Vinegar
Vinegar is my all-time favorite non-toxic cleaner. It removes odors, stains, and grease and can effectively prevent mildew and mold when applied regularly to shower walls, sinks, and toilet bowls. Vinegar neutralizes pet odors like cat urine and will help keep colors from bleeding from a new pair of jeans or a red shirt if you soak the clothing item in vinegar for 30 minutes before washing or dump a cup or so into the washer with the detergent. To remove corrosion and chemical buildup from showerheads, soak the showerhead in vinegar overnight. Plain white vinegar should be used but if the smell offends you, you can add 10-15 drops of essential oil to your cleaning mixture. My favorite all-purpose cleaner, for bathroom, kitchen, and glass, is simply 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water mixed in a spray bottle. That’s it!

Vinegar is a fantastic non-toxic cleaner; removing odors, stains, and grease!
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2. Baking Soda
Baking soda has virus-killing abilities and makes for an effective but gentle scrub for bathtubs, toilets, tile, and porcelain or stainless steel sinks. When I run out of Bon Ami, I pour baking soda in the sink, squeeze in half a lemon or pour in about ¼ cup vinegar, and scrub with a sponge or bristle brush. For a great toilet scrub, pour ½ cup baking soda into the toilet bowl and add 10 drops of tea tree essential oil and ¼ cup vinegar. The mixture will fizz while you scrub and cut through mold and grime while the tea tree oil disinfects. Tea tree oil and thyme oil are both great non-toxic disinfectants to be used in place of bleach. That said, just because they’re non-toxic doesn’t mean that you, your kids, or your pets should consume these products!

3. Castile Soap
Castile soaps are made from 100% plant oils so they’re safe and gentle but effective. While traditionally it’s recommended that wood floors be cleaned with pure water, I’ve added a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus castile soap to a warm bucket of water and mopped our wood floors with the mixture to clean and freshen up the room. Our floors aren’t wax-treated, so please ask a pro if yours are before using anything but water on your wood floors. Castile soaps are great all-purpose cleaners, too. Simply mix a tablespoon to a ¼ cup with warm water for washing down counters, tile, windows, or a sink full of dishes. The term “all-purpose” really applies to castile soap!

4. Lemon
Lemon juice kills mold and mildew, shines harder surfaces, cuts grease, and deodorizes. A cut lemon can be scrubbed over the surface of a cutting board to sanitize it. Simply rub a halved lemon over the surface, let sit for 10 minutes, and rinse. Lemon juice can be added to vinegar cleaning mixtures to add a fresh scent and aid in cutting grease. Lemon juice is a great bleach substitute for washing laundry, too; just add lemon juice to the rinse cycle.

Lemons are great for DIY cleaners – and a great substitute for bleach!
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5. Essential Oils
Peppermint, tea tree and thyme oils are my favorite for use in home cleaning products. Peppermint oil eliminates offensive odors and is a natural pest deterrent. I have successfully used peppermint oil to eliminate mice in one of our sheds by placing cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil around the entrances to the shed and places where the mice frequented. Tea tree oil eliminates mold and mildew; a few drops can simply be mixed with water and sprayed onto shower walls (don’t rinse it off) and left to kill mildew and mold. Thyme oil is a powerful, natural disinfectant that has been said to kill and prevent botulism, e. Coli, listeria, and salmonella. Add a few drops to your vinegar all-purpose spray or use in the same way as tea tree oil in the formula above.

YOUR TURN: What are your favorite DIY, green home cleaning products?

BEE Well with Big Dipper Wax Works Natural Candles

July 23, 2020 19

Did you know that candles made from paraffin, which is a petroleum by–product, fill the air with carcinogens such as benzene and toluene? These chemicals are as dangerous as breathing second-hand smoke. (I have to admit, I was a little surprised by this.)

Also, candles made outside of the U.S. use lead to make the wicks. LEAD! I know, can you believe it? For these reasons, I have switched to 100% beeswax and soy candles. I am especially fond of the beeswax candles from Big Dipper Wax Works. They smell amazing, are non-toxic, and made using 100% renewable resources. Did you know that beeswax candles release negative ions into the air that eliminate allergens and pollutants?

Big Dipper Wax Works makes the most fabulous hand-poured beeswax candles that are made with the finest beeswax and essential oils. These candles are to die for, you will love them! The smell is amazing and so relaxing. They come in elegant glass containers that are both beautiful and reusable. Also, each candle comes beautifully packaged in either 100% recyclable or compostable packaging and includes a sweet bee matchbook with each candle. My favorite scents are the Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang and the Grapefruit and Fennel.

But, don’t take my word for it, try them for yourself!

3 Budget-Friendly Ways to Remodel Your Kitchen and Bathroom

July 7, 2020 0

NOTE FROM SWEET GREENS: Thank you supporting the companies that keep Sweet Greens in business.

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If you’ve decided you would like to remodel different areas of your home, you may want to start with the kitchen and bathroom. Both these rooms are most likely frequented by everyone in the household on a daily basis, which make them a great place to start your remodel. Even once you’ve decided these are the two rooms you want to work on, you could have some concerns about how much money it will cost to achieve a drastic transformation. You may also be worrying about the challenges of making eco-friendly design decisions while staying on-budget. Here some effective, budget-friendly, and environmentally conscious ways to complete the remodeling process without stressing yourself out.

1. Choose a Fresh and Exciting Color of Paint For the Walls

Nothing says new like a fresh coat of paint. A new color on the walls of each room is a great way to start the transformation process. Painting is budget-friendly because you can easily do it on your own. All you need to do is get the necessary supplies, such as cans of paint, brushes, and rollers. Painting is often a concern for the environmentally conscious decorator because it traditionally contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release toxins. However, in recent years, mainstream companies like Benjamin Moore have released paints with zero VOCs at a reasonable price-point. There are many affordable eco-friendly paint options available on the market today that can instantly take your bathroom and kitchen from drab to stunning.

One important tip is to set aside some dedicated time to get the painting done. If you are off from work on the weekends, you could probably get both these rooms painted in two days if you stay focused.

2. Replace Those Old Countertops With New and Modern Options

Adding a new color to both rooms is a great way to start the renovation process, but there are other budget-friendly options that can make a major difference too. Countertops in your kitchen may be old, outdated, and possibly even a bit stained. You could buy new and updated countertops while getting everything you need to remodel your home kitchen and bathroom. There are several eco-friendly materials to choose from, including recycled glass, fast-growing bamboo, recycled wood. Aside from considering appearance, affordability, and quality, you may want to select a specific color and pattern to match the existing color and décor of your kitchen.

3. Enhance the Look of Old Cabinets With Simple Yet Effective Tricks

If you would like to take the renovations one step further, completing a do-it-yourself project to transform the cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom is a great idea. There are several effective and fun tips and tricks you can use to make old cabinets look brand new again. You could start by using sandpaper to smooth the surface of the material and remove any minor imperfections. After sanding, you can paint the cabinets on your own with a new paint color or even some wood stain. Another easy way to change the look of your cabinets is to replace the old hardware with updated handles. There are hundreds of different knobs and pulls to choose from! Sprucing up your current cabinets helps your renovation stay eco-friendly by upcycling your existing furnishings.

You may have many reasons for wanting to remodel your kitchen and bathroom. Most people complete home renovations because they would like to upgrade their living space and make it even more comfortable. If you are worried about trying to complete these upgrades on a budget, focus on keeping it simple and making a few small changes that can make a significant difference.

Aside from increasing your own comfort, there is another great reason for you to complete these budget-friendly renovations. When you update your kitchen and bathroom, you are increasing the value of your property. If you have plans to sell your home at some point in the future, the renovations you’ve done can make it worth even more than you expect.

Natural Products To Improve Your Health

July 2, 2020 0

It doesn’t matter if you are new to natural health or have been on your natural health journey for some time. You might be looking to clean up your personal care routine and add some natural ingredients to it. Or you might be looking to improve your diet. 

You can even look for new ways to clean your home by swapping some of the chemicals that you use for more natural alternatives. Here are some simple alternatives that you can begin to stock up on.

Almond Flour

Even if you don’t happen to have a gluten allergy, many people are actually gluten sensitive. There are several great alternatives to regular flour, almond flour is one of them. 

It also has a range of health benefits. For example, Allmond flour is high in protein, vitamin E, and very rich in magnesium. Interestingly though, it is low in carbohydrates and has a subtle sweet taste. You might have to make some adjustments, though, because it is dense in texture.

Almond flour can typically be substituted for the exact amount of regular flour that we will use. However, it is important to remember that your baked goods will usually come out a little flatter and denser because it lacks gluten. 

Raw Honey

Honeybees work extra hard to make beautiful, delicious honey. And raw honey is packed with antioxidants. Most honey is usually treated with heat (pasteurization), this is to kill the bacteria and any other impurities that might be in the honey. However, this process will also destroy much of the honey’s natural health benefits.

People have used raw honey to fight bacteria and wounds for many years. This is because raw honey has antiseptic properties. As we all know, there is nothing better than raw honey and lemon to help soothe a sore throat. You can also substitute sugar in baking for honey, and you’ll find you have a much richer taste. In fact, you will often find raw honey in products like elderberry syrup, this will increase the natural benefits and the immune system.

Elderberry

Elderberry is something that more people are starting to embrace. It is known to have plenty of virus-fighting properties. Studies have found that people who use elderberry have a lower occurrence of coughs and colds and a decreased number of cold symptoms and duration. 

While you could eat some elderberries for their impact, it’s easier to add elderberry syrup into your water and drink it throughout the day. This delicious immune-enhancing remedy is growing in popularity.

Turmeric

In recent years the turmeric latte has risen in popularity. But this superpower powder has been used in many different cultures for hundreds of years. In fact, you will also find it in curries, and that is what gives it a beautiful golden color. It is well known for supporting so many areas of health, including the liver and brain. Not only this, but it is brilliant for reducing inflammation throughout the body. The main compound in turmeric is called curcuminoid, and they are antioxidants that help support cell health.

You can now find turmeric in several skincare brands too. As well as making an utterly natural turmeric facemask from home. If you wish to add more into your cooking, simply sprinkle this into any Indian cuisine, lattes (or just warm milk, and it can even be enjoyed as a tea. Almost all recipes will benefit from a little touch of turmeric.

Coconut oil

For years now, coconut oil has been hired as they can do everything. Not only is coconut oil better for cooking due to all of the healthy fats, but it is also great for moisturizing the skin. You can use it for hair masks and makeup remover, and it is known for its antibacterial properties too.

Try to ensure that you use only pure coconut oil, rather than an oil mix.

You can even use coconut oil for oil pulling. Oil pulling is an ancient remedy to help wash your teeth and freshen your breath. And using coconut oil for oil pulling is becoming more popular. Oil pulling involves swishing in oil around your mouth, exactly the same as a mouthwash. 

You simply put a tablespoon of oil in your mouth then swill it around for about 20 minutes. It is said the main benefit of doing this reduces the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Outed at some mouth bacteria are friendly, and others are not.

 Bacteria in your mouth will create a biofilm; this is also known as plaque. Some plaque on your teeth is perfectly normal but can get out of hand pretty quickly. Oil pulling simply sweeps away all the bacteria and dissolves much of it in the liquid oil. You can do oil pulling with almost any oil coconut oil is the most popular choice due to the taste.

Aloe Vera

This beautiful pretty green plant has healing and cooling properties. The gel inside the leaves has quite a long list of benefits, and that’s when it’s applied to the skin and hair or ingested. Each part of my body can be vastly improved with aloe vera due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It also has a substantial amount of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. You can buy aloe vera directly from the store or buy a plant and take out the middle yourself. You can also buy the juice, and many other products come with aloe vera as an ingredient. But ideally, you want to have the highest amount of aloe vera possible. Getting it straight from the plant is the best way. 

Aloe vera is great to have around for things like sunburn, minor burns, and insect bites.

Lemon

Lemon is an excellent ingredient for cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, and also eating. Lemons are high in potassium, vitamin C, and packed with antioxidants. All of these have significant improvements for our nails, hair, and skin. It should be noted that lemon is acidic, and if left on the body, it can cause issues with sensitive skin.

Lemon, when used around the home, gives a light and welcoming feeling. It is also great to be used in offices as it can help with concentration. Of course, this only works with the natural scent, not the chemically created one.

Lemon is a great ingredient for cooking with and really cuts through any heavy ingredients like cream, and elevates the flavor. It works great in meals with chicken and vegetables and works with many different herbs. You can also add lemon into your tea. Many people use lemon and baking soda as a natural teeth whitener. But it should be noted that this could potentially break down your tooth enamel. So you should use this sparingly and only for a minute at a time.

Lemon mixed with honey and sugar makes a great exfoliation. It will remove dead skin cells and leave you with a brighter skin tone.

It is also great for cutting through grease on oven Hobbs and then putting in the microwave with some water that can help break down dirt and grime and give a fresh smell throughout your kitchen.

Using natural products in your diet, and throughout your home, means that you are cutting down ingredients that have been man-made. And often, these ingredients can be more harsh and pungent than we’d like. Natural ingredients can be a cheap and affordable alternative, which means you can fill your fridge and pantry with exactly what you need.

The Top Three Wellness Trends to Kick Off 2020 the Right Way

February 5, 2020 1

As 2020 kicks off and we start this new decade many wellness trends have appeared as more people resolve to take care of themselves. These trends show that personal wellness is much more than going for a jog every week or cutting back on the amount of ice cream you eat, which the average American consumes 28.5 times every year. If you’re looking to start this new decade right and focus on your own personal wellness, here are the top three popular trends that you need to be aware of.

Massage and Acupuncture

Firstly, massage and acupuncture are a potentially beneficial combination that everyone should take note of. Stress can build up and take a toll on the body leaving you with pain and tight muscles that make daily activities uncomfortable. Worst of all this stress can also contribute to headaches and poor moods that add to the stress and further perpetuate the cycle! Currently, 14 million Americans are using or have used acupuncture. Here’s how massage and acupuncture can help.

  • Encouraging Healthy Energy Acupuncture has long been used to treat neck and back pain, as well as headaches, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. This is because acupuncture helps promote natural healing which can then improve how the body functions. By stimulating specific places — acupoints — proper energy flow can be encouraged throughout the body which can in turn ease pain and discomfort, and improve sleep and digestive functions. Massage can work in a similar way to stimulate these points and release tension to promote better circulation.
  • Relieving Chronic Pain With six in every 10 Baby Boomers expected to be managing a chronic condition by 2030, solutions such as massage and acupuncture will be more important than ever. While both are great for relieving chronic pain, acupuncture can be used in places where massage would be uncomfortable. That said, massages can be great on their own for relaxing overtaxed and tight muscles. Some studies have even found that massages can help reduce inflammation and boost the overall immune response making your body more effective at keeping itself well.
  • The Sense of Wellness While both have tangible physical benefits that can be felt and experienced, they also can work on a mental level when it comes to soothing stress and making you feel more centered and calm. By encouraging energy flow, acupuncture can encourage feelings of stamina and emotional release making you feel more content and alert. Both of these options can be used as powerful healing methods that, with continued use, can help you feel healthier, calmer, and happier in 2020.

Medical Body Modifications

More specifically one such modification that acts in a way similar to acupuncture: the daith piercing. These piercings have been growing in popularity as an alternative way of mitigating migraines both in frequency and in severity. A daith piercing involves piercing the innermost cartilage of the ear and usually is maintained with the use of a clicker, curved barbell, or captive bead rings.

This type of modification is usually sought out by those who have seen an impact in their migraines with the use of acupuncture and see the daith piercing as a more permanent solution. This is because the piercing itself goes through the place there the acupuncture needle is usually placed. By replicating this with a permanent piercing, the hope is that the benefits of acupuncture treatment can be longer-lasting and more significant. While there haven’t been very many scientific studies on the effects, in a survey released by MigrainePal, 47% of those polled say that they have experienced a lower number of migraines after obtaining a daith piercing, and 50% reported the piercing reducing the severity of migraines when they did occur.

If you’re looking for a way to reduce migraines in 2020 a daith piercing might be for you; however, you could try using acupuncture first to see how the less permanent form of control works for you. That said if you do choose to seek out this type of piercing, know that the healing process can take around 2 – 3 months on average, and taking care of the piecing via regular cleanings is imperative. It’s also recommended that you speak with your piercer to ensure it is fully healed before you switch out the jewelry or stop any aftercare.

The Rise of Sober Culture

Alcohol is often put on a pedestal by many who see it as a way to unwind or let loose; however, a new movement is on the rise, one that aims to put the benefits of sobriety into the limelight. Ruby Warrington, a British writer and founder of Club Soda NYC, an alcohol-free event series, states in her book Sober Curious that reducing alcohol consumption is “the next logical step in the wellness revolution.” While the liver is the second largest organ after the skin, Warrington is on to something when she links lowered alcohol consumption with wellness. Overdrinking is a problem that many Americans face and addiction is something that is easy to fall into. An article released by Medical News Today in 2019 states that consumption of alcohol has risen globally by 70%, a statistic that is too large to ignore. The short-term risks of excessive drinking can include:

  • Injury from falls, burns, drownings, and motor vehicle accidents.
  • Increased violence, suicide, and sexual assault risks.
  • Alcohol poisoning.
  • Increased risky behaviors such as unprotected sex.
  • Increased risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

If those weren’t enough, the long-term effects of excessive alcohol consumption can include:

  • A greater risk of heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, and digestive problems.
  • A greater risk of cancer in the throat, mouth, esophagus, breast, and colon.
  • Increased memory and learning problems that can include poor school and work performance and a higher dementia risk.
  • Increased risk of developing anxiety and depression.
  • The potential for family issues, unemployment, and loss of productivity.
  • Increased risk of alcoholism and alcohol dependence which further contributes to the above.

What Ruby Warrington is advocating for is not the abstinence of alcohol forever and always, a glass of wine once and a while with dinner is not frowned upon, it is the dependence on alcohol as a prerequisite for having a good time and being happy. While some of this is ingrained in us by Hollywood culture, the wellness movement now is challenging how we think about drinking.

Consider how much alcohol you consume regularly and see how much you can cut back. If you find that you’re struggling to go without, it could be a sign that you’ve become too dependent. In order to achieve a better sense of wellness in 2020, look seriously into the sober culture and see if it can make a difference in your life.

A New Decade, A New You

With 2020 getting into full swing, these three wellness trends are something to consider if you want to feel better and take better care of yourself as a whole. Used together or separately, you could see benefits from these trends such as a stronger immune system, which can help you recover from a cold more quickly than the average 10 days. Acupuncture and regular massages can help you unwind from the day-to-day and help keep your stress down at a manageable level. Those suffering from migraines could also benefit from acupuncture, and by extension, daith piercings, as a way to manage painful migraines and decrease them in frequency and intensity. Furthermore, cutting back on the amount of alcohol you consume can help you stay focused, take care of your body, and discover that you can, in fact, have a great night out without being under the influence. Each of these steps can contribute to making you a healthier and more wellness conscious individual ready to tackle the new decade without harmful habits.

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