TIP for Friday July 17th, 2009

Here’s an GREEN idea…do you have some old dishes, glasses and cutlery stored in box somewhere trying to figure out what to do with all the mismatches? Use them for the beach or picnic! You’ll avoid buying plastic plates and cutlery and save yourself some money. But the best part is you’ll help the environment by removing the need to purchase plastic picnic ware.

TIP for Thursday July 16th, 2009

Today we are getting really GREEN…philodendrons, spider plants, and ivy. They are just a few of the green friends that can help scrub harmful compounds from household air. Just one plant per 100 square feet of living space will help absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are everywhere. Carpet, paint, foam insulation, household cleaners, air fresheners, and even cosmetics contain them. And, unfortunately, exposure to these toxins has been cited for causing fatigue, headaches, asthma, and allergies in certain people. Turn your home in to a GREEN clean space!

TIP for Wednesday July 15th, 2009

This tip is for the gardeners. Aphids! Those tiny little yellow bugs that destroy all your beautiful flowers, herbs and veggies! How do you get rid of them? There are commercial bug sprays that work but the last thing you want to spray on your veggies is a pesticide. Plus it might kill off good bugs like ladybugs and other helpful bugs in your garden. Try grandma’s GREEN method. Dishwashing liquid! I’ve tried and it works! Mix 1tsp of liquid detergent with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle and spray away!

TIP for Tuesday July 13th, 2009

Swishing! It’s new concept that that has recently been launched where you get friends together to exchange fashionable clothes. You benefit the environment by reducing the amount of new products you buy, in addition, you benefit from a new wardrobe and new friends!
Swishing is defined as:
The Art of Swishing involves getting your friends together to swap gorgeous clothes and party at the same time. Every lady must bring at least one good quality, clean item of clothing, or an accessory, that she’d feel proud to hand on.
It’s like Freecycling, and giving your clothes to charity shops, but there’s a social aspect to it, and you also benefit from some new clothes.

TIP for Monday July 13th, 2009

The strike continues with no end in sight. The garbage piling up is starting to strike some nerves. The best way to deal with the mounds of garbage is to reduce the amount of trash you throw away. Think before you buy. Avoid wasteful and bulky packaging and buy in bulk. If you haven’t already, use a refillable coffee mug or water bottle. Toronto uses over 1 million disposable coffee cups every day. Bringing your own to your fav coffee spot will reduce the amount of coffee cups that are getting left all over the streets. Take a small bag with you when you go out to put any trash in and take home to dispose of. Return your bottles to the LCBO and Beer Store get back the deposit.

TIP for thursday July 9th, 2009

Having trouble sleeping? Try this! Before you toss it here’s a great way to reuse an old pillow case. Make an aromatherapy pillow, they are great way to help you get a good nights sleep. Buy some fresh herbs or get them from your garden, like lavender, sage and rosemary and place them inside the pillow case. Sew it up and place that inside another one with your pillow in it. Enjoy the aroma of the herbs and have GREEN dreams!

TIP for Wednesday July 8th, 2009

Have you made the ECO-switch to a GREENER detergent? If every household replaced one box of 48-ounce, petroleum-based powder laundry detergent with a vegetable-based one, we would save enough oil to heat and cool 5,300 homes for a year. PLUS fragrances and harsh solvents such as ammonia in some conventional detergents can trigger allergies and asthma, and cause skin irritation. Look for eco-detergents that are concentrated so their production and transport uses less energy and packaging. Now you’ll have GREEN clean clothes!