Green Thumb

Conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals and can be as expensive a wireless broadband service. If you read the labels, you will read warnings on the possible dangers of these products. Many children have become ill by playing with and ingesting household cleaning products. It is important to mention, most products contain warning labels for pregnant women. These products are harmful to the environment as well. You can save a tremendous amount of money and be environmentally friendly at the same time by making your own cleaning products. Making your own cleaning products is fast and easy.

You can make an all-purpose cleaner by mixing ¼ cup of baking soda, ½ cup of vinegar with a ½ gallon of water. This all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean windows, mirrors, bathrooms and kitchens and much more. You can store the mixture in an environmentally friendly spray bottle. You can make this mixtures for pennies on the dollar. The cost savings is tremendous and you will feel better knowing you do not have any toxic cleaning products in your home.

Consumers love air fresheners and spend millions of dollars each year. These air fresheners reduce a person’s sense of smell by coating the nasal passages. The air fresheners mask the odors but do not absorb the odors. A less expensive alternative that is environmentally friendly is to create your own. You can place baking soda in small attractive containers throughout the home. Baking soda absorbs odors instead of masking odors. You can also mix lemon juice with vinegar and place the mixture in small containers. Place the containers throughout your home to absorb odors.

Green living is not only good for the environment; it is also good for your health. Many of the green cleaning solutions are easy and inexpensive to make. You will be amazed how much money you will save by making your own cleaning products.

Many people believed going green was a fad that would quickly disappear. The economic downturn had a positive effect on the going green trend. Consumers began to find ways to reduce their monthly expenses. Many discovered they were throwing away money on energy and water consumption. Consumers are hungry for information that will help save money and if growing green saves them money, they are ready and willing. Consumer opinion on going green is increasingly positive. People have realized going green saves money and the environment. There are several green tips that surprisingly save money and conserve a significant amount of energy.

1. Many people do not realize a laptop or notebook computer uses 75 percent less electricity than a desktop computer. Smaller is better and if you make sure you turn your computer off when not in use, you will discover significant savings.

2. Most clothes can be washed in cold water. Switching to cold water can save you up to 80 percent of the energy used to do your laundry.

3. Turn down your thermostat to save 3 percent or more on heating costs. For each degree you will save 3 percent. If you turn your thermostat down by 3 degrees, you will potentially save 9 percent on your heating costs. This also applies to cooling costs. Raise the thermostat and you will save money during the summer months.

4. Unless you are cooking a huge family meal, you can use a toaster oven and slow cooker to reduce energy consumption.

5. Turn off the lights in rooms that are not occupied. You will see significant savings. The average person leaves several lights on in the home. You only need to use lights in the rooms that are occupied. Also, plant LED flameless candles all around your house. They are energy-efficient, last longer than real candles, and will save you money overall.

Going green saves money and benefits the environment. As consumers learn more tips on saving money by going green, it will no longer be considered a fad. It will be a way of life.

Millions of magazines are sent out monthly and books are sold daily. Once you have read a magazine or book, the items no longer serve a purpose. You can save money and the environment by discovering your local public library.

Library cards are free and you can check out current magazines and books. You may be surprised to find out you can check out movies and computer games as well.

Most communities have several library branches throughout the city. You will easily find a branch within reasonable distance of your home. You can usually check out books for at least three weeks. Magazines, DVDs and computer games usually have a shorter check out period.

Libraries do charge late fees, although, these fees are nominal. You can manage your account online and avoid late fees. You can often request an extension online to avoid late fees.

If you are looking for a particular book, you can search for some online courses or rather the online database of your local library. If the book is at a branch that is not close to your home, you can request the book to be sent to a branch that is more convenient. Most libraries do not charge for this service.

If you have a family, the public library is a great place to visit with your children. You can let your children participate in reading clubs and other free activities. This is a wonderful way to encourage your children to read. In addition, your children can participate in fun educational activities.

The public libraries are an overlooked free resource. Public Libraries offer more than just books. The libraries sponsor many fun activities for you and your family to enjoy. Best of all, these activities are free. You will be surprised by the amount of money you will save. At the same time, you will save countless trees.