A Greener Home

I think that you would agree with me when I say we all want to make our homes "greener". I think what holds many of us back from going the "green route" is money.  (Well, for me it is!)  So, when I ran across these two great "green your house" suggestions that don't take a lot of money, I thought I would share them. If these are things you already do, good job! But if you don't (like me), maybe you will think about starting!

Suggestion #1: Start a compost pile, bin, or box
Your only cost for this project might be the cost of a bin (if you choose to purchase one) or the wood to create your own bin. Other than that, you might need to train yourself in a new routine for handling compostable kitchen scraps (i.e. "don't put compostable kitchen scraps in the garbage can!"). Maybe a plastic mini trash can or plastic bag next to your sink is what you can use to collect your compostable kitchen scraps. Whatever it is, keep it close to the sink - the more convenient it is to access, the more likely you are to use it!

Getting started
Choose a container that's made of wood (or another sturdy material) that is not smaller than 3 feet by 3 feet. Place it in your yard in a shady spot that has good drainage.

Start adding waste in the ratio of three "browns" to one "green". Browns include carbon-rich material such as straw, leaves, branches and wood chips. Greens are nitrogen rich and include grass clippings and kitchen scraps like eggshells, carrot tops, and that gross wilting lettuce you forgot you had in the back of your crisper.

When you add new material, dig a whole in the middle so the new stuff is coated with the old mixture.

Maintaining the pile
Composting is a smelly process. You're breaking down food and waste, after all, but it should be so offensive that your neighbors complain. If you notice a stench, make sure you have enough "browns" in the pile. Moisture could also be the culprit. Grab a handful - it should feel like a rung-out sponge (about 50 to 60 percent moisture). If it's too dry, let the rain even it out; if it's too wet, add a few more browns.

When it's ready
When it's ready to be used, which could take a couple months to a year, compost looks and smells like very dark soil. If you are unsure, put a handful in a plastic baggie. Sniff before sealing. Then, place the bag in a drawer for a few days.  When you take the baggie out, it should smell the same as it did before. If it smells worse, it needs more time.

(The story is quoted/paraphrased from here http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/10/22/composting/index.html?iref=newssearch.)

Suggestion #2: Make your own green, nontoxic household cleaners
This might sound time consuming and radical at first, but after reading this article, it seems cheaper and easier than I expected! Your start-up costs might be buying some of the ingredients and a few new plastic bottles/containers.  To be uber-green, use recycled cleaner containers...just be sure and clean them out really well!

Here is the fabulous story...and recipes for 36, I repeat 36, different household cleaners. They have included everything from an all-purpose spray to drain cleaner to carpet stain remover to powder laundry detergent to air freshener and toilet bowl cleaner!

http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/10/clean-up-your-act-all-natural-homemade-cleaners/

I hope this inspires you to mix up a few for yourself!  Who knew that microwaving 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of vinegar on high for 3-4 minutes would clean your microwave! (Well, you do have to wipe it down.)

I hope you enjoyed these two suggestions for going green cheaply! I know that it's made me want to start composting and mixing up my own cleaners!  Once I do, I promise to post about them - hold me to it!!