Everyday Green

By Sonia Lacombe

undiluted vinegar on bathtubs and showers (add a little baking soda for extra scrubbing power).

Hydrogen peroxide (the 3% solution available at pharmacies and grocery stores) is a nontoxic antibacterial that kills viruses, mold, and mildew. It is an all-natural alternative to chlorine bleach. Anything you typically clean with bleach can be cleaned with peroxide. This includes countertops, sinks, cutting boards, baths, toilets, and garbage pails. Just spray it on, allow the bubbles to subside (peroxide needs time to disinfect) and wipe. In laundry, bleach can be substituted with one cup of hydrogen peroxide. You can also soak items, like toothbrushes, sponges, retainers, and loofahs, in hydrogen peroxide to disinfect them.

Using vinegar and peroxide together (spray vinegar first, then peroxide) creates a one-two punch that is as effective as bleach at killing bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, but is safe enough to use on produce without so much as an aftertaste.

As for wood furniture, the best way to dust is with nothing more than a damp cloth. Commercial wood polishes can contain harsh chemicals and leave a very hardto-remove residue. For an all-natural polish mix two parts olive oil with one part lemon juice and apply it using a soft cloth.

Use these cleaning solutions with rags you make out of old towels and t-shirts (saving money on paper towels and reducing waste) and you’re ready to clean green in 2011!

As is tradition for a Selectman who does not return to the bench due to loss of an election or retirement, State Representative Marc Lombardo was honored on Jan. 3rd by the remaining members of the board with his retirement rocking chair. Here Lombardo is seen with his two young children, Guytano and Angelina.

A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words Photo Contest

Congratulations to our A1 Foto Gift Certificate winner last month, Jeanne Osborn, President and CEO of the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce! She guessed the man behind the makeup: Tony Lucacio of Merrimack Valley Insurance was a VERY convincing Gene Simmons from the group KISS. Thanks for playing!

This month, we want to know:

WHO is this behind those glasses?

Email us this person’s name (not the character they are portraying). Guess right and win a $25 gift card from The Newtowne Grille at 838 Boston Road. (Billerica residents’ entries preferred, please. Employees of Newtowne Grille not eligible to enter.)

Email your entries to editor@thebillericagreen.com by midnight on Feb. 9th. We’ll pick our winner and deliver your card by the weekend, just in time for VALENTINE’S DAY!

On Dec. 10, the COA chose their 12 raffle winners, in time for the holidays. The COA raffle is a major fundraiser for the senior center that funds various programs. Town and State officials were on hand to honor Representative Bill Greene’s retirement as well Fred Kenyon’s, who has sat on the Friends of the COA Board for many years. Greene was described as a hands-on advocate and asset who isn’t afraid to dig into the issues. In addition to the ten third prize $50 winners, the COA announced that Heather Lowe won the $2000 grand prize and Bob Lage won the second place $300 prize.

What better way to bring in the New Year than to plan for the future. Starting school. Getting hired for a new job. Buying or selling your home.

With January reports about New England coming from the Federal Housing Finance Agency stating ‘prices have leveled off and are showing a little more strength in this part of the country,’ this Spring Market may be the time to buy.

The Northeast Association of Realtors, representing 1,200 Realtors in the region

Town Manager John Curran assured Realtors he understood how difficult their jobs were currently and explained the town was working to reflect real market value, both in residential and commercial properties, especially when setting tax rates.

“We’re working to keep values of homes stable, if not going up,” said Curran. “We’re encouraging commercial property and are aware of economic development.”

With latest MLS PIN statistics over the last six months placing Billerica median

FHA also works with approved condos and one to four family homes too.

“It’s easier to get approved,” said Popson.

Attorney James Haroutunian discussed the new Homestead Law, stressing there is no need to refile a homestead on a refinance. He also went on to explain the differences between short sales and short sale flips. He reiterated that short sales are not necessarily short, explaining some have taken working with lenders over two years to complete.

“Strong negotiation on the front end allows for resale on the back end,” said Haroutunian.