Clean Green

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

“Dirt is only matter in the wrong place.” ~ Henry John Temple

In love with cleaning and household tasks? Umm, no! Who loves surrendering hours of time inhaling strong, unhealthful chemicals and wearing hot, rubber gloves? In listening to the same commercials for years, it’s easy to believe one product will handle just the sink, while another will effectively sanitize countertops! As a result, numerous bottles and cans occupy kitchen cabinets and bathroom closets. What if the location held only four containers?

Start Simple

A lifestyle change requires a belief that toxic chemicals and store-bought products no longer serve your needs. Start by tossing out or giving away one or two of your cleaning products. In learning about green ingredients, it’s important to be realistic and choose recipes that work for you and your home! First, it’s vital to understand the value of each natural ingredient. Did you know lemon juice has antibacterial and antiseptic properties and acts as a natural bleach? While the citrus smell is refreshing, the oils in the rinds aid in promoting a shine!

• BAKING SODA: A mild alkali, which means it is a basic ionic salt that dissolves and removes dirt and grease in water.

• CASTILE SOAP: A versatile vegetable-based soap made from coconut, castor, and hemp oils. It is nontoxic and biodegradable.

• WHITE VINEGAR: Another natural, nontoxic cleaning product able to kill bacteria, cut through grime, and dissolve hard-water deposits.

Solutions Take Seconds to Make

A container can make the difference for both application and ease of use! Consider using canisters to hold powders, with tablespoons to measure quantities. You’ll also need a few small spray bottles! The effort is worth the seconds it takes to make! And, don’t forget to label it!

• KITCHEN SPRAY: Fill a small spray bottle with water two inches from the top. Add three tablespoons of liquid Castile soap, and three drops of lemon or lavender (optional). Diluting the soap with water alters the shelf life, normally, two weeks. Make as much as you need!

• DISHWASHING LIQUID: Bring one cup of water to a boil; then pour into a bowl with 1/3 cup of washing soda. Stir until dissolved. Cool. Stir in 1 cup of liquid Castile soap and ½ tablespoon of vegetable glycerin. Store in a glass container! (Do not use essential oils. Do not use this recipe to clean aluminum pans.)

• DISINFECTING WIPES: Combine two cups of warm filtered or distilled water with one tablespoon of liquid Castile soap and one cup of 70 proof

Isopropyl alcohol. Tea tree and lavender essential oil drops are optional. You can use washable cotton washcloths or paper towels. Cut the towels in half, place in a glass jar, saturate with the solution, and pull out the tube! That’s it!

• SCOURING POWDER: In a quart jar with a screwtight lid, poke holes into the top; then, add one cup of baking soda, ½ cup salt (not iodized), ½ cup washing soda, and five drops lemon essential oil.

Mix or stir well.

How to Use: Spray the surface of the tub with water or undiluted white vinegar first, and then sprinkle powder. Allow to sit for five minutes before scrubbing! Rinse with water!

• FLOOR CLEANER: Add one quart of warm water to a bucket. Pour in ¼ cup of liquid Castile soap. Add five drops of lemon juice.

• LAUNDRY SOAP: In a sealable container, add one cup of each ingredient—washing soda, baking soda, and soap flakes. Mix thoroughly!

How to Use: Add one tablespoon of powdered detergent per load of laundry and fill the bleach compartment with white vinegar to brighten, soften, clothes and kill odors!

• STAIN REMOVERS ON FABRICS: Add four tablespoons of baking soda to a small bowl and sprinkle water until it achieves a pastelike consistency.

How to Use: Spoon the paste onto the carpet or fabrics that contain grease, oil, or other stains.

Blot but do not scrub. With severe stains, wait a few hours! Use a damp cloth to dab once again.

Repeat if necessary! Once dried, vacuum!

• WINDOW CLEANER: Add one cup distilled white vinegar to a spray bottle; then, add two cups of water and shake well. Use a squeegee or cotton cloth to dry clean.

Using natural ingredients to clean and sanitize your home has tremendous rewards. While eliminating toxic fumes, the cost to clean the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, windows, and laundry requires pennies. In time, you’ll want to expand the opportunity to switch to greener alternatives, perhaps by including a lemon, wood polish and air freshener.

Calming Winter Drinks

BY LAUREN SEPHTON

(All recipes are for one serving size.)

Morning Drinks

There is no better way to conquer those chilly mornings than with a warm mug of lightly sweet serenity. Health-based and naturally sweetened to provide antioxidants, these warm drinks will help give you that little jolt of energy first thing in the morning.

Vanilla Matcha Latte

In addition to speeding up your metabolism, matcha contains the amino acid called L-theanine that not only provides a calmer energy, but also may increase alpha brain waves. Unlike coffee or an energy drink, matcha keeps away the jitters and may help you focus better.

INGREDIENTS: 1 tsp. Matcha Powder, latte grade 8 fl. oz. Vanilla Almond Milk, or regular milk + ½ tsp. vanilla extract (Optional) 1 tsp. Honey, or maple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS: 1) In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together all ingredients. Whisk vigorously until milk is frothy and the matcha powder has dissolved. Serve warm with a dash of cinnamon.

Maple Latte

Enjoy your favorite black coffee with this maple foam that is a tasty alternative to the typical sugar-filled lattes. Keep life simple with a little latte upgrade at home.

INGREDIENTS:

8 fl. oz. Coffee, strongly brewed and hot ¼ cup Milk ½ Tbsp. Pure Maple Syrup Pinch of each: Ground Cinnamon, Allspice, and Nutmeg

INGREDIENTS: 1) In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, vigorously whisk together the milk, pure maple syrup, and spices, until foamy and warm. Another option is to add those ingredients into a microwave-safe jar, heat for 30 seconds, then tightly screw on the lid and shake until foamy.

Evening Drinks

After a productive day, relaxing at home on those early sundown evenings with a warm drink can be the simplest of great rewards. Not only can they improve your night’s rest, but your kitchen will smell heavenly.

Peppermint Tea

The aromatic quality of peppermint helps to naturally relieve anxiety, muscle tension, and stress. While you can simply use a peppermint tea sachet, if you come across fresh mint, then this recipe is worth the extra minute!

INGREDIENTS:

16 fl. oz. Water (about 2 cups) ¼ cup Mint Leaves (about a handful)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Add the water to a saucepan over medium-high heat to bring to a boil.

2) Add in the mint leaves, then reduce heat to medium low for 5 minutes.

Depending on how strong you would like the tea to be, simmer for up to 12 minutes on low.

3) Optional: Add a dash of milk and honey for a lightly sweet tea latte.

Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate

You may have heard the old wives’ tale remedy for sleepiness: warm milk. So, why not take it up a notch by making a healthier hot chocolate that will make you want to put on your fuzzy socks. The addition of ground cinnamon not only helps lower your blood sugar, but can also help you relax, with its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

INGREDIENTS:

8 fl. oz. (1 cup) Almond Milk, or regular milk 1 Tbsp. Raw Cacao Powder 1 Tbsp. Pure Maple Syrup ¼ tsp. Vanilla Extract ¼ tsp. Ground Cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS: 1) Combine all ingredients into a saucepan over medium-high heat, then whisk until smooth. Heat up to your desired warmth, whisking occasionally to keep it smooth.