3 minute read
It's Never too Late for Eco-Cleaning
it's never too late for
Eco-Cleaning!
by The “Green” Franciscan Sister, Janet Corcoran, OSF
So you may have missed your regular "Spring Cleaning" schedule due to your many home and workrelated duties. For quite a few of us, our home and office are onein-the-same. You wouldn't let your office get too dirty, so don't let your home either! You may notice that many cleaners used to remove dirt and dust within our household may irritate our eyes, lungs, and skin due to the various hazardous substances within them. These are just some of the ways to clean in a more environmentally friendly way with baking soda and vinegar:
1. Vinegar is effective in cleaning windows and mirrors. Try using approximately a quart of water mixed with one-fourth cup of white vinegar on the windows and wipe dry with a newspaper or rag. 2. Baking soda may be used as a carpet deodorizer. Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and let it remain overnight, then in the morning vacuum the carpet. 3. Sprinkle some baking soda inside of the dishwasher before using, as it will remove some of the material that collects inside and refresh the smell of the unit. 4. Use baking soda for cleaning the toilet. Sprinkle the baking soda into the bowl, then squirt with vinegar and follow up by scouring with a toilet brush. 5. Clean the tub and tiles by using two cups of baking soda and enough water to make a thick paste. Place paste on the tub or tile and leave for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Use a soft rag to remove the paste from the surface. Spray the area with 50/50 vinegar and water to rinse. 6. For a slow moving drain, try using approximately a quarter cup of baking soda. Pour the soda down the clogged drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. Tightly close the drain until fizzing stops, then flush the drain area with boiling water. For completely clogged drains, use a plunger or a plumber’s snake to dislodge the clogged material. 7. Counters and walls can be cleaned with a mixture of roughly one part vinegar and three parts water.
sustainable Fashion Sense
by Madeline Palaszewski
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~ Arthur Ashe
When it comes to living more sustainably, there are many choices we can make in our lives that affect our environment. One of those choices is our wardrobe and being conscious of the harmful effects of cheap, fast fashion. Many of the fabrics used in fast fashion are made up of microfibers with particles so small they pollute our oceans. They also wear out quickly and add to our already burdened landfills. When putting together a wardrobe, select items that are made of high quality fabrics, like recycled cotton, organic hemp and linen that will last for years. When your favorite fashion pieces begin to wear or need a style upgrade, getting them altered or repaired is a great way to keep a wardrobe chic and eco-friendly. It just takes a little focus to design a sustainable wardrobe that will be enjoyed for decades.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” ~ Arthur Ashe
We sew, alter, tailor, restyle, resize, repair, and/or mend most any soft goods, such as: • Formalwear • Purses • Shoes • Suits • Jeans • Casual Wear • • Uniforms • Leather • Outdoor Gear • And More! •
