The Kitchen

Using Clean Detergent

Over half the phosphates in our lakes and streams come from
detergents. Phosphates and other chemicals in our detergents
are used by manufacturers because they soften water and
prevent dirt particles from being redeposited on clothes. The
problem is the chemicals have side effects. As they are
emptied into streams and lakes, the fertilized algae grow out
of control. When the algae dies, it decays and eats up the
oxygen needed by other plans and renew life. The result is that
the lakes and streams can die.

Here are some alternatives:
- Choose a green detergent. There are many on the market
these days, so it shouldn't be hard to find one area
- Use a detergent formulated to work in cold water.
- Avoid heavy duty detergents since they're likely to have more
chemicals.
- Use your regular detergent but reduce the amount that you
use in each wash cycle.

Use Green Cleaning Products
You’ll see more and more green cleaning products available to
use in your home. These are environmentally friendly products
that don't use harsh chemicals to do the cleaning. They are
made out of natural and safe materials that clean well without
putting any dangerous chemicals into our water.

Some people use nothing but all-natural cleaning products.

These can work as well or better than cleaning products you
buy in the store:

1. Borax is a natural mineral that the disinfectant. It's great in
the laundry and in the kitchen as well; it can whiten and
brighten your clothes and soften them.

2. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and works very well as a
window cleaner. You can get baking soda in volume at
hardware stores. Here are some suggestions for use:
• brighten chrome fittings in the bathroom and kitchen
with baking soda and water mixture
• clean worktops appliances and other services with some
baking soda on a damp cloth
• clean your refrigerator with a solution of 3 tablespoons
of baking soda dissolved in half a cup of warm water
• clean your oven by moistening the walls with a damp
cloth, sprinkling baking soda on the surfaces, and
leaving it for an hour before wiping it off.
• Soak dirty pots and pans in a basin of hot water with 2 to
3 tablespoons of baking soda for about an hour. Then
clean them with an abrasive scrubber.
• For red wine or coffee stains - while they're still wet,
pour soda water on the stain.
• use baking soda on mildew in the shower and on shower
curtains with just enough water to make it into a paste.
Then use an old toothbrush for cleaning the grout
between the tiles in the shower
• Pour half a cup of baking soda down your kitchen or
bathroom drain followed by half a cup of vinegar and
then some boiling water. This combination breaks down
fatty acids that block drains and helps them to stay
smelling fresh.

3. Distilled white vinegar clears away grease and deodorizers.
You can clean lime scale from bathtubs, sinks, and shower
heads by soaking the showerhead in vinegar and then brushing
the line box with an old toothbrush. You can use distilled white
vinegar to wash your windows or to clean marks around the
toilet bowl.

4. Lemon juice also works on lime on bathroom fixtures. If the
stains are stubborn, leave the lemon juice on for a few minutes
or soak the tissue in lemon juice and set it on the area.

Aerate Your Faucets
There’s a very simple device that you can attach to the water
faucets in your home to save water; it's a low-flow faucet
aerator. The normal faucet flow is 3 to 5 gallons of water per
minute with a low flow faucet aerator. You reduce this flow by
50%. The amazing thing is that even though the flow is
reduced, it seems stronger because air is being mixed with the
water.

Installing these devices on kitchen and bathroom sink faucets
can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons per month. For
a typical family of 4, it’s 3,300 gallons a year for one family.

Imagine the savings if millions of families were to use these
devices. These devices are easy to install. Anyone can do it.

Reusable Containers

Reusable containers are an easy way to cut down on plastic
wrap usage and paper usage. They are plentiful, easy to find,
and easy to use for storing food in your refrigerator.

Water Heaters

You might not pay any mind at all to your water heater. Out of
sight, out of mind. But the amazing truth is that it's the
second-largest energy user in the American home. Many
people keep their water heaters at 180°, which is higher than it
needs to be. This wastes energy by overheating your water,
and it also shortens the life of the tank. For every 10° you turn
the water heater down, you save 6% of the energy used.

• Turn your water heater down to 130° - that's hot enough
to kill bacteria but still save energy.
• Insulate your water heater with a blanket made for water
heaters. You can find one of these at most hardware
stores. This is an especially good idea in unheated
spaces like the basement. It will save you 7% to 8% of the
energy you've been using for that water heater.
• Every two months drain about 2 quarts of water from the
valve faucet located at the bottom of the tank. This helps
prevent accumulation of sediment and improves
efficiency and the life of the heater.

Don't Use Styrofoam
Styrofoam is made from benzene which is a known carcinogen.
It is then converted to styrene and then made into a foam
product. It's non biodegradable and it possibly will be around
500 years from now. It's composed of quite a bit of air so it
takes up a lot of space. A lot of the styrofoam finds its way
into our rivers and oceans, and it’s deadly to marine life. For
example, when sea turtles eat styrofoam, it clogs their systems
and they suffocate.

Just don't use it. From egg cartons to fast food restaurant
cups, it's just not safe. Ask for paper cups and plates.