Aug

Be greener and save money with household tips from another era

Cleaning Products, House & Home No Comments

Green Education the Old School Way

In an age caught up in the drive for greener, more environmentally friendly ways to move humanity forward, many people have overlooked the possibility that earlier generations had the right idea. Of course, much of the damage caused to the Earth’s ozone layer, which essentially helps to protect organisms from the harmful effects of exposure to solar rays, arose from industrial practices and technological advances of previous generations. Indeed, whilst it is clear that the current level of carbon emissions is unacceptably high, efforts are at least being made to reverse the negative trend. However, not all such efforts need to be innovative.

In fact, various old school practices can be adopted into modern living to reduce an individual’s impact on the environment, which is given greater force when a large proportion of the population follow suit. First, there is usually little need to buy the majority of cleaning products available on the market that contain harmful chemicals and so-called greenhouse gases.

Cleaning stainless steel sinks and plugs can be achieved to great effect with white vinegar, which is excellent at removing limescale, whilst bicarbonate of soda can remove stubborn stains, paint and even acts as a chemical-free deodorant for shoes and trainers when applied dry. As an added plus, most of these household remedies are far cheaper than the commercial alternatives – so you are saving money as well as being eco-friendly.

Likewise, fresh mint leaves can deter flies, which negates the need for harmful and ultimately ineffective sprays, whilst ants can be apparently kept at bay using chalk boundary markers – they presumably dislike the chalk. (You can maixmise your eco-friendliness by buying organic mint to grow yourself). In conclusion, the presiding point remains some of the best eco-friendly products available are those already found in the home. If you’re not sure how best to use natural products to have a greener home, there are plenty of household guides to help you – from the easy and straightforward to fun, slightly tongue-in-cheek reissues of old home manuals. So it really has never been easier to be greener around the house.