If you spill something on your counter or floor, you probably have some sort of “all-purpose cleaner” that you reach for, and it’s most likely in a spray bottle. But some of those chemical-laden cleaners are questionable at best and dangerous at worst – their labels are festooned with warnings about accidental ingestion, inhalation of fumes, eye contact, skin contact, etc.

However, you can use the empty containers of these cleaners to hold your own home-made, non-toxic cleaners. Just make sure that you dispose of the contents responsibly (contact your local EPA or solid waste authority) and wash out the bottle thoroughly if you choose to re-use. Read the rest of this entry

As you watch the sunlight nourish and grow your garden plants, why not watch it power a fountain or lights as well? Many gardens are in sunny locations or at least have a sunny spot, and you can add some lovely water features to your garden by harnessing this bright source of power. Here are some ideas for specific water features for your garden, and tips on installing them. Read the rest of this entry

“Wheatgrass” is simply sprouted wheat. There are several stages of sprouting wheat kernels or berries. Very short sprouts can be dried and ground for a sugar substitute; fully-grown wheat sprouts, of course, are the high stalks of wheat harvested by farmers for more wheat berries. In between these is wheat grass, several inches of green, grass-like leaves sprouted from wheat berries. The juice from this grass is full of health benefits, some of which are discussed below. Read the rest of this entry

There is growing concern about the safety of tap water, and it is understandable when you consider the chemicals used to disinfect municipal water and the microbial organisms that can survive such sanitation measures.

Here is a partial list of some of the common chemicals and life forms that may be present in tap water and how to test for them. Bear in mind that government regulations are not designed to keep all harmful microbes or chemicals out of water, but to keep these elements at acceptable levels. For some people, any amount of certain chemicals, no matter how low, is too much. Read the rest of this entry

There are few things more rewarding than planning and building your dream home. If you are focused on making your home eco-friendly, the rewards can be even more satisfying. There are some specifics you’ll need to keep in mind if you decide to go the eco-friendly route in you house-building efforts.

First, you need to decide how far you want to go in being environmentally friendly. Do you want your home to be 100 percent green, or maybe only 75 or 50 percent? To help answer this question, ask yourself why you are wanting to build an eco dream home. Is it because you believe a natural lifestyle is healthier? Do you care about the environment and want to protect it?

You may want a house that is entirely natural and even primitive, or you may want a traditional home with green features. How you address these questions will help you to get a grasp on how far you want your eco dream home to go. Read the rest of this entry