Fridays Earth Week Challenge – Go Green with homemade cleaning products that get the job done! Replace toxic cleaning supplies in your home with water safe, natural alternatives.

Natural Cleaning Products Basics

• white vinegar
• liquid castile soap (without palm oil)
• natural salt
• baking soda
• washing soda
• lemons essential oils (optional)
• a spray bottle or two (preferably glass)

Lemons: one fruit with so many uses!

• Rub a slice of lemon over a chopping block to reduce bacteria
• Toss a halved lemon in your garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh
• Use lemon juice in preparations to clean discolored utensils
• Remove scratches on furniture, or buff marble tabletops

Tip: Don’t use vinegar on natural stone, waxed wood, cast iron or aluminum. It’s believed to be
problematic for rubber components of your dishwasher or washing machine (or check the manuals).

Which essential oils are best?
Thyme inhibits bacterial growth. Cedarwood, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary and tea tree are anti-
fungal. You can also try lemon, lime, and patchouli essential oils.

Recipes:
Citrus Infused Vinegar
Use for: window cleaning (dilute with water), mopping floors, or disinfecting surfaces.
Fill a jar with (organic) citrus peels and pour undiluted white vinegar over them. Leave for a few days
(up to 2 weeks) and strain out the vinegar to use as a natural cleaner.

All Purpose Cleaner
Use for: removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows,
bathroom mirrors, etc.
2 liters of water
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 cup baking soda
Combine ingredients in a bowl and use as needed.

All-Purpose Spray
Use for: Cleaning tubs, tiles, counters, high chair trays, microwaves, floors and more.
1.5 L (6 cups) water
60 ml (¼ cup) liquid castile soap
5-10 drops (optional) essential oils, e.g., thyme
Combine ingredients in a big bowl or jug. Stir and pour into labelled spray bottle(s). (This is a
massive batch. Keep a bottle under kitchen and bathroom sinks, in the dining room, etc.)

All-Purpose Scour
Use for stubborn mold and mildew.
1 and 2/3 cups baking soda
60 ml (¼ cup) liquid castile soap
60 ml (¼ cup) water
Combine ingredients in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is the consistency of whipped cream. Use
immediately, or store in a labelled, air-tight container. Rinse well after applying.

Thursdays Earth Week Challenge – Plant Native Pollinating Plants in Your Garden
Some plants and a great slide show to make your garden more bee friendly here.

Check out this great guide to help you choose plants for our area:

Wednesdays Take Action Challenge – Shop Local and make a personal investment in your neighborhood and community this year while reducing your environmental impact.

Tuesdays Earth Week Challenge – BYO Cutlery – Say NO to disposable plastic!! Pack your cutlery with your coffee mug and re-usable grocery bag. Could we ban plastic cutlery next along with disposable coffee cups?

Carrying cutlery requires a habit change, but it’s really no different than taking a mug, water bottle, a pen and even sunglasses find out more.

Meatless Mondays – Commit to eating more plant-based foods and reduce your food waste by composting.

If meat was replaced by vegetarian alternatives even if it’s just once a week this will help the environment and climate!!
Check out these foodprints calculators that can help you understand how much your food choices impact the planet here.Find some great recipes to try out for every Monday of the year: Great Recipes