Ten Green, Simple, Healthy Ideas to remember and use from day to day

Ten Green and Healthy Tips

Green Tips for your Green World

Here are Ten Green, Simple, Healthy Ideas to remember and use from day to day as you strive to stay on your ‘Stepping Lightly” and “Living Simply” path. So whether you are on a trip to the grocery store or writing a things to do list, keep these ideas in mind or posted on your board.

List – Courtesy of GreenIdeasToday.com

Vinegar

1. Vinegar – Refined processed vinegar is usually a dilution of acetic acid. It works as a great cleaning product and can replace glass cleaners (that contain ammonia) for most practical cleaning applications.

Natural vinegar, like apple cider vinegar has been around for centuries and is a source of vitamins and a natural health remedy.

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Baking Soda

2. Baking Soda – A natural abrasive all-purpose cleaner, baking soda can be used to brush your teeth and soothe minor skin irritations.

It is also an effective odor remover and can be used to keep fridges smelling fresh. This will replace cleaners that contain calcium hypochlorite that can react to release chlorine gas.

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lemons

3. Lemons – Possess a wonderful, natural flavor and smell that can’t be reproduced artificially. In addition to traditional use in cooking; lemons are also a natural cleaner and ares anti-bacterial due to high acid content.

Lemons are also used in home remedies.

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hemp

4. Hemp – Seeds contain all the necessary amino acids and fatty acids necessary to maintain human life. Hemp seed oil can be used for a variety of purposes such as a nutritious food additive and as an ingredient in skin creams.

Hemp fibers are used in rope, paper and for various construction products. Hemp can also be used to produce plastic as an alternative to petrochemical based plastics.

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clothesline

5. Clothes Lines – It is estimated that 5% of residential energy use goes toward clothes dryers. Hanging your clothes to dry will save energy and will provide the addedd benefit of making your clothes smell nice and fresh.

Dryers can be dangerous and start fires if their vents aren’t cleaned. They are also a source of dust in the home.

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water

6. Water – Nothing refreshes or quenches thirst like water. Water is basically free and municipal water that is filtered is a cheap, healthy alternative to bottled water.

Bottled water tends to catch a lot of flack from environmentalists, but, for my money soda pop is worse. All of the problems of bottled water plus a whole lot of sugar, artificial flavours and chemicals. Water, the drink that refreshes.

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Bicycling

7. Bicycles – A practical low-carbon footprint transportation mechanism and good form of exercise. Riding a bike burns around 400-500 calories/hour.

Remember, when you are riding to wear a helmet and bright clothes to make sure you can be seen.

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beans

8. Beans – A high source of protein, dietary fiber, low in fat and complex carbohydrates. Many beans need to be cooked to make them edible (soybeans, kidney beans); when raw they contain toxins.

Much of the developing world rely on beans as a key source of dietary protein.

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bamboo

9. Bamboo –More and more products are made from bamboo. Although, not a local product bamboo is a renewable resource and is actually a grass rather than a tree.

Bamboo is a source of food and used as a fiber in clothes. Its wood is used in construction and flooring, and in kitchen utensils. Clothing made from bamboo is is hypoallergenic and wicks away moisture.

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Herbs

10. Fresh Herbs – Can easily be grown in your backyard or even on a window sill. Some favorites include: basil, cilantro, dill, organo, parsley and rosemary.

Herbs are a source of natural flavour (instead of MSG).

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