Getting Your Home Ready For a "Green" Summer
With summer right around the corner, many of us are feeling pressure to get our homes ready for the season. There always seems to be a million things to do. The following tips should help alleviate some of that stress and do the right thing for the planet and future generations.
Going Green with Your Garden
Even if your Greystar apartment doesn’t feature a community garden you can still produce your own food using a container garden. When planning the selections for your garden, pick vegetables and herbs that you and your family eat frequently. Not only does it ensure a healthy meal, but it helps reduce the amount of gas used to get fresh produce to your table. And, whether you are planting in the community garden or on your balcony, be sure to pick pest control, fertilizer and soil that respects the environment.
Reuse Your Sponges
Sponges are essential when it comes time to clean. Unfortunately, most people purchase a new pack frequently to avoid the buildup of bacteria. Try this before buying that new pack. Soak your used sponges in cold, salt water for a couple hours. This will kill off germs and save you money at the same time. If you must buy new, find sponges that can be sanitized in your dishwasher. Bonus Tip: You can also use old t-shirts as clean rags.
Use Pantry Staples to Clean
Vinegar and baking soda are two ingredients most households have. Not only are they inexpensive, but the can be used beyond cooking and beyond. Vinegar when mixed 50/50 with water becomes an environmentally-friendly, powerful cleaning solution. You can also use a mix of a half cup of vinegar, half cup of borax and a quarter cup of water to kill off mold. Baking soda helps to deodorize your fridge, but did you know it can also be used on carpet? Simply sprinkle baking soda over your carpet, let it sit for about 15 minutes and vacuum. You’ll notice a difference immediately. These tips are both pocketbook friendly and environmentally friendly. Your house will be ready for summer in no time leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy the amazing summer weather!