Archive for the ‘Get Green’ Category
What are Soap Nuts?
Soap Nuts are getting more talk through the green channels for it’s use as an alternative to laundry detergent. Using these nuts is an organic and non-toxic way to keep your clothes fresh and clean, plus they are 100% biodegradable.
So, what are soap nuts?
Soap nuts are the dried fruit from the Chinese Soapberry Tree. The reason they are used in laundry is because they contain saponin which is a natural cleanser. The saponin oils cover the outside of the fruit/nuts which ripen and then fall from the tree. The fresh fruit has been used as a natural shampoo both Chinese and Indian cultures, just has the soap nuts(being the dried fruit) has also been used to cleanse everything from the body, clothes and home.
You can get soap nuts in American at most area Whole Foods Markets or other local organic shops, or you can purchase them online through sites like www.laundrytree.com.
Make a Green Carpet/Fabric Freshener
In the day and age of Febreeze and other commercial products used to freshen things up around the house, there is a better and healthier way to get your environment smelling better in a green way that won’t harm your house hold items or your health.
Green Carpet Freshener
In a glass jar, or other container you can use for storage place three cups baking soda, 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 1 cup dried/crushed lavender or other organic scented herb.
Mix together and let the combination sit for a couple of days to settle. Once done, sprinkle around the house and sweep or vacuum carpets and other fabric items like curtains or the couch. *You can also use essential or fragrance oil instead of dried herbs just shake well and still let the mixture settle before using. The amount essential used depends on your personal scent needs.

EcoExistent on Twitter
EcoExistent on Facebook
EcoExistent on Delicious
EcoExistent on StumbleUpon
Subscribe to our RSS feed