2010 May | The Green Beagle

5 Green Cleaners, You Can Make @ Home

May 30, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

I was searching for household things I can make at home, which is something I love to do, when I came across this article that made me super excited. Green Cleaning Products you can make at home!! This was something I am sure was done in the days before you could make a quick trip to the grocery was a reality or even an option. So here are some of them with my own little twists:

Bath & Shower Cleaner:
1 tablespoon of Rumford Baking Powder
1 cup white distilled organic vinegar
This mixture can be used to remove soap scum & stuck on residue.

Drain Cleaner::
Boil a pot of water. While water is boiling sprinkle 1/2 cup of Rumford Baking Powder down the drain then immediately pour 1/2 cup of white distilled organic vinegar then when the water is finished boiling pour it immediately down the drain.

Removing Oil From Pots & Pans -
Oily pots and pans only need used organic coffee grounds to be rubbed on the oily pot or pan and left to soak up the oil. After leaving for a while to sit wash the pot or pan and rinse.

Dishwashing Soap – Mix equal parts Dr Bronner Castile Liquid Soap , any scent you prefer, with white distilled organic vinegar and a splash of Hydrogen Peroxide Antiseptic Solution 16 Oz in a bottle with some water. You can choose to add some fresh squeezed organic lemon or your favorite organic essential oil to give it your favorite scent.

Clean & Disinfect Your Cutting Board -
Rub Rumford Baking Powder into your cutting board. Spray the board down with distilled white organic vinegar and a squeeze of fresh organic lemon. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Wipe down with warm water. For those difficult stains, reuse a piece of If You Care Aluminum Foil, 100% Recycled
to scrub the board.

Filed Under: Green Home Tagged With: Activities, around the house, carbon foot print, do it your self, eco-friendly, Educational, environment, environmentally conscious, going green, green activities, green cleaners, Health and Beauty, Lifestyle, socially responsible, sustainable

Vintage Skirt

May 29, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

I was on the hunt for some new clothes and I happened upon this super cute skirt. The Vintage Skirt by Indigenous Designs
* organic cotton jersey/tencel
* hand finished embroidery detail
* falls to knee
* easy elastic waste fit
* made in Peru
* fair trade
* low impact dyes
* hand wash gentle / flat dry

Indigenous Designs is committed to:
*Supporting and preserving fair trade wages and artisan cooperatives.
*Investing in natural and organic fibers and environmentally-friendly dyes.
*Spreading the beauty of handmade, eco fashion.

Check out their other designs and see how you like them!

Filed Under: Eco-Fashion Tagged With: carbon foot print, eco dyes, fair trade, green living, green shopping, Health and Beauty, impact, indigenous designs, Lifestyle, low impact, low impact dies, organic ingredients, socially responsible, sustainable

May’s Green Business Pick!

May 27, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

Recycled Index Tab Dividers(case of 10 ReTabs)
ReTab recycled index tab dividers make a green addition to any of ReBindersrecycled 3 ring binders. Unlike “flimsy” paper counterparts, ReTabs are made of rigid brown chipboard which allows for easy page turning. Available in 5 Tab or 8 Tab styles. Write directly on the tabs or use one of ReBindersbrown kraft laser labels. ReTab recycled index tab dividers are sold in cases of 10 sets. Enhance the look of your ReTab with ReBinders printable labels! It’s simple, just use ReBinders printing templates to build a design, print it on the labels, and then affix the labels to any product.

Filed Under: Green Business Tagged With: binder tabs, green office, green office products, office products, REBINDER, recycled office supplies

Tomato Salad

May 26, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

Ingredients

* 1 package organic cherry tomatoes
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 3 cloves minced organic garlic
* 1/2 chopped organic onion
* 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
* 1 table spoon organic sweet basil
* 1/4 teaspoon organic sea salt
* 1/4 tablespoon organic fresh ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon organic dried parsley

Directions

Cut the cherry tomatoes in half or thirds if they are big enough. Make sure the tomatoes are not too ripe, that can get messy. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, onion, parsley, olive oil, basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes in the refrigerator. Then add the vinegar. Not too much to start because you want the mixture to not be very watery. Add the remaining vinegar to the mixture about 15 minutes before you are ready to serve. You can also chop up fresh mozzarella to add to the salad when you are ready to serve. This salad can also double as bruschetta.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Activities, eco-friendly, green home, green kitchen, green living, Lifestyle, organic, organic ingredients, organic recipe, organic summer salad, summer salad, tomato salad, wellness

Nourishing Facial Cleanser

May 25, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

I have sensitive skin that constantly gets dry if I wash my face too much then I break out if I lotion my face at all. This, as you can imagine, is extremely frustrating in summer when I get a tan or burn or during the winter in the cold and wind. I am not a fan of just any cleanser and prefer to use the most eco-friendly products I can seek out. After some research I found Lily Organics Nourishing Facial Cleanser.

Lily’s Description
Perfect for daily use. Our non-detergent, emollient cleanser leaves the skin fresh, clean and balanced. It is made with our homemade soap consisting of Almond Oil and Essential Oil of Sage for cleansing and toning, plus Tea Tree Oil for its antiseptic qualities. Lavender is added to refresh and soothe your skin. Especially useful for normal to dry skin types. For all skin types; including sensitive. Apply a small amount to wet or dry face, gently massage and rinse with lukewarm water. Use with cotton ball or pad for a facial make-up remover (except eye make-up). Can also be used as a hand and body cleanser.
Lily’s Ingredients
(VEGAN) Lily’s homemade almond oil soap, Lily flower extract, kosher vegetable glycerin, Irish moss, witch hazel, lemon juice, essential oils of lavender, sage, tea tree oil, rosemary, camphor, and vitamin E.

After using this for a week I didn’t have any dry patches! My skin felt clean with out the some times harsh tingle of other skin care products. Also the smell and texture of this cleanser was amazing. The cleanser has a soft and silky. Many cleansers feel harsh and sting for me anyway which I thought meant it was working. This was cool and calming. I think I have become a life long user of Lily Organics because after using this cleanser and a few other products. After reading the book the Beauty, Health & Happiness, A Way of Life Lily I was inspired to take a closer look at what I put on and in my body in a way I never have before. I get excited when I find green products made by real green people. I appreciate she shared her experiences in her decision to become green. Her products reflect that along with the hard times that many of us face on our journey to be socially and environmentally responsible. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again we need to support companies that aren’t just green washing but have their actual beliefs invested in their products and companies. It is extremely important.

Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: carbon foot print, Checkout Discounts, eco-friendly, environmentally conscious, face wach, facial cleanser, going green, Green Business, green home, green living, green shopping, Health and Beauty, lily organics, organic, organic facial cleanser, organic ingredients, sustainable, wellness

Potato, Chive & Dill Salad

May 22, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

Ingredients

* 1 pound organic red potatoes, large diced
* 1 1/2 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup organic mayonnaise or canola mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon yellow deli mustard
* 1 tablespoon organic dried chives
* 1 tablespoon organic dried dill
* 1 tablespoon organic garlic powder
* 1/2 cup chopped organic red onion
* 1 teaspoon organic dried parsley
* 1/2 cup chopped organic celery
* 1 teaspoon organic sea salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Cut potatoes in large pieces then place potatoes into a large heavy-bottomed pot. Cover with cold water and place over high heat with a pinch of sea salt and organic olive oil in the water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling put potatoes in pot without cover on, still on high heat. Let potatoes boil while you chop the onions and celery.
Put the celery, onions and spices in a bowl that has a lid. Check potatoes periodically to make sure they don’t over cook. Once they are soft remove from pot and drain. Mix potatoes with onions, celery and spices. Next mix in the vinegar. Then add the mayonnaise and mustard do not mix but put the lid on the bowl and shake until everything completely mixed. Put the finished salad in the refrigerator for at least an hour to make sure it cools.

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: going green, green activities, green kitchen, green living, green shopping, Health and Beauty, Lifestyle, organic ingredients, organic potato salad, organic recipe, organic summer salad, potato salad, recipe, summer salad, wellness

Havana Shirt for Havana Nights

May 20, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

Summer is upon us and Memorial Day Weekend is almost here. The hot weather and hot parties are about to begin. Why not be cool in Indigenous Designs Havana Shirt. Made from 100% foot loomed organic cotton by artisans in Guatemala. Authentic Guatemalan quality texture and feel.
•100% organic cotton
•made in Guatemala
•fair trade
•machine wash and dry

I constantly am saying how important it is to know where your clothes are coming from. Understand the processes it takes for your purchases to be made. When you know more you understand the intricacies of production and how it relates to our environment. Some people may not care but you should not be one of them. It takes a strong person to say I will not be one of the billions that are uninformed. Purchasing Fair Trade products is an important aspect of helping our environment. Just by wearing the clothes you are spreading the word that harmful chemicals and unethical practices are not something you will stand for!

Filed Under: Eco-Fashion Tagged With: carbon foot print, eco-friendly, Educational, environmentally conscious, fair trade, havana, havana shirt, Health and Beauty, indigenous designs, Lifestyle, mens shirt, organic mens clothing, shirt, socially responsible, sustainable

Great Graduation Gift

May 19, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

Luxurious Natural Velour Robes, Wraps From Gilden Tree. Shop Gilden Tree Today!

Graduates need some time to relax after just completing a huge step in their lives. Moving on and moving up usually requires some much needed rest after all that celebrating. Give them the gift of relaxation with out having to spend a ton of money. The Luxurious Spa set includes a quality spa wrap, a spa headband, and half pound of deeply-moisturizing Spa Soaks.

The Gilden Tree’s velvety-soft velour wrap closes with a row of snaps at the top, its adjustable and very comfortable. The headband matches and is made with gentle elastic. It closes with velcro in the front. This Luxurious set is great for after a bath or shower, even to just laze about. The Spa Soak is a blend of Sea Salt, Epsom Salt, Shea Butter and Gilden Tree’s signature scent, Kiran Forest – a blend of fresh green botanicals. The whole set is packaged in a reusable basket and lid, and tied with a ribbon. Regular wraps fit women 6-16, Full-figured gowns fit women 18-3X.

Filed Under: Health and Beauty Tagged With: Activities, eco-friendly, gift, gilden tree, graduation gift, green gifts, green shopping, Health and Beauty, spa gift, spa set, wellness

Great Tips for “Brown Bagging” It

May 18, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

Bringing your lunch to school or work is an excellent to save the planet & the Earth. You can reduce, reuse and recycle your very own meals. I know sometimes the idea of left overs or bringing your lunch doesn’t always sound appealing but when you see the difference it makes in your wallet you will be excited at how much you save! Also you can show co-workers/ other students how eco-friendly you are. Here are some east quick tips that will save you some money, time & the environment:

1. Bring you lunch in a reusable bag Envirosax Organic Cotton – Un Chien
2. Bring your own non-disposable water bottle & fill it up with watever you want – eco-Friendly – stainless steel water bottle order here
3. When you pack your own lunch you can make it as healthy as you want Oskri Organics Coconut Bar, Original, Gluten Free, 1.86-Ounce Bars (Pack of 18)
4. You can control your portions Mini Kitchen bags
5. Cook extra food for dinner to bring with you the next day Annie’s Homegrown Organic Family-Size Shells & White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, 10.5-Ounce Boxes
6. Mix it up. You don’t have to have the exact same left overs. See what you can mix and match from your kitchen Wholesome Productions.
7. Keep it simple. You don’t want to spend just as long preparing your lunch as you did your dinner Simply Organic Mixes.
8. Be prepared. Try to think ahead of time how versatile the items you purchase at the grocery store will be for all your meals and snacks Olive Nation.
9. Be creative. You are the one that will have to eat this food. To make sure you don’t give up and just buy something quick make sure you change it up regularly so you stick to your healthy/eco-friendly plan Bare Fruit 100% Organic Bake-Dried Apples.
10. Make sure to remember your own utensils so you can bring them home and wash them or purchase Ultra Green Biodegradable Cutlery Pack

Filed Under: Health and Beauty Tagged With: Activities, biodegradable, brakfast, bring your own, brown bagging it, carbon foot print, dinner, disposable, eco-friendly, eco-friendly lunch, lunch, recycle, recycle your dinner, reduce, reuse, snack, socially responsible

Teachers Thank You Card

May 14, 2010 By The Green Beagle Leave a Comment

Fun Craft Kits

The school year is coming to a close. Summer vacation is coming soon, why not give your children’s teacher a big thank you! It is important to appreciate teachers who are good at their jobs. This is an excellent idea for the beginning of the year and even before long vacations. Also by using odds and ends around the home you can be green about it!!

Supplies:

* Ribbons, glitter, buttons, thread, jewels, construction paper or items lying around the house
* 1 – Piece of white cardstock
* shaped or regular hole-punch
* colored chalk, markers, or crayons
* Glue either hot or regular.
* Paints either water color or any kind of paint around the home

Instructions:

1. You can either print or write out the messages you want to say to your teacher.
2. Color the card using chalk, makers, paints, or crayons.
3. Glue your favorite odds and ends to the inside and outside of the card to make it original and special! Show your teacher the special thanks for what you have learned that year.
4. Let the card dry over night to make sure everything will stay and last on the way to school.
5. Give the teacher your thank you card! A little bit goes a long way.

Filed Under: Activities Tagged With: Activities, around the house, carbon foot print, children, crafts, eco-friendly, eco-friendly children, green activities, homemade crafts, reuse, school, socially responsible, teacher, teacher appreciation, thank you card