Tri-Town Construction Green Movement!

• Tri-Town Construction strives to be a leader in green construction. Given the chance, they salvage and recycle all possible materials.They also pride themselves in buying American made products whenever possible. Tri-Town Construction is a fully licensed and insured construction company based in SW Florida. We have over 25 years of combined experience and an exceptional reputation.
  
  Find out more here:
  
  
  tri-townconstruction.com

Get a Healthy Space w/ Rika Construction, Inc

Looking to make your work or home environment more healthy? Rika Construction, Inc. is a family owned and operated business providing NJ basement waterproofing and mold remediation services. Dedicated in making the environment not only beautiful but healthy their primary goal is to provide our customers with healthy and clean home or work environments.

With more than 15 years of experience in basement waterproofing, flooding, mold remediation and masonry, they do all their own work with the use of subcontractors. So you can be sure you are getting the best prices and the highest quality of service.

Rika Construction Inc proudly offers:

• Experienced and knowledgeable waterproofing experts;
• The most modern equipment;
• Affordable prices;
• Professional, courteous, clean crews;

If you want to find out more be sure to visit http://www.rikaconstructioninc.com/ 

Live in Austin, TX? Maid Services are Here to Help Make Life Easier

We all know a clean house helps clear our minds. Unfortunately, in today’s busy, work-obsessed world, we often have to choose between the stress and frustration of a dirty home or the stress of skipping other important commitments so we have time to get – and keep – our homes clean. Whether you need Austin Tx maid services, or any cities maid services, it is usually worth the expense.

If you want a warm, inviting home that calms your spirit, but you can’t find the time or energy to clean the house yourself, the experts at a maid service in Austin, TX can help.

Benefits of a Clean House

You have several good reasons to hire a maid service. Most of all, a maid service keeps your home clean. That in itself has its perks, including the following:

Everything in its place: When your home is neat, you can find anything you need right away. This lessens your stress hunting for things as you need them, not to mention the amount of time you'd waste looking for each thing. You can spend that time doing things you love instead.

No more CHAOS: The Fly Lady calls it “Can’t Have Anyone Over Syndrome,” or CHAOS – that chronic mess that prevents you from entertaining in your home. When your home is clean, however, you can confidently have guests over, even unannounced.

Peaceful surroundings, better mental well-being: Let’s face it: A home that is clean doesn’t just look better. It feels better. That probably has something to do with not having to watch for shoes, toys or anything else in the floor.

Breathing easier: Regular cleaning gets rid of dust, allergens and other irritants in your house. If you have allergies, asthma or other breathing conditions, you may be able to curb your symptoms through regular cleaning.

Mold no more: Like dust, mold can cause serious health issues for everyone in the home. A regular cleaning schedule can prevent mold from growing.

Bad-bacteria free zone: Bacteria love dirt, and not all bacteria is good for you. So, to prevent bad bacteria from becoming your housemates, regular cleaning is a must.

Sense of control: Ever hear the saying, “A cluttered house means a cluttered mind.”? When your home is clean, your mental state clears as well. That means you can improve how you handle stress and exercise discipline in other areas of your life, too.

Hire a Maid Service to Help

Chores take time. They can be tedious and, honestly, a pain to get done on top of all your other obligations. Luckily, a maid service in Austin, TX can make housekeeping a lot easier for you. Contact a professional today, so you can have the peace of mind that your job will get one right while you get free time to handle everything else life throws your way.

Fairy Cleaners

Ever look at a dirty room and wish you had a fairy god mother to save you? If your in the Cardiff, UK area the answers to your prayers have been met because Fairy Cleaners has been helping families with their domestic duties for the past 5 years and have over 30 years of experience. Fairy Cleaners uses a checklist which includes carpet cleaning, laundry services, and dusting in each space making sure no area goes unnoticed!

Your fairy go mother all speak English, go through background checks, fully trained, and uniformed. Fairy Cleaners makes sure to send the same fairy each time, and are fully insured as a company. They understand how important it is to have a courteous and polite staff, that can help you save time and allow for you to spend more time with family instead of on chores.

For office managers you can have a fairy come out to your office and adhere to all your business cleaning needs with professional and reliable service. They even have special hours reserved for businesses s that your work isn't interrupted. It's like they were never there!

If you interested check out http://www.fairycleaners.co.uk/ and book today!

NYC Top Building Management

NYC TOP BUILDING MANAGEMENT, INC. Is a fully insured residential and commercial cleaning services, we have gained the respect of our clients because we care enough to provide only the best in everything we do.Whether you live in a house, apartment, own a business, commercial building, or medical practice, Our personnel will show up on time, be consistent, and use the latest in technologically advanced cleaning practices. Our cleaning products are safer for the home and office, and will not harm people or pets; they are more conducive to a healthier indoor and outdoor living environment.We are experts when it comes to residential, commercial, and medical cleaning services. You can depend on our team to provide you excellent value and quality service for all of your professional cleaning services. 

Please visit our website for additional information www.nyctopbuildingmanagement.com

5 Simmering Summer Survival Tips at the Office

1.) Stay Cool Without Dressing InappropriatelySummer weather also means less clothing. Ladies, keep your skirts and dresses just above your knees at the shortest, don’t wear spaghetti strap tops, and please don’t wear flip-flops. Men, don’t wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, or sandals. It’s just not professional. Wear light fabrics and avoid skin-tight clothing. No one wants to see that. Or hear your shoes making noise down the entire hallway. 

2.) Go Outside for LunchTake that lunch break you deserve. Sit in the sun and soak up some Vitamin D. Eat your lunch outside. Go for a walk. Taking a break clears your mind and makes you more productive, while also keeping you limber from the freezing A/C. 

3.) Schedule Happy HoursPlan on meeting friends or coworkers for Happy Hour nearby. It gives everyone something to look forward to during the workday and you can take advantage of the long daylight hours. Just make sure you eat something and don’t drink too much. That never ends well.
Some offices give out Summer Fridays where you can take off or take half-days. USE THEM. Make a schedule with your team early, as everyone is bound to fight over days and whose activities are more important. Maybe you can negotiate a work-from-home day so you can do some work outside in the nice weather. 

 4.) Take Advantage of Summer Fridays

Some offices give out Summer Fridays where you can take off or take half-days. USE THEM. Make a schedule with your team early, as everyone is bound to fight over days and whose activities are more important. Maybe you can negotiate a work-from-home day so you can do some work outside in the nice weather.

5.) Use Your Vacation Time
It’s ironic that the higher level you are, the more vacation you get, yet you don’t have as much time to use it. Plan weekend get-aways or week-long trips. Make sure you tell your team in advance so there are no conflicts. Remind your boss every once in a while that you will be away so it won’t come as a shock when you leave and everyone forgot. Make sure all of your work is done before you leave and that you communicate whether your coworkers can call you or not during your vacation. Everyone’s different, so your boss may think you are fine with that if he is. Wrong. Ahhh, summer. 

Cooling and Ventilation Systems - Improve the Efficiency

Cooling and Ventilation Systems - Improve the Efficiency

 
- Set the thermostat in your work space to 78 degrees during work hours, and raise the setting to 85 degrees when the space is unoccupied. The energy savings can be significant - as much as 2 percent of your air conditioning costs for each one degree that you raise the thermostat. By example: If all businesses in California set their thermostats to a higher temperature, the State would save 770 megawatts for every 2 degrees.

- Use a programmable thermostat and make it easy to adjust the settings as well as regulate the temperature when you are closed to avoid unnecessary cooling costs. Consider a locking cover over the thermostat to avoid having employees change temperature settings.

- Close window blinds to shade your rooms from direct sunlight.

- Allow your workers to wear comfortable clothing during hot weather. It makes little sense to keep a room cold enough that workers must wear suits and coats.

- To save energy, keep your exterior and freight doors closed as much as possible. Consumers frequently complain about retailers who run their air conditioning on high to keep their stores as cold as possible while leaving their doors wide open.

- Keep your cooling and ventilation systems tuned. Maintain a regular filter replacement and cleaning schedule. Don't forget to check ducts and pipe insulation.

National Highlight: Sweep Home Chicago

In today's busy world professionals, the elderly, moms, property managers, business owners, and many more are finding it harder to make time for the things they love like family, vacation, and the occasional Netflix binge. Work schedules are heavier and cleaning is no longer something that is just for the wealthy. In the busy city of Chicago Sweep Home Chicago is a premiere cleaning service that covers both residential and commercial cleaning services. Specializing in a whole slew of cleaning techniques and services including maid servicing, green cleaning services, office cleaning, post construction cleaning, and condo association cleaning. Sweep Home Chicago offers a free consultation to provide an estimate for your cleaning needs.




They also have an amazing blog with informative articles like "Tips for Cleaning Big Stains in Your Home" and ""When to Replace or Repair Carpet". Through these communications they are able to talk to the many on the go millennials who would rather go on a weekend getaway than spend their Saturday morning cleaning and doing chores. The appreciation is clear through the multiple 5 star reviews on sites like Yelp, Angie's List, and Yahoo Local customers rave about the excellent service, professional staff, and flexible schedules.

As the promise n their website says "If you've always wondered what life would be like without the hassle of weekly cleaning tasks, you've come to the right place! Sweep Home Chicago has the skills and flexibility to meet your unique schedule and requirements...at a price you'll love!"


If your in the Chicago area connect with them at http://www.sweephome.com/ or by emailing brandon@sweephome.com

De-clutter You Desk

Contain it + maintain it

 

Use Ziploc® brand Containers with the Smart Snap® Seal to organize and maximize space. They’re perfect since you can see through them, and they come in handy sizes for clutter control. For example, the extra small bowl is great for paper clips and the small square works well for pens and pencils. And the large rectangles are perfect for personal correspondence, bills, coupons, etc. (we’ll get to the best ways to organize all that paper later). They’re also stackable, which makes them real space savers. 

Cable stable

 

Sick of power cords and chargers for all your different electronic devices getting lost, tangled, or hard to locate at a moment’s notice? Try this great trick: Set aside empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls and use them to neatly secure and contain wrapped cords—simply label the tubes with a permanent marker and voilà—you’ve got a cable stable!

Escape the cord bind…with binder clips

 

Another headache-inducing mess is undoubtedly the tangle of cords always in use around your desk, like power cords for your computer and monitor, digital camera, and your phone charger. Clip binder clips to the edge of the back of your desk and thread each cord (different sized clips will suit some cords better than others) through the metal part of the clip to its proper place and never, ever waste time detangling cords again. 

De-blur your devices

 

Smudgy, blurry screens—whether on your monitor, cell phone or e-reader—are a real drag. That’s why you should keep Windex® Electronics Wipes in your desk drawer. To safely clean your electronics, first power your devices down, then use a pre-moistened wipe directly on the screen and surfaces, leaving them streak-free.

Toss, sort, and shred

 

What to do with the mountain of mail and paper crowding out your keyboard? First, go through the pile and toss anything you don’t really need—and if it has personal information that would be of use to identity thieves, shred it! Next, sort and file the rest. Create an Immediate Attention file (or folder or bin) for things you need to act on soon, such as bills. Bank statements and important receipts can go into a To Be Filed bin. Use a Ziploc® brand Slider Bag to hold coupons you’ve clipped or printed from websites, and keep it in your purse or glove compartment. 

Sweep up your computer desktop

 

Don’t let all the extra files on your computer desktop slow you down. Organize by creating folders with names like “Family Pictures,” and “Recipes,” to house random files. To speed up your computer even more, clear out web browser caches and histories (usually under “History” or “Internet Options” in the browser menu), and delete files you no longer need, such as old software versions.

Four Different ways to Clean High Rise and Hard to Reach Windows

Cleaning high rise or hard to reach windows may seem like an impossible task - but it's not as difficult as you might imagine. There are a number of different methods, all of which are extremely effective. If undertaken by professional, trained window cleaners they are a safe option too. Of the methods available, abseil cleaning, cherry pickers, cradles and water fed pole cleaning are the most popular and widely used.

Abseiling cleaning

Of all the methods of high rise window cleaning abseiling cleaning is one of the safest. This type of high rise cleaning is suitable for buildings with no level grounding for hydraulic platforms (cherry pickers), buildings that are too high for water fed pole cleaning and glass domed roofs. There is no height limit for abseil cleaning, it causes minimal disruption and it's ideal for awkward shaped buildings. Reputable high rise window cleaners who offer abseil cleaning should only use staff that are Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) trained.

Hydraulic platforms (cherry pickers)

For high rise cleaning of buildings with level groundings hydraulic platforms, or cherry pickers, are the ideal high rise cleaning method. Cherry pickers can reach up to 62 metres (200ft) and can be operated either from the ground or mounted from a truck. Cherry pickers are an ideal solution for tower block cleaning.

Cradles

Cradle cleaning is another method that is suitable for tower block cleaning, though it is only possible to use the cradle on buildings suitable for fixing a pulley system securely. Cleaners who favor the cradle method will use a variety of different cradles to suit the job. Cradle cleaning can be done with minimal disruption and there are no height limits. As well as tower block cleaning the cradle method is also ideal for sports grounds and very tall buildings.

Water fed poles

Water fed pole cleaning or the reach and wash system, is another very popular method of high rise cleaning. It's popular for a number of reasons; water fed pole cleaning is very safe and ticks many health and safety boxes. As a method of tower block window cleaning it's also environmentally friendly as instead of detergents, water fed pole cleaning uses pure water. Water fed pole cleaning operators can reach up to 70ft and there is no need for ladders or high reach equipment, it's highly cost effective and is perfect for awkwardly shaped buildings. Water fed pole cleaning is not just a high rise window cleaning solution; it's also particularly effective for cleaning cladding, fascias, canopies and signs.

A reputable commercial high rise cleaning company will have all the necessary licenses and equipment at their disposal to offer the full range of tower block cleaning and a variety of other types of premises. Choose wisely, and demand the best.

Exhaust Fan- Why Your Office May Need One

Exhaust fans are utmost necessity in modern day living. The congested living of small houses and flats are not leaving any place to breath freely. Since most of the times

rooms, kitchens and bathrooms are locked up for hours, the air become humid and polluted. In modern living, houses do not have the proper ventilation gate way.

Moreover, the ceiling is lower that makes the ventilation process difficult. To make it odour free and fresh, exhaust fans are needed to be installed in houses.

There are three typical exhaust fans,

€ Ceiling mounted

€ Window mounted

€ Kitchen range

Ceiling Mounted Fan

The name suggests the placement of it. These fans are installed in the ceiling to let the air out directly from the roof. They are generally attached with ducting that brings

the air outside the home. Capable of ventilating a big area, these fans are really helpful.

Window Mounted Fans

The position of these fans is over the window. It helps to ventilate in a small area. Perfect for using in home, these fans are very helpful to retain the freshness of the

home. These fans are often used in the ventilation of bathroom.

Kitchen Range Fan

An exhaust fan is a must have in any kitchen. The whole room becomes sticky and full of foul smell if the ventilation is not proper. Kitchen range exhaust fans are

needed to maintain a healthy atmosphere in the kitchen. They are particularly equipped to maintain the clean atmosphere in stuffy kitchen.

Necessity

We often end up thinking that the only utility of exhaust fan is to clear the polluted air of the room, bathroom or kitchen. But it has many underlying utility too. There are

many needs it fulfils that make it an essential commodity in modern living.

€ While you are cooking in the kitchen the whole room becomes stuffy, hot and unhygenic with smoke and smell of food and wet vegetables. There is also the foul

smell of gas that keeps on assaulting the nostril of the person who spends hours in the kitchen. The glistening oil also affects the furnishing and the paint of not only

the kitchen but of the whole room. As a result, the pristine wall becomes covered with black shade. To retain the healthy and clean look of the house, exhaust fans are

very helpful. It drives out the smoke and the oil off the room and keeps the environment smell free. Whoever is spending time in kitchen while cooking, will be free from

enduring the foul smell too.

€ The atmosphere of bathroom is generally full of moisture. In such condition, a foul odour develops in bathroom. Lack of proper ventilation adds to the whole problem.

Exhaust fans keep the atmosphere of bathroom clean, dry and tidy. It also helps to keep the rust at bay from affecting the metallic shower heads.
Find the best company and buy exhaust fan in India. Keep the air fresh and healthy in your home.

How Often Do I Need to Have My Restaurant Kitchen Hood Exhaust System Cleaned?

Most restaurant fires originate on cooking appliances and spread into the kitchen's exhaust system, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). If the exhaust system is full of grease, that's fuel for the fire.

Having your kitchen exhaust system inspected and cleaned is not only a good idea; it's required by law. The NFPA mandates regular inspections and cleanings, as do state and local fire codes. Inspection frequency, as described by NFPA guidelines, must be:

• Monthly for systems serving solid fuel cooking operations
• Quarterly for systems serving high-volume cooking operations such as 24-hour cooking, charbroiling or wok cooking
• Semiannually for systems serving moderate-volume cooking operations
• Annually for systems serving low-volume cooking operations, such as churches, day camps, seasonal businesses or senior centers

The inspection must include an examination of the entire exhaust system for grease buildup, and it must be performed by a someone who is properly trained and qualified. Most cities and towns require an official certification. A valid certification of inspection must always be kept on the premises to present to fire inspectors as requested.

The NFPA does not directly mandate the frequency of cleaning; that depends on the results of the inspection and local requirements. If the inspector deems that the system is contaminated with grease, a professional cleaning is required by a certified professional. After the cleaning, a certificate showing the date of the cleaning and the areas cleaned must be kept on hand. In some cases, only a portion of the system requires cleaning.

Inspectors use guidelines created by the International Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning Association (IKECA) to determine whether a cleaning is required. They measure the grease for depths ranging from zero to 0.125 inches, according to IKECA. Inspectors give one of four inspection grades: no grease buildup; acceptable grease buildup; cleaning required; and critical depth.

Costs and Methods of Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning

Most professional cleaning services charge an hourly rate ranging from $75-$150. The rate depends on factors like the condition of the exhaust system, the size of the cleaning crew (larger crews get the work done faster) and your geographic location.

There are three methods of exhaust system cleaning: manual scraping, pressure washing or steam cleaning. Scraping is less expensive, and it can be effective when done properly. But pressure washing and steam cleaning are preferred by the NFPA.

In some cases, a cleaning service will do a combination of both. Some of the duct-work may be difficult to access, which makes scraping impossible.

The Basic Ten: Top 10 Green Cleaners

The Basic Ten

Stock your cupboards with these ten products, and you can clean just about anything:

1) White vinegar: An antifungal that also kills germs and bacteria.

2) Baking soda: Eliminates odors and works as a gentle scouring powder.

3) Borax: Borax, the common name for the natural mineral compound sodium borate, eliminates odors, removes dirt, and acts as an antifungal and possible disinfectant. Use with care around children and pets, as it can be toxic if swallowed.

4) Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration): A great nontoxic bleach and stain remover, as well as a proven disinfectant.

5) Club soda (fresh): A stain remover and polisher.

6) Lemon juice: A pleasant-smelling nontoxic bleach, grease-cutter, and stain remover.

7) Liquid castile soap: An all-purpose cleaner, grease-cutter, and disinfectant. “Castile” means the soap is vegetable-based, not animal-fat-based.

8) Corn meal: Great at picking up carpet spills.

9) Olive oil: Makes a wonderful furniture polish.

10) Pure essential oils: Adding all-natural, organic essential oils to your cleaning concoctions can add wonderful scents to your housekeeping endeavors. Some—such as lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, lemongrass, and tea tree oils—also may have antibacterial, antifungal, or insect-repelling properties. 

Get the Scoop: Antibacterial, Disinfectant, and Sanitizers

The terms antibacterial, disinfectant, and sanitizer all sound very effective, official and medical but very few people really understand what these terms really mean. These claims are regulated by the USDS and EPA, so they have very specific definitions, and one should take a moment when learning about products that tout these claims. To use a term like “antibacterial” on a label, the manufacturer must run lab tests to prove they work, and then have these tests and the labels approved by the above agencies. When these claims are made on a cleaner you can be 100% sure of what the products does and does not do because of the regulations.

Antibacterial cleaners do not actually kill germs. To carry the claim of being an antibacterial a product must suppress the growth and reproduction of bacteria only. Think of these items more as a type of bacterial birth control. Many people think they kill all germs, but this is not the case. They also only work on bacteria, so any hope of destroying or controlling a virus or a fungus would be unfounded.

Sanitizers are used to reduce, but not eliminate, micro-organisms from an environment. The term reduced, when referring to Sanitizers, is defined by the products ability to remove micro-organisms down to such a level that the surface is considered safe by public health codes or regulations. Normally this is defined as killing 99.9% of micro-organisms when in use.

A Disinfectant destroys or irreversibly inactivates infectious micro-organisms, but not necessarily their spores. The technical measure to meet regulations for a disinfectant is that it must kill 99.9999% of micro-organisms. There are two types of disinfectants to consider: 1) Hospital-type and 2) General. Hospital-type disinfectants can sound extra impressive but to earn this claim the product only has to kill 3 common hospital micro-organisms, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella cholerasesuis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Unless you are cleaning a doctor's office or hospital, there is no need to waste your money on a hospital grade disinfectant. The normal residence does not have a lot of staph infection running around that needs to be killed. 
In all cases be sure to clearly read the labels on these products before you use them. Be mindful of things that can affect how well these products work. As an example, most sanitizers and disinfectants must be left on the surface being cleaned for a period of time to be effective. In some cases this is as long as 10 minutes. If the product is just sprayed on and then wiped off it will not provide the results you expect. If you have a client that really needs the benefits of these products, such as someone undergoing chemotherapy, you will want to be sure to give the product time to do the job.

Detail Cleaning Service works hard to be the number one instant booking cleaning service in new york city. As an office cleaning company we know how important it is to have employees at the office rather than sick in bed! We are now working with Uline products to provide disinfectants, sanitizers and antibacterials to your office for a low cost to you! 

The Best Way to Clean Your Oven- secret ingredient!

The real question is: why did anybody ever bother inventing a bunch of chemicals to do a job that baking soda does so thoroughly and easily? It's, like, the biggest scam of the 20th century after Watergate.

So what's the big secret here?
Baking soda.  That's all.

1. Spritz water inside your oven, and sprinkle a generous layer of baking soda on the floor of the oven and the door. Grab a stiff-bristled scrub-brush.
2. Most tutorials say to let it sit overnight. I don't see the point. I just start in on the scrubbing right away, and everything comes up with no problem. You will achieve a nice, orangey-brown lather. (Yum!)
3. Once you've done the bottom of the oven and the door, sprinkle more baking soda onto your brush or the floor of the oven and attack the sides, back, and roof. I keep a bucket of water on the floor next to me so I can rinse the brush frequently.
4. Once you've scrubbed everything, take a wet rag, and wipe out all the baking soda. If you've missed a spot or need to touch up areas, repeat the first few steps.
5. Final step, use that wet rag and wipe out all the baking soda residue, rinsing it throughly, and giving it a couple go-overs. If you don't get it all the first time, after it's dry you might see a powdery residue that you'll have to wipe again. But no bigs, right?

All in all, it took about twenty minutes. No waiting for a 600 degree self-cleaning cycle. . .No losing brain cells over toxic fumes. . .You don't even need rubber gloves.

Composting?

When organic matter such as leaves, grass clippings and food scraps break down, you get compost, a dark, dirt-like "soil" that is rich in nutrients. Compost happens even without human involvement; for example, the leaves that fall on the forest floor (or even in your own backyard) will compost and return much-needed nutrients to the soil, like a slow-release fertilizer. How quickly natural matter turns to compost depends on many factors, from the size of the organic matter to the temperature and oxygen availability. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several years for organic matter to turn into compost. Many people, from gardeners to farmers to environmentalists, choose to compost for a variety of reasons. Although nature does all of the work, human involvement can help speed up the composting process to ensure the best possible conditions for nature to do its work. Composting is easy, and it has many benefits for the environment and your own backyard. Why compost?  Food and lawn waste makes up 25% of all waste in landfills. Although these natural materials are biodegradable, they do not break down properly in landfills, which are so densely packed that oxygen isn't readily available. When oxygen is withheld during the decomposition process, the organic matter may emit methane gas, which is 20 times more toxic than carbon dioxide. All this methane is bad for the environment, and the inhospitable conditions of landfills make it difficult if not impossible for natural materials to break down properly. Each ton of organic matter we can divert from a landfill can save 1/3 of a ton of greenhouse gases from being emitted into the environment. Plus, composting can provide you with your very own “black gold” for free, allowing you to condition and enrich your soil. When we think of recycling, plastic, paper, and glass may come to mind, but the most basic method of recycling is the timeless act of breaking down decaying organic matter and returning it back to the soil to once again be used for other living organisms to thrive upon. Let's stop thinking of yard waste and kitchen scraps as garbage and start reducing the waste we produce so we can save it from heading to the landfills to recycle and reuse it in our own backyards. Composting is the most natural and beneficial thing we can do for our gardens, flowers, vegetable plants and trees to replenish nutrients, improve drainage and water retention, and protect plant roots when used as mulch. Anyone can compost, whether you live on a 500-acre farm or in a 500 square foot apartment. At the most basic level, you can collect your kitchen and yard scraps in a pile outside, in a store-bought compost bin on your back porch, or in a plastic bin under the kitchen sink and then wait for Mother Nature to do her work.

Green Your Kitchen

Buy organic. Choosing organically grown foods, which aren’t treated with chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, when you have the option helps to reduce the pesticide burden on the earth. Read more about the reasons to choose organic food here, and then learn how to buy organic on a budget. BONUS: Organic foods are usually richer in nutrients too—they do a body good.  Eat locally. Besides tasting fresher, locally-grown food is more ecologically sustainable. It benefits farmers and the local economy, as the profits from what is grown near you stay in your community. Check out your local farmer’s market for the best just-picked fruits and vegetables of the season, and select produce that was grown using organic methods to compound the eco-benefits. Buy large quantities and freeze, can, or dry them to enjoy locally-grown food all winter long. Or start your own organic backyard garden—the ultimate in local food. BONUS: When you buy food that's been shipped across the globe, you have to "eat" those transportation costs when you buy. Local food is also seasonal, which means it tastes better and is also more affordable.  Use greener cleaners. Chlorine-free automatic dishwashing powder, petroleum-free soap, and non-toxic floor cleaner are all easy to find in most grocery stores. These products work just as well as their conventional competition, but leave behind less toxic residue for our bodies and the environment to process. You can also make your own cleaners with common household items like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, borax, and washing soda. BONUS: "Green" cleaners are usually better for people who have chemical sensitivities. Besides being better for the planet, they're healthier for everyone in your household. Drink filtered, not bottled. If you’re buying bottled water, consider this fact: In the state of California alone, nearly three million used plastic water bottles wind up in the landfill every day. Although you might recycle yours, keep in mind that it takes energy and resources to manufacture and transport these bottles—and to recycle them too. A better option is to buy a water filter that attaches to your kitchen faucet, and fill reusable bottles at the tap.

'Green' Your Kitchen -

Exile excessive packaging. Oats, popcorn, flour, pasta, dried fruit, beans, and even cereal can be purchased in the bulk section (also called the bag and weigh section) of your local natural foods grocery. Some mainstream supermarkets are even catching on to this eco-friendly trend. You simply scoop what you want out of a large covered bin and then the cashier weighs it when you check out. Although the store usually provides plastic bags, bringing your own reusable containers is a better option. Have a cashier weigh your containers while empty, and then the cashier will subtract that weight from the filled container.

If you can’t find your favorite foods in the bulk section, try to select the largest size that you can reasonably use (white vinegar will last forever, and can be purchased in gallon jugs, for example), or choose the brand that is packaged in cardboard or recyclable plastic, and be sure to recycle it when you’re through.

If you’re packing your lunch, use reusable containers instead of plastic baggies for lunch items, and tote them all to work or school in a reusable lunch bag. Many of these bags are insulated too, so your lunch will stay fresher.

BONUS: Packaging costs money too, so by buying in bulk and portioning out the food yourself, you'll save cash!

DIY- green cleaning products

The last thing you want to do is dump toxic chemicals into the environment in the name of cleaning, right? These days, you don’t have to make a special trip to the natural foods store to seek out environmentally-sensitive cleaning products. Seventh Generation, Method and Biokleen are three companies that make full lines of household cleaners, and you can find them in just about every store. These products work just as well as their conventional counterparts. Or you can stock your natural cleaning kit with homemade cleaners—making them yourself is super easy.

The basic supplies you’ll need to make your own green cleaners include:

• Distilled white vinegar (sold in the cooking section of most supermarkets)
• Baking soda
• Olive oil
• Borax (sold in a box in the laundry aisle)
• Liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner's brand, found in most natural foods stores)
• Essential oils (super concentrated natural plant oils found in natural foods stores, usually in the cosmetics section)
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Newspaper

Here are a few basic “recipes” and techniques to get you started:

• Glass: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Spray on glass and wipe clean with old newspaper or a lint-free cloth.
• Countertops and bathroom tile: Mix 2 parts vinegar and 1 part baking soda with 4 parts water. Apply with a sponge, scour, and wipe away.
• Floors: Mix 4 cups of white distilled vinegar with about a gallon of hot water. If desired, add a few drops of pure peppermint or lemon oil for a pleasant scent. After damp mopping the floors, the smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, leaving behind only the scent of the oil.
• Wood furniture: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive and oil. Apply a small amount to a cloth, and rub onto the furniture in long, even strokes.
• Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle a toilet brush with baking soda and scrub away! Occasionally disinfect your toilet by scrubbing with borax instead. Wipe the outside of the toilet clean with straight vinegar.
• Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar, 3 cups hot water, and 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use a spray bottle. Wipe clean.
• Mold and mildew: Wipe with straight vinegar.
• Air freshener: Sprinkle essential oil on a cotton ball, and stash it in a corner of the room. If you have kids, make sure it is out of their reach as essential oils are very strong and could irritate their skin. Lavender is a relaxing scent that is great for bedrooms, and cinnamon, clove, and citrus oils are great for the rest of the house. You can stash a few in the car too—try peppermint, which may help you to stay alert.

Coming Up with Shared Solutions for Room mates

1. Recognize that your roommate may want the room/apartment/house clean (almost) as much as you do, but it's just not as natural for them to clean it to your expected extent. 

• This may be a case of re-education because they just don't have the knowledge or tools to know exactly what to clean or to what extent. Try to work out a system that works for both of you, and try to make it a team project as much as possible, not you against them.
• If there seems to be no definite reason behind your roommate's messiness, suggest a cleaning rotation for the house or flat. Suggest it in an non-confrontational way. For example, "I'm just going to stick up a cleaning rota to remind myself to vacuum on Tuesdays" etc. Ask the messy roommate which tasks suit him or her to get them involved. This should hopefully send a clear message.

Find out what messes you both can handle cleaning.

•  If your roommate cannot handle cleaning the kitchen, but doesn't mind cleaning the living areas, work out chores around this. Maybe you could handle the washing up, while your roommate does the sweeping / vaccuming. Finding chores that both of you can do will make cleaning easier than giving them chores they don't know how to do or hate doing.

Split things that need to be done around the place in two.

•  Clearly assign each of you the cleaning and tidying jobs. Without firm and definite jobs, messier people will often not realize (or care) that they were supposed to do something.

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