Monday, 7 November 2011

If you cannot have the best - make the best of what you have!



Two years ago at a London bookstore among thousands of dazzling book covers I came across a plain-looking, printed on recycled paper pocket-sized book "250 tips for an ECO lifestyle" by Sarah Callard.
Quickly realized this was the case " All that glitters is not gold", bought the book and left the shop feeling that this purchase was probably the reason I came to London.

I cannot call it the green Bible, but it really contains loads of useful handy recommendations. Here are some I liked, adopted and still stick to.

  • Make the most of natural daylight (use less bulbs)
  • Fit radiator valves (to control temperature)
  • Keep bedrooms cooler
  • Don't put curtain's in front of radiators
  • Unblock drains naturally (instead of using a chemical products try pouring down a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda and 50 ml vinegar in boiling water)
  • Put half a lemon in the fridge and a microwave to eliminate strong smells
  • Lemon, vinegar, salt and baking soda are best natural detergents!
  • Use Cola for cleaning your toilet bowl.
  • Choose eco-friendly clothes detergents such as Ecover, Bio-D or Sonett
  • Choose powdered detergents instead of liquid ones
  • Don't buy antibacterial cleaning products containing triclosan
  • Avoid fabric conditioners (instead add 125ml vinegar or baking soda)
  • Don't buy into dry-cleaning
  • Avoid air fresheners. Make your own home scents (essential oil + filtered water)
  • Prefer locally grown produce. Eat seasonally
  • Avoid high-tech cartons whenever possible
  • Avoid Teflon pans
  • Avoid plastics alltogether
  • Animal duvets are greener
  • Use washable nappies 
  • Don't buy 'disposables'
  • Only iron what's really necessary
  • Turn off while you brush
  • Egg-water good for houseplants
  • Once a week have a candlelit dinner to save energy and boost the romance in your life in one go!

These easy-to -implement yet far-reaching steps might help us on a local level lessen our impact on the environment at large.



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