I want to save money and the earth any way I can
@GardenGerty (169590)
United States
January 5, 2007 8:30pm CST
I like to do things like scrub things with baking soda and clearing my drains by putting one cup of baking soda down it, then one cup of vinegar. followed by water from a boiling kettle. I use fluorescent light bulbs, and recycle lots of things.Post your favorite contributions to safe economical cleaning and living.
2 people like this
5 responses
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
6 Jan 07
I like the drain cleaner you posted. We had a problem with buildup last month. What a mess. I have many ideas for frugal living. Wash your clothes and hang them on racks to dry rather than put them in a dryer. This dries your clothes and humidifies the air too. I save old towels and use them as dishcloths or make them into potholders. Need curtains for a window? Buy two twin sheets. Sew across the top to make a pocket for the rod to be inserted in and hang them up. Cheaper than buying curtains! Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet as a deodorizer, leave it on for a few minutes and vacuum it up. Peroxide is great to clean mirrors and windows for a streak free shine. It is also good for removing blood stains. Bleach is great for killing germs and can be diluted and used in a spray bottle for use on countertops.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
6 Jan 07
Sounds like we could be sisters. Of course my sisters and Aunt used to make fun of me for my ways. I cannot get my hubby into the clothes on racks. I do hang some of them on hangars to dry though, and feel that saves a step.
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
7 Jan 07
My brother told me something interesting lately, when we were discussing the pros and cons of liquid laundry soap. He has recently switched to liquid, and told me why. There was a plumbing problem, and the sewer line had to be cleared. The plug that was at the very end was a composite of laundry lint plus powdered detergent. I just had a light bulb moment that that is why my kitchen drain is slow--that is where my washer drains out. I guess using cold water to wash means that the powdered detergent does not dissolve. I do not know that is one of your frugal steps as well, but I bet it is.
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
7 Jan 07
Can you tell us some of the natural products that you use? Thanks for posting
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
6 Jan 07
I guess this is economical living. I know the less I am in the store, the less I want to buy.
@finlander60 (1804)
• United States
10 Jan 07
I do my own vehicle maintenance. When I have enough oil to recycle, I bring it to Wal-Mart and put it in their recycle drum. I also buy only used cars, let someone else take the depreciation.
