Surveys show women working from home have a 54% higher chance of cancer than women who work away from home.

Wanting to look good and be free of odor also puts you at risk unless you are using green products.  Don’t trust they are green just because they claim to be, do your research on this.  I have found startling facts when researching big name companies claiming to have safe prodcuts.

Lack of information placed on products is a major factor, there are few regulations but they are coming.  Call the 800 number on your products and ask questions, they will tell you the truth if you ask them outright. 

Our children are at great risk for leukemia and brain tumors because of the pesticides used in homes and gardens.  Bleach is being linked to the rise in breast cancer.  I don’t know about you but all these statistics should be enough to make anyone switch to green cleaning products.

In the home, Lysol, Murphy’s Oil Soap, Pledge, Tilex, Ajax, Palmolive, Joy, Chlorox Bleach, Windex, Sunlight, Arm & Hammer heavy duty laundry detergent, shout stick and liquid Spray ‘N Wash are a few of the many products containing dangerous chemicals, said  Michael Dufresne, a ;leading researcher in environmental cancers.

Be sure of what you use, there are many things you can use in your own home if you don’t want to buy products from a specific company.  I know many people use water and vinegar, I choose not to as I can not stand the smell of vinegar in my home.  Olive oil is great for your skin, removing make up, bathing in and as a moisturizer.  Do not use this if your skin is oily however.  For a carpet freshner sprinkle some lavender or cinnamon into your carpet before vacuuming.  I also use cinnamon sticks in my vacuum bag to add a fresh smell when cleaning.  For air freshners mix some lavender, orange, cinnamon or whichever smell you prefer with water and mist your home instead of using air freshners with toxins.  I spray my furniture with these mixtures also. 

Don’t let lack of information cause your family to be sick and at risk for terminal diseases.  You can live safe and you can do so cheaper than buying over the counter products that put you at risk.

Why did I choose Shaklee?  Because they have been in business for over 50 years with no product recalls, no major complaints with the BBB and because of the products being concentrated I can dilute them and they will last me six months to a year, depending on which product I am using.

Shaklee carries nutritional products, personal care, home care, beauty, air and water purifiers, skin care, weight loss and more.  Feel free to check out the products here.  I recommend them highly and understand they may not be for everyone.  There are many alternatives to toxic cleaners, choose one today.

Make an informed decision when it comes to your home cleaning products.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger pushes green auto technology at the L.A. Auto Show — including the Tesla Roadster and four other Earth-friendly vehicles.

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Major U.S. Auto Manufacturer Creates a Zero Waste Movement

As the push to be environmentally conscious increases and Earth Day approaches, many of us try to practice what we preach — reduce-reuse-recycle. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, 55 percent of everyday garbage and trash still ends up in giant landfills across the U.S. Now, a new extreme form of “going green” called “landfill free” is changing the landscape.

Companies like Anheuser-Busch, Subaru and General Motors have committed themselves to a landfill free manufacturing process, meaning all the materials generated as a result of regular production operations are either recycled or reused in some way. At these plants, everything –from aluminum chips, to plastic trays, to used gloves — is recycled and reused, eliminating nearly 8,000 tons of waste a year. GM’s Flint Engine South Plant is one of the first manufacturing facilities in the U.S. to achieve zero waste. The environmental benefits of the plant’s waste recycling efforts include the prevention of over 44,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions being emitted into the atmosphere, and the preservation of over 3,000 mature trees annually.

Increasing and improving environmental awareness is not a one man job.  To achieve zero-landfill goals, companies often work with recyclers like the Goodwill.  These partners work to remove waste, turn it into usable parts and find homes for the products — all while creating needed jobs and a better environment.

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Todays green living tips are all about joining a food coop and how it is beneficial to all.

If you have not heard of the food coops around the country you might want to think about joining one today.

Buying a share in a local food coop not only helps the farmers but gives you fresh and organic fruits, vegetables and meats monthly.  They have a set time each month for you to pick up your prodcuts. 

Food coops are becoming mainstream.  A friend of mine in Colorado called to buy a share in a coop near him and was told that the shares were sold out.  They told him he could come and volunteer and help to bag the food and even pick fresh fruits and vegetables.  He thought this was a great idea and set up a day each week to volunteer.  He was shocked when he finished his first day of volunteering.  He was getting ready to leave and they told him to wait before leaving, then gave him a bag of organic fruits and vegetables to take home.  He now receives these each week by volunteering. 

If you are interested in organic foods then this is a great way to support your local farmers and to take the worry out of what you are feeding your family. You can find a food coop near you by going online and looking for one in your area. 

My husband and I found out about these and were quick to jump on board.  Now we don’t even have to look for an organic market to purchase our foods. 

Help your local farmers today and if there is not a food coop in your community you can visit Local Harvest for more resources for organic foods and meats.

Look for more green living tips daily at living green on a budget.

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Becoming earth friendly is not a new concept. The public service announcement I am sharing aired in 1970 when millions came together to take a stand on our environment.

This PSA touched me deeply then and to this day I believe it is the best ever. Share it with others and feel free to leave your comments.  Though many will remember this PSA I am sure there are millions who have never seen it.

Being earth friendly is a choice, a choice I made years ago and do my best to live by daily.

There is a new found awareness in the importance of becoming earth friendly, it’s your decision, choose wisely. My goal at living green on a budget is to raise awareness by leading by example.

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 As I offer green living tips I do a lot of research to make sure I give you the best green living tips available.  How safe are the green products on the market today?  We are all aware of the toxins found in cleaners, shampoos, personal care and laundry supplies that we buy over the counter.  When it comes to natural and organic products we must still be careful.  Going green comes with a responsibility, making sure what you are paying the extra money for is truly not leaving a negative impact on the planet or being harmful to your family.

I came across an independent study by the OCA, Organic Consumers Association, that shows the  carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-Dioxane in many products claiming to be organic and natural.  Many of these are products you use on your children.  Some products containing this carcinogen are Seventh Generation Natural Dish Liquid, Kiss My Face Early to Bed Shower Gel & Foaming Bath, Nature’s Gate Baby Soothing Shampoo and many more.  See full report here.

It seems that the movement to go green is so large that everyone wants their product listed as natural or organic.  This is sad as being green is important to the preservation of our planet. 

With my green living tips I do my best to research thoroughly for you.  I know everyone does not have the time freedom I have to do so.  Be wise in your choices as they effect the health of your family, your pets and your planet. 

Till next time, when I will share more green living tips with you.

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Living green on a budget was founded with two goals, to raise awareness to the needs of our environment and to save others money who wish to go green. Though I have been environmentally aware since the 60’s not everyone has practiced environmentally friendly living that long.

I am here to help you make this commitment easier and to reach out to many people on a daily basis.

My mother has told me since I was 4 that I can’t save the world, maybe I can’t but I can make a difference. From bringing home stray animals, including a baby skunk I found to wanting my parents to adopt a whole orphanage of children it was clear at an early age that I was different than my family.

Though I was told my whole life there was nothing I could do to change things. Thankfully I never believed that or I would be stuck at a 9-5 job which I would hate without ever attempting to make a difference in my world.

Today I want to share how Earth Day came about with those that celebrate it but do not know how it came to be.

Senator Gaylord Nelson began the push for politicians to show support for the environment as early as 1962. He visited with Attorney General Robert Kennedy and President John Kennedy who were both open to the idea. The concern over the environment needed to be thrown into the political limelight. Kennedy began what was a conservation tour in Sept of 1963. This became the seed that eventually led to Earth Day though the tour did not succeed in 1963 for many reasons. In 1969 with the Vietnam War protesters making a huge impact the grass roots campaign for Earth Day developed. The same energy being spent on protesting the War could be used to voice concerns over the environment.

The media caught hold of this and sent it out from coast to coast. Now the activist that were demonstrating on different subjects such as the Vietnam War, womens rights and civil rights had a cause they could all come together with.

Early in December, Senator Nelson selected a 25-year old named Denis Hayes, the dynamic former President of the Stanford student body, as national coordinator. Hayes, postponing plans to enter Harvard Law School, immediately set to work making plans for the inaugural Earth Day.

A full-page ad that appeared in the New York Times in February 1970 announced that on April 22, 1970, at locations throughout the United States, citizens would demonstrate for a cleaner environment, piquing the curiosity of network broadcasting giants.

On April 22, 1970 20 million Americans took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate for a healthy, sustainable environment.

To countless participants, Earth Day was a turning point in their lives, which they remember to this day with awe and reverence. “It was something magical and catalytical,” remarked Denis Hayes, “touching a huge cross-section of Americans.”

On the 20th anniversary of Earth Day in 1990 more than 200 million people in 141 countries participating in celebrations of the planet that supports us.

Today the issue is once again receives much press with such stars as Oprah Winfrey and others doing great shows on Earth Day. How do you celebrate Earth Day? My wish is that you celebrate it year round.

You will find a featured product on my site each week. You will not find anything I do not use or read myself. I know what each product does to help the environment and how they can change your life. If I feature a book it will be one that will continue to give you ideas on going green.

Giving some of the products here at living green on a budget can assist you in finding the best for going green.

Cheryl C McNeil

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My goal with living green on a budget is to reach as many people as I can each day of my life.  If I reach one person today then my goal has been achieved.

Recently when I was dining out I watched how many patrons asked for something to carry their food and drink home with.  What I saw was styrofoam and plastic containers.  Not only does styrofaom never break down there are health issues with drinking a hot beverage from it.  The styrene mixes   This was not acceptable to me, being the earth friendly girl I am, I used my voice for my crusade.

I asked what their carry out containers and cutlery are made from.  I then told them what options they have which I have listed below.

Green restaurants are popping up all over the country and I commend them in their efforts to make a difference.  It may cost a little more but they might be surprised at how the word spreads.  I would rather eat in a green restaurant and would tell others about it as I know many of my readers would.

There are many options to greening your restaurant.  The choice of purchasing containers, cups, bowls and plates made from sugan cane bagesse, the part of the sugar cane left after the juice has been extracted.  There are also options for cutlery and straws that are made from corn starch and potato starch.  The bidegrade in 180 days in a commercial compost facility. 

Suggestion cards are available online at www.dinegreen.com You can give these to your server or the restaurant manager to let them know their options for green restaurants.

I have a quote that I love and do my best to live by. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi

See you next time with more green living tips.

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Today I am going to share some green livng tips for painting.

Up to 50% of the toxic gasses and carcinogens from traditional paints leak into your home up to six years after it dries on your wall.  This does not sound like it is safe for your family, your pets or the environment. Today we have choices when it comes to painting our homes.  I choose Mythic as they have 0 toxins compared to others with low toxins.

With Mytic paints no toxic gasses that leak off into your home up to six years after application.

Why not know that you, your family and your pets are breathing fresh air by using non toxic paints. Though the price may be a little higher the offset of gasses that deplete our ozone and the toxins that harm your family make it well worth the few extra dollars you spend.  After all we don’t paint that often.  What are you giving up buying these types of paints?  Other than the toxins from your average paints you are giving up nothing.  They have beautiful rich,colors and a performance guarantee.

HGTV has began to have designers concerned with the environment which is where I first learned of the non toxic paints.  It is good to know that programs on TV are going green.

We learn each day how green goes with everything is a reality.  For more living green tips check back daily and click the book in the right hand side of my blog for a great book to help you go green.

Living green on a budget is designed to help those with a commitment to the environment and those wanting to commit but believing it too expensive.

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