As with everything it all comes to an end sooner or later with newer and better things replacing them.  What do we do when our belongings become obsolete?  We recycle them and keep our landfills from filling up.

So the end of the CD with the invention of the MP3 player.  If you are ready to let go of your CD collection make sure to copy them to your computer before letting them go. 

The Cd Recycling Center of Ameria will take your CD’s and recycle them for you.  You have to mail them in and it does not matter if you have 5 or 500.  You are asked to seperate them by taking the cd and the paper out of the case then mail all of it in for recycle.

I was glad to come across this as I rarely use a CD any more and they are just sitting all over my house. 

To recycle your CD’s go to CD Recycling Center of America to learn more.

As my life each day consists of research on what can and can not be recycled, places to recycle and all ways I can come up with for living green I love to share these with you.  At living green on a budget we strive to keep you aware of the best green living tips we can find.

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A great green living tip for cleaning your microwave is to mix about 1/4 of a cup of lemon juice and water, two parts lemon juice and one part water, heat in the meawsuring cup for 2 minutes in microwave.

Wipe the microwave with a rag after heating, the food will come right off and your kitchen will smell great.

Another green tip I use is mixing about 1/4 tbsp of oil of cinnamon or vanilla to 16oz of water in a spray bottle and using it for an air freshener.  You can also use lavender and I am sure there are many you can come up with on your own. 

Having problems with mustard stains?  I use Shaklee’s Nature Bright, mix with warm water, pour on the stain and it is gone instantly.  Don’t freak out when it turns red before going away, guess it has something to do with the coloring in mustard.  Nature Bright is great for putting in your laundry to brighten colors and to replace your bleach.

When making the choice to go green we start at home, this makes a bigger impact on the environment than you know.  If you want to freshen the carpets when vacuuming sprinkle some baking soda and let set for a few minutes before vacuuming. 

Use a natural litter for your cats litter box, not only will it help control the odor but is safe for the planet.  As I have a cat and a dog along with a 4,6 and 17 year old in my home I have learned many tips and tricks to stay true to living green and love sharing them with everyone.

I am giving away one of my green cleaning products each week, just fill out the contact us form for a chance to win.   This past week Maria Chavez won and her package is already in the mail. 

My blogs have not been updated in the past week as I have been very busy with my book but look for more green living tips daily.

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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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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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Hi again, welcome back.  I hope you stick around for some great tips from living green on a budget. My goal is to help each of you that have the desire to make a difference but belive it too costly. 

Today with school starting soon all over the country I want to talk about lunch boxes.  While you may be buying organic foods to pack in your childs lunch box have you considerd what you are placing the food in?  Here are some green living tips that are important to the health of your children and to your world.

I was doing some research as I always am, this topic was of great interest to me as my 6 year old starts school in a few days and wants to take her lunch.  What I found was alarming.

The cute little vinyl lunch boxes can be deadly to your child.  In 2006 a report found alarming amounts of lead in the vinyl lunchboxes.  Consider a metal lunch box instead.  We think of the dangers of our children at school eating things like undercooked chicken or being prepared in unsafe conditions and decide to send them with a healthy lunch from home.  Now we have to consider what to pack that lunch in for their safety.

A report by the Center for Environmental Health found that common soft plastic (PVC) lunchboxes often contain lead. The level of lead in one lunch box, an Angela Anaconda box made by Targus International, tested at more than 90 times the legal limit for lead in paint in children’s products.

The highest levels of lead were found inside the lunch boxes but also on the lid where it becomes very easy to transmit to food and hands.  Small amounts of lead can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, and kidney damage.  Larger doses of lead are scarier yet and can result in death.  Buy a hand held lead testing kit which is available at most hardware stores.  Ther is yet another concern with the vinyl lunchboxes, even the ones that say lead free.  That is they also use DEHP as an additive which is suspected of being a carcinogen and reproductive toxicant.

It might be best to use an alternative and brown paper bags are not the answer as they go into our landfills.  Though healthy for your child they are not healthy for the planet.  I would suggest that you look into Basura Bags, Rainbow Reed Lunchboxes, canvas lunch bags or a metal lunch box.

Our childrens safety is of the upmost importance to us as parents and while we consider their health let us not forget to be kind to the environment at the same time. 

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The hard facts are we are all looking for ways to save money.  I have some green living tips and the amount of money you can save while living green on a budget.  Though we are in the midst of a recession what better time for going green and putting some extra money in your pocket.

Did you know if you only take 24 pictures a month, and most of us take many more than that, you can save $144 a year by using a real camera opposed to a disposable camera. 

Use rechargable batteries instead of disposables.  Save the billions of ready to use batteries from the landfills yearly.  You will save a ton of money and remember that cell phone batteries, laptop batteries and others can be recycled.

Instead of using paper towels I use microfiber cloths for cleaning up.  You can wash them and use them over and over.  I purchased 4 a couple of years ago.  I use them for cleaning up in the kitchen, dusting, cleaning the bathroom and washing my dishes, I don’t use a dishwasher, if you do set it on air dry or leave the door open for your dishes to dry as to conserve electricity.  That was two tips in one

One of my favorite ways to save is carrying my own cup with me when traveling or for those that commute daily.  You can fill it in any store with coffee or from your pot at home.  I don’t know about saving money on this one, if you fill it from home you will, but it is a great help for the environment.

Buying products in packages that you know can be recycled.  These include packages made of foil, steel, glass and #1 and #2 plastics. 

You can save over $2000 a year in the grocery stores by purchasing large packages over individual packaging.  It may be more convenient with the indiviual containers but I would rather put the $2k in my pocket and less in the landfill.  .10 for every shopping dollar is used to pay for packaging, the individual packages rwqauire more packaging. 

We have to buy toilet paper, check to make sure the one you buy is made of recycled materials.

Use boxes that have already been used for moving, there are stores online and in your community that sell green boxes or check with your local restaurants on the days of their deliveries to pick up their boxes.  Keep the cardboard out of the landfills and save trees.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and I will see you next time.

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