Signs It’s Time to Go Green
If you’ve been looking for a big sign to tell you it’s time to work on your environmental footprint, here it is! There’s no better time for you to make positive changes, both in your home and lifestyle. But, what can get better in your own life if you do? What are good signs around the home that show green living would be better?
You Care About the Environment
You know it’s important to decrease your carbon footprint. You likely have grown up knowing to not be wasteful. But, the time is short for all the world to band together and create the changes we need to see for the Earth. Corporate waste has a massive impact on the environment, and working to eradicate that is crucial. But on the home front, knowing you are doing what you can to help the country is not only green but also patriotic and kind.
Your Energy Bill Is Too High
Utility rates are rising every year. With residential solar energy, you can have peace of mind knowing your rates will never spike. You don’t have to go through a corporation to buy solar panels. They can be a regular housing renovation, with a banking loan. Solar panels pay themselves off between five to fifteen years. Just like a refinance, they are a great investment if you plan on living in a home for a while. If you replace your water heater with a solar water heater, your utility bill can drop between 50 and 80 percent almost immediately.
Products Which Make a Difference
Some of the “green” products are made by the biggest polluters on the planet, so it’s important to know what your sources are for green products. One of your best bets is to use sustainable products by small companies. Perhaps you get your laundry detergent in an envelope in the mail, instead of a large plastic tub. Maybe you’re learning to cook at home to prevent food waste from restaurant chains. Continue to apply pressure to large corporations and governments to choose better options for the world, but do continue to change your mindset away from plastic, and towards sustainable materials.
Going green doesn’t need to be an “all or nothing” concept. You are not failing the world if you eat out sometimes, or use some plastics! Allow yourself to do what you can, personally, and encourage working towards good goals, globally.
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How to Reimagine Your Patio Area This Summer
• Select flooring and ground material that is weather resistant, like paving stones.
• Add decorations such as throw pillows, blankets, flowerpots, succulents and lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.
• Personalize each step to ensure the patio fits with your lifestyle.
Cleaning Tasks That You Should Make a Weekly Occurrence
Having a regular cleaning schedule is one of the best things you can do to make sure your home always looks great and is in good shape. While there are some things you can do infrequently, some household tasks should be taken care of on a weekly basis. Taking care of those tasks regularly will keep your home in prime condition and help you to make an ideal impression.
Kitchen Cleaning
Your kitchen is a hotspot for germs and junk to pile up, and if it isn’t kept clean it can impact the cleanliness of your whole house. Life can get busy and that often results in dishes piling up in the sink, and your counters getting messy. Setting aside time each week to take care of your kitchen cleaning will help you to take care of the mess and prevent things from piling up too much. Kitchn recommends mixing it up with a little music, some games, or rewards to make it more fun for yourself.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is one of the chores that are most often forgotten, but it can make a big difference. According to Michael’s Professional Carpet Cleaning, you should vacuum the carpet at least once a week to prevent damage. When dirt and grime is allowed to stay in your carpet, it can lead to major problems, so it is better to take care of your vacuuming regularly. Make it a point to clear out time in your schedule for vacuuming each week, and don’t forget to use the attachments for corners and hard to reach places.
Cleaning Your Bathrooms
Bathrooms are one of the places in a home that can breed the most germs, mess, and smells. Taking care of your bathroom each week will help you to stay on top of the mess and make sure that it always looks and smells great. Even just taking a few minutes to wipe down surfaces and clean the toilet can make a huge impact on the cleanliness of your bathroom overall.
When you take care of certain home cleaning tasks on a regular basis, it can help you from getting overwhelmed and ensure that you are happy in your home. Make it a point to set a day each week to take care of cleaning tasks and you will begin to see major benefits. With a little bit of weekly work, your home can be a place where you love to be.
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Little Tricks to Keep Your Home Healthy and Clean
Your home can have a major impact on your health and wellness. Keeping your home clean can help improve both of these factors. There are plenty of tips and tricks that will give you the best results.
Use Natural Cleaners
Most household cleaning products aim to thoroughly clean. This often means that they include many harsh chemicals that might get the job done but aren’t necessarily safe for those living in the home. Not to mention, they can be dangerous if small children or pets find them and possibly consume them. Using natural cleaners is a great way to clean with the health of your family in mind. One of the main benefits of natural cleaners is they are safer for individuals with weakened immune systems. Similarly, they won’t have the allergens or irritants found in common cleaning products. A major draw of natural products is they can be multi-purpose. This allows you to clean a wide variety of areas in your home without having to have separate cleaning products for each spot.
Know How Your Home Systems Work
To effectively clean your home, you need to know how everything works. Namely, you should understand your HVAC system. Different kinds of heating and cooling systems can change how you clean them and how often. For example, some systems will require you to change out air filters or even clean the ducts. Some HVAC units do not have a duct system and operate on individual units in every room. Make sure you know what kind of system you have so you can understand the maintenance needs. Cleaning your HVAC system is an essential part of improving the air quality in your home. You can remove allergens and irritants that will improve the health of your family.
Clean Your Appliances
While you might be doing a thorough job of cleaning most of the other surfaces in your home, you can’t forget about your appliances. This includes your fridge, dishwasher, oven, washer/dryer, disposal, etc. These appliances are prone to collecting bacteria that can pose a threat to your family’s health. It’s important to know how often to clean appliances as well as how to best do it. Fortunately, natural remedies are very useful in these instances.
Cleaning your home is a great way to keep things organized and stress-free. Of course, it’s also an essential part of keeping you and your family healthy. Make sure you are aware of all the ways you can make your home a healthy and clean environment.
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What You Need to Know About Cleaning Your Patio for the Spring
Spring is finally here! The anticipation of sunny afternoons and cool summer nights is just as exciting as this same time last year. While you are busy decluttering your house and finishing the final touches of your spring cleaning, there is one more project to add to your list that will make your family barbeques and quiet nights that much more enjoyable.
That’s right, it is time to clean up your patio. A clean patio provides the perfect setting for family gatherings and is the perfect way to give the exterior of your house a makeover. This particular project might seem like a lot of work but following these easy tricks will get your outdoor living space ready for entertainment and relaxation in no time.
Tidy Up the Area
After a long winter, it is common for debris to pile up and accumulate in unique places. Dead leaves, branches, and trash can be blown in during winter storms. It is important to tidy up your patio area, get rid of clutter, and fully discard any debris that may have built up. Failure to do so will create unwanted mold that has the potential to provide housing for pests, give off unpleasant smells, and eat away at your patio or furniture.
What Cleaning Products to Use
When cleaning up your patio, you should consider using eco-friendly products. The safest products to use outdoors are natural products, ahem... MamaSuds Castile Soap or the All-Purpose Cleaner will work perfectly. These environmentally friendly cleaning supplies do not release harmful toxins into the air which have the potential to poison nearby plants, animals, pests, and even humans.
If you are struggling to know where to start, water is an excellent way to begin the cleaning process. Power washing your patio is a very effective, environmentally friendly, and easy way to get the area clean more quickly. After you have power-washed your patio, you will be surprised by how much of a difference your efforts have already made.
Clean Your Outdoor Furniture
Environmental elements can be tough on furniture. That is why there are different types to withstand different environmental factors. Depending on the type of furniture you have, you should frequently clean and protect it to promote longer use. Metal furniture has the propensity to rust and must be dried off from any moisture like a storm or after the sprinklers have been running. Direct sunlight can often damage wood furniture.
It is best to keep your furniture in a shaded area, provide protective coverings, and plan on refinishing it from time to time. Properly maintaining your outside furniture will limit the need to replace it, providing an excellent atmosphere for your family and friends to gather.
Repel Pests
There are a variety of ways to repel pests, including spraying frequently and keeping the area free from food and garbage. Some people do not wish to use commercial-grade chemicals to keep out unwanted creatures. There are many other natural ways to repel insects. Methods include using essential oils, planting plants that repel pests, and installing fans in the area. Whichever strategy you use, you will find your summer evenings much more enjoyable when you are not swatting away bugs every few minutes.
Wasp Traps
In addition to repelling pests, you should prevent wasps from burrowing in your patio area. When cleaning, look for any wasp nests and dispose of them safely. Early morning or evening is the best time to discard a nest. Keep an eye on areas like wood furniture or places with small tunnels, that is where they are most likely to build a nest. You might also choose to place wasp nests around the area for added safety and enjoyment. Keep in mind, it is much easier to catch the wasps early on rather than figure out a way to combat a large nest.
Bird Feeders
Now that you have successfully created a boundary to keep all of the unwanted pests, you should think about preparing a space for the wildlife you do want. Bird feeders, birdbaths, and birdhouses are an excellent way to bring harmless wildlife into your backyard. It is easy to identify the common species in your area and their preferences online. By creating a place for birds to come to visit, you can spend hours watching the little creatures enjoy themselves.
Seal Your Patio
Most experts recommend you seal your patio every two to three years. Frequency depends on the type of stone or wood and how porous it is. Water and small debris that sneak into the cracks can cause damage to your patio. Especially after the melting and freezing temperatures throughout the winter. Taking the time to seal or refinish your patio will extend its life and keep your backyard looking fresh and inviting.
Fresh Paint
Because your porch is exposed to the outside elements, it is more likely that you will need to add a fresh coat of paint every once in a while. Porch floors, walls, and furniture look best and last longer when they are painted. Committing to paint any worn areas during the spring will help the paint dry more even without freezing or being exposed to too much heat. When selecting paint, be sure to select paint specifically formulated for the outdoors to withstand your environment.
Spring cleaning can be a daunting process. Start by tidying up the area, cleaning and sanitizing your furniture, fix and touch up areas as needed, and finally create a safe place for you and your loved ones to gather. During this process, you will find the fresh air and effort to refresh and encourage you.
Know that every patio is an outdoor expression of who you are and what you enjoy. Whatever your style, a clean patio will help you soak in the sun and experience peaceful relaxation from the comfort of your own home.
Read this next: Bathroom Cleaning Chores You Should Do More Regularly
How Spring Cleaning Can Improve Your Mental Health
• Letting go of old memories and processing trauma can be therapeutic.
• Living in a mess increases stress, but physical activity helps moderate responses for a calmer state.
• Eliminating clutter and creating a tidy abode can be like a psychological refresh.
• Use spring cleaning as an opportunity to embrace the new you, while giving gratitude to the items you part with.
When Food Becomes Treatment: Health Benefits of Nuts and Seeds
• Nuts and seeds are rich in fibre, which can aid in feeling satiated and help reduce straining during elimination.
• Eating nuts and seeds can help protect the heart by reducing LDL cholesterol and other substances that can build up within artery walls.
• To get the most benefit from eating nuts and seeds, eat a variety of them while maintaining portion size.
Where Does Baking Soda Come From?
• Natural Soda's extraction process is efficient, environmentally-friendly, and certified by the Non-GMO Project, OMRI, NSF, Halal, and Kosher.
• MamaSuds uses Natural Soda in their Automatic Dish Powder and Toilet Bombs.
• Here is a video about Nature Soda's baking soda extraction process.
5 Important Habits for a Healthy Life
There’s reminders everywhere to “live a healthy life,” but what does that actually mean and how do you achieve this? A healthy lifestyle does not automatically happen overnight, and takes effort by implementing daily habits that promote personal health and wellness. Healthy living is different for everyone, but here are a few habits you can adopt to feel your best:
Visit The Doctor Regularly
First and foremost, it’s important to regularly visit the doctor for health checkups and screenings. For many, the doctor may seem like a daunting task, but it’s crucial to make sure you’re doing all you can to keep yourself healthy. Generally, having a consistent physician's office that you go to will be enough, but there are specialty doctors you may want to consider—like women’s health doctors or dermatologists for your skin. The doctor will be able to monitor your health as you age and run tests for any conditions that may run in your family or you may be more prone to.
Not only are physician appointments important, but so are regular eye exams. As we age, our vision may start to dwindle, making it crucial to have routine eye exams yearly. With visits to the eye doctor, you may find that you’re due for an upgraded pair of eyeglasses with a stronger prescription or discover a more serious eye health concern that needs closer monitoring. Try thinking of these visits in a more positive light, such as an opportunity to reinvent your look with a new style of glasses. Changing this perspective and staying on top of these seemingly smaller appointments will leave you feeling refreshed and healthier all around.
Nourish Your Body
A key component of personal health is what you put into your body to keep yourself fueled and properly nourished. Your diet has numerous effects on your health, so if you aren’t consuming the proper nutrients, you might not feel too great. It’s much easier in today’s day and age to eat healthy on a budget, while meeting any dietary restrictions. The key to eating healthy is to listen to your body and give it what it needs.
Your relationship with food shouldn’t be stressful, and instead should be a positive one where you know that what you’re putting into your body will make you feel fulfilled and nourished. There are many different food plans out there, so ask yourself what your goals are and follow through with what will help you achieve those goals. If you’re inexperienced in the cooking department, look into using a meal kit delivery service to feel more comfortable preparing your own meals. There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to maintaining a balanced diet, so it’s important to seek help from a doctor or nutritionist if you’re unsure of what’s best for your personal health.
Engage In Moderate Exercise
There are tremendous benefits to exercising daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins which is a chemical that reduces pain and boosts pleasure in the brain, promoting overall wellness. Moderate exercise can also aid in maintaining a healthy weight and increasing physical mobility, which will help with more comfortable aging.
Exercise doesn’t always have to take place at the gym. If you’re nervous to go to the fitness center or don’t have access to one, don’t worry! There are plenty of exercise options that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Take some time to figure out what works best for you to consistently move your body each day, whether that be going for a walk, doing morning yoga, or enrolling in an at home fitness program. The possibilities for moving your body every day are limitless.
Practice Fulfilling Hobbies
It’s vital that you activate your brain each and every day to keep it healthy and strong. One of the best ways to do this is by engaging in a hobby that fulfills your soul and makes you happy. Studies show that individuals who consistently participate in a hobby that they enjoy are less likely to experience depression, stress, and mood swings. This is beneficial to both your mental health and physical health, since if you’re stressed or experience mental unwellness your body can start to take a toll.
Another benefit of having a hobby (or more) that you enjoy is that you are in charge of what you decide to do. If you don’t already have a hobby you enjoy, take some time to test out all of the things you’ve always wanted to try but never had the courage to do. You can have a personal hobby that’s independent like sewing, or something more social like joining a recreational sports team. Whatever you decide to spend your free time doing, make sure it’s something that brings you joy and happiness.
Establish A Cleaning Routine
A properly cleaned living environment can do wonders for your physical and mental health. When the space you live in is messy or unorganized, it can be hard to focus and enjoy your day to day living. Consider creating a daily cleaning checklist that includes high traffic areas in your home. If a daily checklist sounds daunting, create a weekly checklist and cross one item off a day.
Keeping your space tidy and disinfected will also aid your physical health, as there’s less likely to be infectious germs lingering around that somebody may have brought home. To keep the air clean, consider investing in an air purifier or opening your windows from time to time if the climate you live in allows. Cleaning up doesn’t have to be a chore, either. Make it fun by creating an energizing playlist and get the whole family involved-- you’ll have a fresh home in no time!
Clean your home easily and naturally with our natural household cleaning products!