Healthier Cooking
Ever since listening to this podcast more than three years ago, I have wanted to throw our old non-stick pans to the curb1 in exchange for a quality alternative which would not continually flake toxic shavings into our food. Since using at least two or three different kinds of non-stick cookware since college, I wanted my next investment to be the last cookware purchase I would make for a long time.
- or rather in the recycle bin [↩]
Update: Dishwasher Soap
My last post detailing a dishwasher soap recipe, I found, has changed slightly during my experimentation with environmentally-friendly choices so I thought it warranted an update post. The recipe I was using worked for a time but if I wasn’t willing to use essential oils and lemon juice every time I didn’t get the results I wanted. I also had a difficult time keeping the vinegar and the castile soap mixed together as it would separate in between uses1. During this time I even tried a Grapefruit Seed Extract Powder which I really liked but it was still lacking somewhat2.
Filed under environment, homemaking, photography | Comment (0)High-Fructose Corn Syrup Truth
If you haven’t yet seen the hilarious industry/manufacturer sponsored HFCS videos, following are two for you to watch and laugh at the all the ridiculous propaganda purported by the Corn Refiners Association. I also posted a hysterical spoof of these commercials so continue reading for some entertainment.
Filed under environment, family, homemaking, nature | Comments (2)Update: Homemade Green Tea
As I briefly mentioned in my first green tea post I really don’t like brewing my tea into/with plastic. Similar to my reasons for getting rid of our microwave over eight years ago, I just get the heebie jeebies these days about ingesting food or liquid which was surrounded by any kind of plastic especially if it was heated/cooked/brewed etc. in or around plastic. Because of my feelings on this matter, I am trying little by little to rid our kitchen of all plastic items which have inert alternatives.1 So when the plastic pitcher which came with my tea maker broke yet again last week, I was forced with a decision: obtain yet another plastic pitcher by means of ordering a new one online2, search thrift stores for a plastic pitcher with limited chances for success, buy a new whole machine at a poorly-lit discount store3 or search around for a glass or stainless steel alternative I could buy that day for the all important immediate satisfaction. I opted for trying to find a personally more preferable replacement.
- coffeemaker is next on the list [↩]
- waiting over a week for delivery [↩]
- all of which I have done several times [↩]
Natural Dishwasher Soap
So, tonight I ran out of my regular dishwasher detergent unexpectedly. I loaded the dishwasher full earlier in the day but hadn’t realized I used the last of what was left in the box the day before. I usually use Seventh Generation brand which does a good job and they do provide coupons for their products but having run out and not wanting to go to the store for just one item I searched around for a natural dishwasher soap recipe. I found just what I was looking for at Nature Moms. This recipe calls for castille soap, water, white vinegar, tea tree oil and fresh lemon juice. I just happened to have all of these ingredients on hand except for the fresh lemon juice for which I substituted lemon essential oil. I really enjoy making other household cleaners and this one might just have to stick around. CAUTION: A low-sudsing soap like castille is the ONLY soap that should be used and NOT regular dishwashing liquid as it foams up way too much and you could end up with a mess on your hands (or rather all over your floor). I found several other recipes all using borax (washing soda) and baking soda and I plan to try these as well. I had no idea that such a simple and natural alternative to commercial dishwasher detergents lay inside my cabinets all this time.
Filed under coupons, environment, homemaking | Comment (0)
