Tag Archives: environmentally friendly

Nov2

Cleaning With a Conscience

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Cleaning With a Conscience

If you had read the post where I shared some personal stuff about myself, you would already know that I don’t mind doing the cleaning – just not the part where I have to clean after everyone else’s mess. While I’m not a complete Greenie either, I do try my best to  do where I can to save the environment.

The steps I’ve taken to do that are:

  • Using biodegradable and environmentally friendly laundry detergent
  • Using a biodegradable solution to clean my floors
  • Avoid using the dryer whenever I can – that’s usually most of the time
  • Using a biodegradable solution to clean my kitchen stove and benchtops, that also reduces the amount of landfill.

Remember the JAWS Multipurpose Cleaner/Degreaser I trialled in April? You can read about how it works here. Well, I’m still using that to clean my benchtops and kitchen stove and so far I haven’t had to buy any refill cartridges yet because it has surprisingly, lasted this long! That then prompted me to buy their Bathroom Cleaner and Deodoriser, which also works the same way – Just Add Water System – hence JAWS. The bathroom cleaner comes in a purple coloured solution and thankfully does not have that killer chemical smell that most bathroom cleaners do! I’ve used it to clean the toilet and the shower. The best test is of course on the kids’ bathrooms. If it can kill the killer stench of “non-flushed” toilets, then it passes my test. And thankfully it did! The scent is a – I wouldn’t really say nice- but pleasant lavender, which I think is always great at getting rid of odours, and in this case, “wee” stench.

JAWS Glass & Hard Surface Cleaner rrp$6.99

JAWS Glass & Hard Surface Cleaner rrp$6.99 (with 1 free re-fill cartridge)

So, when I was asked to trial their Glass and Hard Surface Cleaner, I jumped at the chance! I live in what I would say a glass house…ok, not necessarily like those uber rich people that literally live in glass houses, but I do have LARGE glass windows and the doors that lead to my side and backyard, are all made out of LARGE glass. NOT a great thing to have when you’ve got 3 super active kids who touch EVERYTHING! I have to confess though, I have NEVER cleaned the glass on these doors and windows – except for when we first moved in because I had to do the builder’s clean MYSELF!! To me, it really is such an unnecessary task – ok fine, I really cannot be bothered, as if I don’t have enough on my plate already and who cares if the glass windows and doors aren’t 100% clean, clear and shiny. So, my husband was quite shocked when he saw me spraying and cleaning the glass doors. Yes, I would clean just to see if the thing works.

I’ve used other glass cleaners before, ages ago when I used them to clean the mirrors in my bathrooms. Hated the strong chemical smell! So I stopped and used my Enjo cloths instead. While I can go out and purchase the “super duper” Enjo glass cleaner…well…you know what they say, “Money doesn’t grow on trees”. That’s another reason why I haven’t been cleaning my windows and doors. The JAWS glass cleaner though, not surprisingly, did not have that yucky chemical smell. It’s got that glass cleaner scent without the “urgh” factor. The JAWS glass cleaner also works the same way as their other products – simply by filling some water into the bottle, then placing the cartridge through the spray tube. I didn’t have to do that as my bottle came filled with an extra cartridge, and when you do purchase it at the supermarket, the bottles come already filled too. So, what about the “clean factor”. I found that it was pretty easy to use, simply spray and wipe with a lint free cloth. Good news – no streaks! And those annoying hand prints on my glass doors are now gone too! Won’t last, I know, but, because this solution is environmentally safe, with no chemicals I can get the kids to clean them instead! Bonus! This can also be used on other hard surfaces, like granite benchtops, stainless steel, walls (ooh! have to try that!) and so many other places and things!

JAWS Cleaning Solutions

JAWS Cleaning Solutions

Now that I’ve gotten the chance to try out the JAWS cleaning solutions, it’s YOUR turn to get a chance to try all three! Yes, you thought right – a giveaway just for you. I’ve got a pack of 3 cleaning solutions – the Multipurpose Cleaner/Degreaser($6.99), the Bathroom Cleaner/Deodoriser ($6.99) and the Glass and Hard Surface Cleaner ($6.99). They each come with an extra re-fill cartridge. Once you’ve finished both what’s in the bottle already and the cartridge, simply purchase a pack of two re-fill cartridges ($5.99). And you know you’re not harming the environment because those re-fill cartridges are recyclable.

How can you win these? Simply leave a comment stating what you have done around your house so far, to do your part in saving the environment. The winner will be picked by random.org.

The rules:

  • Open to Australian Residents only
  • One entry per person/per household but you can have extra entries by sharing this on twitter and facebook and telling me in separate comments that you have
  • Closes 9th November 2011
*I was given a bottle each of the JAWS Multi-purpose cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner and Glass Cleaner for consideration in accordance with the site’s Disclosure Policy. 
Apr20

Making Household Chores a Little Bit Easier

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Making Household Chores a Little Bit Easier

 

I love using environmentally friendly products, especially when they work. And housework is really not an enjoyable task for me, unless of course I’m only cleaning after myself. So, whenever I come across or am given an opportunity to try products that help make life easier for me, I would of course, jump at that chance! I’ve recently been given the chance to try out JAWS – Just Add Water Systems. It’s basically a cleaning spray that offers concentrated refills in the form of cartridges. What’s the big deal? Well, how many times have you bought those cleaning spray bottles and throw the empty ones in a bin? Do you know that in most cases, they are really filled with a mixture of water and chemicals or the cleaning solution? So why add on the cost of the earth, plus the bottle AND water to have a cleaning solution? This is where JAWS comes in. Instead of purchasing a new bottle each time you finish using it, you only ever need to purchase the carrtridges, fill the empty bottle with water, place a new cartridge in and voila, you’re ready to go. The benefits of using JAWS include:

  • Lessening the transport costs and thus environmental costs by transporting the concentrated catridges instead of water.
  • Cost lesser than purchasing pre-mixed cleaning solutions.
  • Less packaging and so less landfill, plus the empty cartridges can be recycled.
  • Non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning solution.
  • Reduce space – the cartridges are small and you can pre-purchase these.

I got to try out the Multipurpose Cleaner/Degreaser, which of course came in an empty bottle and 1 concentrated catridge of the cleaning solution. This is how I put the solution together:

Fill up the bottle with tap water to the level shown.
1.Fill up the bottle with tap water to the level shown.
2. Place the cartridge into the bottle 3. Replace the spray bottle cap on the bottle
2. Place the cartridge into the bottle 3. Replace the spray bottle cap on the bottle
The Mixed Solution
The Mixed JAWS solution

Seeing that it’s a degreaser, I decided to try it on my stove, especially my burner, which you can see, is pretty disgusting.

Cleaning burner

I took the part out, sprayed it with the solution, then scrubbed with a scouring brush. I didn’t need to scrub very hard and was surprised at how easily the baked on grease came off the burner! There was a mild scent – can’t describe exactly what, but it wasn’t overpowering like most chemically ridden cleaning solutions. I’ve also used it to wipe of any oil or sauce splatter on my stove and when wiping down my benchtops. I love the fact that it’s environmentally friendly, affordable, easy to use and effective.This multi-purpose cleaner and degreaser can be used on appliance interiors and exteriors, floors, laminates, range hoods, solid surface counter tops and hard surface outdoor furniture, making it a great all-rounder.

Besides the Multi-purpose Cleaner/Degreaser, JAWS also has other products in its range:

  • JAWS Bathroom Cleaner/Deodoriser
  • JAWS Glass & Hard Surface Cleaner

The JAWS range sells for a small price of $6.99 and the refill cartridges at $5.99 for a set of 2, over at Woolworths. Because it’s a concentrate, you don’t need to use too much to see the results.

I’ve also got a prize pack to give away to one lucky winner. The pack includes, a bottle of the Bathroom Cleaner/Deodoriser, a bottle of the Multi-purpose Cleaner/Degreaser and a $20 Woolworths gift card, all in a sack-like shopping bag. You can’t get more environmentally friendly than that! To enter the giveaway you would need to answer this simple question: What do you wish you don’t have to replace so often in your life?

Here are the terms & conditions:

  • Leave your answer in the comments section including your email address on the comments form.
  • Entry is open to Australian Residents aged 18 years and older only.
  • Entries are open from the 20th April 2011 to the 4th May 2011 6pm AEST and the will be judged on the 4th May 2011. The winning entry will be notified via email and on this post.
  • The most creative answer will win the prize pack mentioned above.
  • We deserve the right to verify the validity of all entries received and reserve the right to disqualify any entrant for tampering with the entry process or for submitting an entry which is not in accordance with these conditions.
  • Only one entry per person.

*Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary bottle of JAWS solution to review. All comments are my own.

This giveaway is now closed. Please click here to find out the winner.

 


 

Mar10

Nude Food Policies at School

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Nude Food Policies at School

The school my kids go to have the “Nude Food Policy”, something I have to say, I am pleased about. Somehow though, parents still send their kids to school with packaging on their food, so now, they’ve also introduced a “Rubbish Free Friday”. I guess they’re trying to take smaller steps into introducing this concept to the parents. No, I’m not a full fledged Greenie or anything, but my stance on the environment is: I’ve got kids, and I’ll do my best, no matter how small, to help out by saving this place for them and the future generations. I think that’s fair don’t you think? Especially having been on this earth and enjoying the benefits we’ve had, I think it’s only nice to return that favour and help OUR kids and the future generation enjoy this beautiful place we call earth, as goodness knows we can’t all afford to live in outer space should such an opportunity arise!

Anyway, there have been much debate over the real effect of having a nude food policy at school. I’ve had some parents state that it doesn’t really help to reduce landfill, as they still have the packets that they get rid off at home. And that goes into landfill. So I thought I’d share some tips on how to have an effective nude food lunchbox, without the fuss AND what schools can do to improve or help educate their students on the importance of having a nude food policy.

Tips:

  • Buy in BULK. Yes, not only do you save in cost of food, but one big packet of whatever it is you buy in convenient packets for, saves the rubbish we build up with those little packets – even if you’ve disposed of it at home. Where do you keep the rest of the opened packet? Get a large container and fill it in there. Your lovely Tupperware or other plastic containers are not just for leftovers, they are GREAT for those too! Great idea to buy cheese in blocks and cut them up into slices. Actually they also have those barbecue cheese squares in a whole big pack too – handy for lunch boxes!

 

Eco Wraps from 4 My Earth

Eco Wraps. Image from www.4myearth.com.au

 

Kids Konserve Food Cozy rrp$6.95

Kids Konserve Food Cozy rrp$6.95. Image from www.eatbakenurture.com.au

  • If you MUST wrap the food, try some of these handy eco-wrappers instead that are re-usable.

 

Eat Bake Nurture - Kids Konserve Lunch Kit & Goodbyn Lunch Box

L-R: Kids Konserve Lunch Kit rrp$58.95, Goodbyn Lunch Box rrp$45.00

  • Get a lunchbox that has many compartments for the different foods you’re packing for your child.

Fruity Faces from Ubeaut Kidz rrp$7.45

Fruity Faces from Ubeaut Kidz rrp$7.45. Image from www.ubeautkidz.com.au

  • Fresh is best – fresh fruit and veggies are a great source of vitamins and easy to pack too as they don’t rot or crumble. Try cut cucumbers, carrots, and no, you don’t have to cut it into sticks like you’re making crudities, as long as they’re cut up into sizes that fit the containers. If you want to be fancy, and have the time to, then go ahead. If you’re packing uncut fruit, I just discovered this really handy fruit keepers; Fruity Faces!

 

Round 140ml LocknLock container

Round 140ml LocknLock container rrp$4.50 image from www.shopnaturally.com.au

  • Yoghurt can be a problem for some. The issue of yoghurt spilling into lunch bags is something we as parents or carers just DO NOT want to deal with (imagine the smell!!) But, I’ve done some research and finally found a container small enough to store the yoghurt (again BUY IN BULK as in buy the large container and scoop it into the snack container). It’s easy to open and easy to close – great for little fingers. Contents are sealed in properly so they don’t spill AND keeps food fresh, plus is BPA free. It’s this round 140ml container from Lock & Lock. Yes, they have similar ones from Decor and Sistema, but I’ve got containers from Lock & Lock and the cheaper ones, the cheaper ones are now broken but the Lock & Lock one is still working. It’s inexpensive and convenient. If you’re complaining about having to wash it afterwards, well, guess what? It’s dishwasher safe too! And no, I haven’t been given one for free to try at all, I’ve bought them myself and tried, tested and LOVED it!
  • Last tip to remember – yes, some of the better containers might cost a bit more, but we’re after something that lasts a long time. So why purchase cheap plastic containers when they would break and end up in landfill before you can say BOO!

Ways the SCHOOL can educate their students better on the benefits of having a nude food policy or nude food day:

I won’t say that this was my idea, because it’s not. I’ll be sharing with you what the school that my kids go to do, to educate everyone about the importance and benefits of having a nude food policy at school.

  • Have a group of students as peers on the environment – We have what we call the “Environmental Monitors”. Besides having to put away the recycling bins, they also help to educate the other younger students in the school what can be recycled, what goes in a compost bin and what goes into landfill. They also share with the kids what actually happens to the rubbish that doesn’t get thrown into the rubbish, in other words, litter. THIS, I think is one of the main issues on having a nude food day/policy – litter that gets thrown on the school grounds instead of in the bins.

 

  • Have a number of recycling bins around the school grounds at recess and lunch time, one or two of the ordinary bins and also a compost bin near the recycling bins. What the environmental monitors also do was to educate the students at assembly what goes in the recycling bins. The recycling bins are also labelled with pictures of what could go into there, which would be helpful for the younger students. They are placed in prominent positions, which would increase the likelihood of the students using the bins. The environmental monitors also help to educate the students on what can and cannot be composted. These then go to the main compost bin, which then gets used as fertiliser for the garden beds in our school. It’s fun when the students can see how much actually goes into the recycling bins (ours are transparent bins) and how much goes into the landfill bins.

I guess, the basics to nude food policy/day is to educate both the children and the parents WHY it’s important – telling them that it reduces landfill sometimes just doesn’t cut it, HOW it can be done without fuss, WHAT happens to the recycled, non-recyclables and composted scraps. If you have any other tips that you’d like to share, or issues you do have with regards to having a nude food policy/day, please feel free to share it here on the comments section. It’s always good to hear the different opinions and suggestions from others to continually improve the way we treat our planet. Below are some sites that have some pretty handy storage ideas.

 

 

Yubo Lunch box from shopnaturally.com.au

Yubo lunchbox RRP$34.95. Image from www.shopnaturally.com.au

There are many others out there with fantastic solutions in helping you deal with nude food policy/day at school. And, why not apply it to the work place too!

 

 

 

Dec14

Having a great Christmas while saving the earth.

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Having a great Christmas while saving the earth.

Christmas is a time where I think the young enjoy more than the old. Well, why not? They only have to look forward to receiving the presents, eating the festive food, and meeting the cousins, and relatives they haven’t seen for a long while. For us adults however, there is the stress of getting everything organised. From getting the presents, to the decorations, food, sending out of Christmas cards and not to forget the end of year get togethers BEFORE Christmas. Then not only do we have to get the presents organised, but also have them wrapped up! That is one thing I don’t really look forward to. Wrapping. Wrapping the gifts up so nicely only to have them RIPPED apart within seconds! So, I was thrawling through a few blogs and came across one of my favourite craft blogs, which had the idea of having Santa Sacks! The blogger, who cannot be bothered with wrapping presents thought of a better way to present her gifts. A Santa Sack. A sack where you can put all the presents in. One for each person. Well, she made one for each of her children. Now, not only did she save time on wrapping, but she also helped save the earth! A recyclable item that can be used for the next few years! The construction is pretty easy really. Just like a sack. If you have no time to sew or just don’t like to sew, why not purchase one of those plain calico bags and have your children decorate them instead? They can draw on it with fabric markers, or paint with fabric paint or just paste some embellishments with fabric glue! Put the bags under the tree and come Christmas morning, it would be filled with presents. Saves you from wrapping the presents and clearing up the mess of wrapping paper afterwards too!