Breastcancer.org is proud to present content from The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time by Laurie David and Kirstin Uhrenholdt. Laurie is a very special friend and champion of Breastcancer.org. The Family Dinner features ideas for meal planning as well as eco-conscious choices you can make every day. We’re pleased to share the following contribution to the book from Laurie’s friend, Ed Begley, Jr.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
It’s fairly common knowledge that I have a line of nontoxic household cleaners (called Begley’s Best, in case you haven’t heard). I’m here today, like any good pitchman, to charm, beg, coerce, and implore you to give nontoxic cleaning a chance. If you do, I promise that you’ll have a clean house, help protect your personal environment, and save some money.
Here’s the kicker: I’m not here to pitch a single one of my products. Instead, I want to encourage you to make your own.
And if you do, you’ll really save some dough and lower your carbon footprint by saving a trip to the store. Why? Because you probably already have all the basic ingredients needed to make your very own line in the comfort of your home, including the empty spray bottles or jars to hold the concoctions (please wash them out first).
Here are the simple recipes. Give them a try – you won’t be disappointed.
GLASS AND SURFACE CLEANER
2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
Swirl together in a spray bottle, then apply as you would any glass cleaner. Wipe with a clean, soft cloth.
HOUSEHOLD CLEANSER
2 cups baking soda
1 cup liquid castile soap (available at drugstores)
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (available in health food and drugstores)
Mix in a bowl and keep in a jar. Apply with a damp cellulose sponge or clean lint-free rag. Wipe with a damp sponge.
DRAIN OPENER
1 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
Pour the baking soda down the drain and follow with the vinegar. Cover the drain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Flush with a kettle of boiling water.
