Showing posts with label eco-resolution challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label eco-resolution challenge. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Eco- Resolution # 10 - air dry clothes

I promise I didn't forget.  Between rain and the remodeling of the kitchen. . .



So, I have posted before on my clothesline.  Have I mentioned before how much I LOVE it.  I love hanging my clothes out to dry. . .that is when it is not raining.  This is where I appreciate the modern marvels - like dryers.  Can you imagine how much laundry would back up if I didn't get to it on rainy days?  Maybe that should be an eco-resolution?  Less laundry.  


Anyhow, so what works, what doesn't.  
I hear it both ways with the towels.  Some hate them scratchy, some like the extra exfoliation.  I don't mind it.  One option could always be to through them in on an air cycle shortly after bringing them, so they have that soft-just out of the dryer feel.  But again, it's all preference.  

Clothesline- I prefer a plastic coated wire.  This keeps a metal wire from rusting and getting on your clothes, but still gives you the durability and strength of a wire line.  A rope doesn't cut it.  You will replace it in one year.  Cheaper and less time consuming in the long run to go with the wire.  

Clothespins- Wood are fine.  But you will have to replace them if they are kept outside.  I keep mine outside :/.  I have a bag that hangs on the line that they sit in.  It's convenient   I also have plastic pins- these are the best and last longer.  

So why do it?  The dryer is a HUGE electricity consumer.  So save the coal from being burned and save your wallet at the same time.  Plus, it is a good excuse to be out in the yard for at least a few minutes and this is good for everyone.  Usually my son comes out with me, he plays while I am able to get some housework done.  Everyone is happy.  

If you use a clothesline, why do you do it, and what keeps you doing it?  If you don't use one, and are unsure of something, then let us know your obstacle. 

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Eco-Resolution #3- No 'poo!

tricks of the family trade
So, I'm a bit behind on this one. . .

But here goes are eco-resolution #3 challenge- No shampoo! Right now, you are probably saying, "What??? Are you out of your mind?", but really here is the madness behind this.

Why?
Going off shampoo has been said to make hair brighter, tamer, and most importantly chemical-free. Have you ever read the label to your shampoo? It's a bit scary. Plus, this is another great money saver!

You’re thinking you could never do without shampoo, that your hair would be a big oily mess — but it’s quite the opposite. It's a supply and demand relationship. The more we strip away the natural oils, the more demand we are creating and the more oils our bodies will make. So if you stop using the surfactants cold turkey, your body will still be overproducing oil and there will be a lot of oil until your body reaches a balance again. This is where baking soda and vinegar come in. . .

So how does this work?
Dissolve about 1 tablespoon of baking soda in just enough water to make a paste. Apply this to your roots only; work it in and let it sit for a minute. In order to really get the grime off, make sure to massage the paste around on your scalp and clean the pores. Be careful you don't do it so vigorously that you break your hairs though. Final step is rinse with equal parts water and apple cider vinegar.

Here are some sites to check for more information.  I promise to post up-to-date photos of the process.  Keep checking Tricks of the Family Trade Facebook site for photos.  Feel free to post your own updates and photos!

http://www.blogher.com/going-no-poo

http://urbanhomestead.org/journal/2012/01/31/no-shampoo-no-poo-giveaway-too/

http://www.naturemoms.com/no-shampoo-alternative.html

http://simplemom.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/

Saturday, December 10, 2011

What 'trick' of the family trade would you like to work on?

Every January we set out to better ourselves, or our family, by tackling the New Years Resolution list.  To make those to do lists a bit easier to conquer let's handle these changes together!  I figure a week per life altering change each month, of course if you are more than welcome to share and experiment longer!
We'll conquer this together!  Pictures, comments, your experiences will all be welcomed.  I will make sure to share my experiences and share as much information possible to get us started and to keep us going.  Here is the schedule (participate every week, one week or three weeks- it's up to you):


January 1-7th: Start composting
February 5-11th: Try chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, reiki, or other alternative therapy
March 4-10th: No ‘poo (shampoo) for hair
April 1-7th: Start a garden
May 6- 12th: Only natural cleaners
June 3- 9th: Cloth wipes for paper towels
July 1- 7th: No TV
August 5- 11th: Green transportation- walk, bike, carpool, bus, scooter
September 2- 9th: Local foods (say, 100 mile radius)
October 7 -13th: Hang everything to dry
November 4 -10th: Put away all plastic toys
December 2 -8th: Go outside daily for at least an hour


Feel free to share to others- let's see how many people can make positive changes in their lives this year!  


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tricks of the family trade

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