Green & Clean

Having in-house pets can be rewarding, howver a flea or tick infestaion can make living with your companion unbearable.  Especially, on the east coast, where the weather is much milder which is perfect for fleas.   As a result,  some of you may constantly battle itching pets, home infestations, and the tape worms associated with fleas. Among the worst states in the nation in terms of flea and tick issues are South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. The little critters thrive in the humid, moist climates of these Deep South states.

However,  I’ve come up with a few tricks after speaking with some holistic pet care experts. These pet remedies will supply ample ammunition in your war against fleas.

1. Ectopamine Spray

photo: Meridian Animal Health

Ectopamine™ Spray is a mixture of essential oils designed to repel fleas, according to All About Pets Holistic Veterinary Medicine in Travelers’ Rest, S.C. It’s a spray on product that needs to be applied at least once a month when there’s a threat of fleas. The spray can be applied as needed because it’s non-toxic and all natural. It works by attacking the insects’ central nervous systems by blocking the ectopamine neurotransmitter, a receptor only found in insects. So it’s safe for humans and doesn’t cause the damage that synthetic flea and tick medicines may cause. It also works on mosquitoes.

2. Nematodes

photo: Credit Duncan Smith/Thinkstock

But it’s usually not just the fleas on your dog that are the problem. It’s the fleas that are festering in your yard. For that, nematodes are particularly beneficial, according to All About Pets. They work to rid your yard of fleas. Because applying poisons to your yard isn’t good for you or your pets, try nematodes, which are little worms that naturally eat fleas.

Once you decide to employ these little critters in your natural battle against fleas, you have several types from which to choose. Beneficial Nematodes will kill fleas as well as other undesirable pests in your yard. Steinernema carpocapsae nemotodes are microscopic non-segmented worms. Not only do these nematodes attack fleas, they also feast on cutworms, sod webworms, and termites. Steinernema carpocapsae are suited for cooler climates while Steinernema feltiae are better for warmer climates.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

photo: Credit Brand X Pictures/Thinkstock

Also consider sprinkling diatomaceous earth, also called diatomaceous dust, in your yard, particularly where your pup likes to hang out. Diatomaceous earth is comprised of microscopic sea shells that act like razor sharp wire to sever fleas. It sounds tough, but they’re small enough that they won’t hurt your pets or you while putting an end to those pesky fleas.

4. Boric Acid

photo: Credit IStock/Thinkstock

Borax is actually the potent ingredient in many commercially available anti-flea products. It’s considered safer than other chemical strays and it lasts longer in your home, up to a year. It works by causing severe dehydration in fleas. There are reports of irritation to the skin and eyes, but it’s actually very mild. The key to success with boric acid, or borax, as a flea killer is careful and vigilant application.

First, vacuum all the target carpeted surfaces thoroughly to remove dirt and dust. All cushions should also be removed from furniture. Sprinkle the powder over carpeting and be sure to be extra careful around your pet’s favorite spots. Use a broom to make sure the powder gets into every inch of carpet. Do the same with furniture and use a smaller brush to rub it in. Vacuum up all excess powder.

5. Vacuum Regularly

photo: Credit David Oxberry/Thinkstock

“Vacuuming is likely one of your best tools for getting rid of fleas,” Ric Sommons of Dolittle’s Pet Store in Charleston, S.C. said in an article on Tonic. “Vacuum weekly, and make sure to change the vacuum bag. If you don’t, the fleas will just hatch in your vacuum bag. Then, when you vacuum the next time, you’ll end up releasing the adult fleas back into your living environment.”

Keeping a tidy home is one of the best ways to keep your home flea free. That means vacuuming the entire house, including the furniture once a week. If you don’t, you are providing an inviting hatching ground for the enemy.

6. Be Vigilant

photo: Chris Amaral/Thinkstock

This is likely the most important piece of advice. If you want to treat pets holistically for fleas, according to All About Pets, you have to be regimented like a military officer, which includes remaining vigilant.

Treat your pet at least once a month with the Ectopamine Spray after washing your dog. Once the flea treatment begins to work, comb out the dead fleas and make sure that your best friend is groomed regularly.

Make sure to vacuum and dust the house once a week. And treat your yard and home as well. Stay on it and you can win the battle.

It’s already happening. I spent a few minutes outside with the kids, and ended up with two itchy mosquito bites.

However, I don’t believe in reaching for some aerosol spray of nasty chemicals to keep the mosquitoes at bay. I wouldn’t use those products myself, and I will definitely never let it touch my kids. So there are a few natural ways to deter those pesky mosquitoes

1. Plant Herbs That Mosquitoes Hate
The oils of certain herbs are a complete turn-off to mosquitoes. Luckily for us, they usually happen to be herbs that we love! Plant lemon balm, catnip, rosemary, thyme, or garlic near any seating areas, and mosquitoes will steer clear.

2. Remove Sources of Standing Water.
If you just do this one step, you’ll see a drastic reduction in the number of mosquitoes you have to contend with. They are attracted to standing water because they lay their eggs in it The eggs hatch, and, you guessed it — you have even more mosquitoes bugging you. A few common sources of standing water:

* Saucers for flower pots

* Bird baths

* Kid’s buckets and other toys

* Small swimming pools

Keep in mind that you don’t have to eliminate your bird bath. Just make sure to change the water every day or so. Mosquito larvae need still water to hatch. If you disturb the water, the eggs won’t hatch. The other sources of standing water are good to eliminate if you’re able to.

3. Burn All-Natural Candles with Citronella Essential Oil
Citronella candles really do work. Place a few around your patio or wherever you happen to be working in the garden, and you’ll see fewer mosquitoes.

4. Rub Some Lemon Balm on Any Exposed Skin
That lemon balm I mentioned in step one is also very useful when applied directly to any exposed skin. Simply crush a leaf to release the essential oils, and rub the leaf on any exposed skin. You’ll smell lemony fresh, and the mosquitoes will hate it!

What do Britney Spears’ Curious, Hannah Montana Secret Celebrity, Calvin Klein Eternity, and Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce all have in common?

At least a dozen secret chemicals not listed on the label, according to a new laboratory analysis by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. Campaign partner Environmental Working Group assessed data (collected by an independent laboratory) on 17 best-selling fragrances and found they contained an average of fourteen chemicals not listed on their ingredient labels because a loophole in federal law allows companies to claim fragrances as trade secrets. 66 percent of these “secret ingredients” have never been evaluated for safety, meaning we have no way of knowing what they’ll do to our health.

What we do know: The perfumes contained an average of ten unlisted chemicals each that are associated with allergic reactions like asthma, wheezing, headache and contact dermatitis, and an average of four chemicals known to be endocrine disruptors, which impair normal hormone development and have been linked to a range of health issues including sperm damage, thyroid disruption and cancer. Bear in mind that we’re lacking good studies that show definitive links between perfume use and rates of cancer or other serious health problems, but the President’s Cancer Panel just issued a 200-page report saying the link between toxins in consumer goods and cancer has been “grossly underestimated.”

“Something doesn’t smell right–clearly the system is broken,” says Lisa Archer, national coordinator of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics at the Breast Cancer Fund. “We urgently need updated laws that require full disclosure of cosmetic ingredients so consumers can make informed choices about what they are being exposed to.”

Here’s the full list of products tested and the number of secret chemicals found:

*

* Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue = 7

* Clinique Happy Perfume Spray = 9

* AXE Body Spray For Men – Shock = 10

* Jennifer Lopez J. Lo Glow = 11

* Abercrombie & Fitch Fierce (for men) = 11

* Victoria’s Secret Dream Angels Wish = 13

* Hannah Montana Secret Celebrity = 13

* Halle by Halle Berry = 13

* Calvin Klein Eternity (for women) = 14

* Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom = 14

* Calvin Klein Eternity for Men = 15

* Quicksilver (for men) = 16

* Old Spice After Hours Body Spray (for men) = 16

* Giorgio Armani Acqua Di Gio (for men) = 17

* Britney Spears Curious = 17

* Chanel Coco = 18

* American Eagle Seventy Seven = 24

Freaked much? Consider going cold turkey on perfume, or switching to all-natural essential oils for sweet, secret-free scent.

by Virginia Sole Smith

Earth Day has just passed and now is the perfect time to reassess our habits and look for ways to be more eco-friendly by cutting back on waste and energy consumption. And what better place to start than in our homes?

Tip 1: Save Energy By Washing Your Laundry in Cold Water Only

Almost all of the energy used by a washing machine goes towards heating the water, so by simply turning down the temperature, you can really make a dramatic impact on energy use. In fact, washing in cold water costs 5 to 10 times less than using warmer settings. Learn how to green your laundry from start to finish.

Tip 2: Save Water By Using As Little Water Possible To Wash Your Dishes

If you have a newer dishwasher, chances are it uses less water than you would hand-washing. Modern dishwashers use only about 3 to 10 gallons of water per load. Some easy tips for your dishwasher: scrape plates instead of pre-rinsing, use energy-saving options when you can, and only wash full loads.

If, however, you don’t have a dishwasher or would rather wash by hand, try to assess how much water you’re currently using and see if there’s any way to cut back. If you wash by filling up the sink or wash bins, figure out how much water they hold and how many times per day you wash. Or, if you just wash under the running faucet, keep in mind that faucets use about 2 gallons per minute. Get more green tips on dishwashers.

Tip 3: Save Waste and Water By Switching From Bottled to Filtered Water

The bottled water industry is extremely wasteful. It involves millions of barrels of oil each year and the process actually wastes water. Since bottled water is often consumed on the go, most bottles do not actually end up getting recycled. Fortunately, for most of us reading this article, water flows directly into our homes — an amazing gift when you consider all of the places in the world where that is not the case. So why not get yourself a filter and a reusable bottle and fill up from the cheapest and most convenient place — your faucet.

Tip 4: Save Energy and Waste By Switching from Regular Batteries to Rechargeables

Rechargeable batteries embody one of our favorite principles: reuse. While traditional batteries can only be used once, rechargeable batteries, as the name implies, can be used again and again. By using the same batteries over and over again, you cut back on the waste created by disposable batteries. When your rechargeables are eventually used up, though, it is important to recycle them. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, any batteries “can cause serious harm to human health and the environment if they are dis­carded with ordinary household or workplace waste.” Find out where to recycle batteries (and almost anything else) at Earth911.

Tip 5: Save Waste By Buying in Bulk

Packaging has gotten a bit out of control these days. More and more we’re seeing items that are wrapped with layer upon layer of unnecessary materials. One way to combat that problem is to buy necessities in bulk. If it’s something you use a lot, it’s worth it to upgrade to a larger size or multi-pack. This tip isn’t just relegated to wholesale stores either, although that’s a good place to start. Bring your own containers to stores like Whole Foods, where you can buy items like beans and grains in bulk-and skip the packaging all together!

Join the Future Friendly Challenge and commit to making one of these changes for 90 days. And, just for signing up, Future Friendly will donate a liter of water to Children’s Safe Drinking Water.

What other energy-saving tips can you share? Tell us about your energy-saving tips.
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I think we’d all like to benefit from going green by cutting down on our monthly energy bills. The average kitchen has counter tops and cabinets full of gadgets and small appliances. Here is a list of energy sucking kitchen appliances should you ditch (donate away) and which should stay.

First, let’s consider at the materials and resources that use energy to prepare a meal. While the term “cookprint” is often used to remind us to eat more plant-based, locally grown and sustainable food, it also represents which appliances and gadgets to cook with. Consumer Reports chose “cookprint” as a top buzzword to describe the energy needed to prepare the food we eat.

Ditch These Kitchen Appliances and Gadgets

1. Coffee Grinder
OK, it’s early in the morning and it’s awfully easy to plug in the coffee grinder to pulverize fresh beans. Just think how much faster you’ll wake up if you have to do it yourself. Bodum makes preparing and drinking coffee a stylish experience. Check out their hand-crank coffee-grinding beauty.

2. Can Opener
Electric can openers are convenient but they don’t save time or effort when compared to a quality manual can opener. Classic swing-away can openers like grandma used to use still get the job done.

3. Electric Knife
Some cooks swear that the electric knife must come out when the Thanksgiving turkey is ready to carve. But really, why use an electric one when a nice sharp knife can do the same job? Try a hand-held knife sharpener and a good knife.

4. Juicer
Are you surprised to find an electric juicer on the list? This is an easy switch that won’t screw up your healthy juice regimen. Hand-held juicers require a little muscle, but they produce big energy savings.

5. Electric Mixer
An electric mixer has a single mixing attachment, so in order to make something like whipping cream, a hand-held mixer is your best bet. Old fashioned hand mixers works like a dream.

Keep These Appliances and Gadgets in Your Kitchen

1. Rice Cookers
Although rice cookers use electricity, they are an eco-friendly alternative to firing up your stove to make rice. Finding a rice cooker with a stainless steel–not “non-stick”–insert is the healthiest choice, because most “non-stick” pots are made with Teflon or aluminum. Teflon contains PBDE, a prevalent contaminant known to cause to the human body and the environment.

2. Counter top Grills
These grills are inexpensive and an energy-saving solution to turning on a stove when you want to just make, say, a grilled cheese sandwich. Be aware that George Foreman and similar grills can be coated with Teflon. What’s an eco-cook to do? Get a stainless steel countertop grill.

3. Waffle Irons
The same advice applies for waffle irons as grill pans, especially if you eat waffles often. We have an old, old cast iron waffle iron that makes the best waffles. If you can’t score one of those, I would suggest finding a secondhand waffle iron with cast iron inserts.

4. Hand-Crank Blender
Again, the older “historical technology,” does a fine job.

5. Mortar and Pestle
A mortar and pestle can be a manual food processor. It’s been used for centuries to make everything from ground spices to mayonnaise. The mortar and pestle’s best feature: It will never require replacement parts.

Are you seeing a trend here? The oldies-but-goodies are making a strong comeback. And making these small changes can significantly lower your cookprint and pave the pathway to a green life stlye.

Did you know a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can stop a cut from bleeding and actually relieve the pain? (I’ve also been told time and again that cayenne pepper improves circulation and helps relieve the intensely-cold-fingers-and-toes syndrome, an unofficial name that anyone out there who is affected by it will understand. I haven’t found it to be a miracle cure, but I do wonder if my fingers would be even colder if I didn’t give it a chance.)

EcoSalon has a great guide for DIY home medicine, which in addition to the cayenne pepper surprise, has handy recommendations for common health ailments, all using ingredients you’re likely to already have in your house (or can get at any supermarket).

For burns—if you don’t have aloe on hand, which…seems likely—EcoSalon recommends rubbing a freshly-sliced potato over the burn, and/or applying honey (it’s an antibacterial agent) as a topical treatment. (And it’s not vouched for it personally, but apparently mustard may also help. Who knew!)

Instead of conventional antihistamines, try 2-3 cups of green tea per day for the same effect, and garlic oil or white vinegar for ear infections. Try apple cider vinegar or aloe vera gel as natural alternatives for dandruff shampoo, though I’d supplement those suggestions with neem, which is truly a wonder-herb.

If you’re into alternative medicine and holistic skincare, you’ve probably heard the oatmeal shpeel before, but that one’s covered (and explained) here as well.

Check out EcoSalon’s original list for even more exciting possibilities, and next time you’re in pain, instead of laying out cash at a chemical-filled drugstore, try simply turning to your kitchen.  Please share any home remedies you may have in the comments section below

Not that being part of a trend is ever a good reason to start or learn something new, but if it helps you move forward by being part of the “in” crowd, then you really need to plant your own edible garden this year.

That’s right, having your own vegetable garden is now trendy. In fact according to the 2009 Edibles Gardening Trends Research Report conducted by the Garden Writer’s Association (GWA) Foundation, over 41 million U.S. households, or 38 percent planted a vegetable garden in 2009. So, aside from its popularity, do you need some other reasons to grown your own food?

* The GWA’s survey found that the main reason given for increasing or maintaining edible gardening last year was to supplement household food supply — to help them save money on food. That alone is a very powerful reason.

* There is nothing more local than food grown in your own backyard, your windowsills, or on patio containers.

* Growing your own fruits and vegetables means that you know exactly what does and does not go into your food and exactly where it comes from.

* You will get healthier in a number of ways. Not only will you end up eating more fruits and vegetables, but you will be getting added exercise. Did you know that you can burn as many calories in 45 minutes of gardening as you can in 30 minutes of aerobics? And, working in the garden reduces stress.

* You will get a bigger variety of your favorite fruits and vegetables because you can choose from hundreds of different varieties and you can grow the things you like the best.

* You can teach your children or grandchildren where their food actually comes from and that it doesn’t come from the supermarket but from the soil, the earth that we all depend on.

Already have a garden?? Check out our 15 Homemade Organic Gardening Sprays and Concoctions That Actually Work