Green cleaning

For some, green cleaning means only using products such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemons to clean surfaces. Others may seek out cleaners created with our environment in mind avoiding chlorine, phosphates, artificial fragrances and added coloring.Pre-packaged cleaning products can make use of recycled packaging or donate a portion of their profits to environmental causes and a few cleaners on the market are said to be biodegradable.

You can create your own cleaners following these simple formulas.

All Purpose Cleaner

This formula disinfects and can be used
on any washable surface in your home.
Since it’s antiviral and antifungal it’s particularly
suitable for kitchen’s and bathroom’s.

1 cup water, 1 cup vinegar,
2 tsp. liquid castile soap (usually sold as a concentrate)
25 drops essential oil of Thyme, Eucalyptus,
Tea tree, Lavender, Sandalwood or Lemon
Add all ingredients to a large spray bottle
(about 22 oz. and shake before using)

for more money saving formulas check out http://bit.ly/bi0Ryz

Sustainable Produce

The modern Organics Movement got its start in the late 1960’s and the early 1970’s when a band of farmers began to cultivate a more natural alternative to the industrial chemical agribusiness that had been feeding the country since the end of WWII. From the early experiments grew the organic industry we know today: small scale farming grounded in chemical free and ecologically sound strategies.

Instead of employing nitrogen fertilizers which feed the plant but not the soil these organic pioneers used plant compost and manures which nourished both. They targeted pests not with toxic sprays but with natural bug enemies. Crops were rotated into different fields every season allowing the ground to re-nourish itself some fields were allowed to lie fallow.

The approach produced harvests that were smaller then those on conventional farms but were fresher and safer. Over time some of these farms grew into small companies. The population that bought their produce was small mostly vegans and other health conscious shoppers.

If you want to support the small organic farmers in your area or the independent organic company and the values they bring to the movement? You’ll find them in the following venues: Farmers Markets, CSA’s and Buyers clubs.

Farmers Market
USDA farmers market

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
CSA’s are local organic farms that provide their subscribers with a supply of organic produce once a week , from May to November. Produce is typically delivered to drop-ff points close to subscribers. To join you pay farmers for your produce in advance of the growing season. To locate the CSA farm nearest you look at the online USDAs alternative farming system center.
Search for CSA

Buyers clubs
Get together with other organic consumers in your area and purchase organic food in bulk directly from the suppliers themselves, buy from small, independent organic companies. (grower may not be local) You’ll get a discount on your purchases. To find a club in your area contact your natural foods store for a list of whole sale suppliers.

source: googlebooks

Ocean City, Maryland

I vacationed in Ocean City, MD this year with full intention of shouting out to the world how green OC was going, well , I was disappointed they have stopped recycling due to the cost. I did see one (1) organic restaurant but the menu was overpriced plus you needed to be "dressed", my idea of dressed at the shore is shorts and flip flops at all times. Superfresh at 94th Street carried more organic produce, milk, jams, bread, water, etc, then I was normally accustomed to. I also saw Edwards store on the board walk carrying Stainless steel water bottles.

I want to send a special shout out to a local artist that created my new avatar for GGT. His name is Mike and he sits on the boardwalk drawing caricatures. Amazing artist, take a walk down to Fat Cats at 13th Street on the boards see some local talent...thats what eco friendly is all about!

I have concluded that Ocean City still has a way to go. Every visit I make I will continue to ask ,bug, and bother store owners, condo renters, etc, with green questions.
Why shouldn't our vacation spots be green? Who says you stop caring about the environment and ecosystem when you leave your little part of the world?

It doesn't take much to think green!

GGT
http://bit.ly/bKh8Sj