Ironically, spring/summer cleaning can be hazardous to your family’s health – and to the environment. Many common household cleaners contain alcohol, ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde and lye. Some of these ingredients have been linked with neurological, liver and kidney damage, asthma and cancer. Avoid them by making your own green cleaners. Here are some recipes for simple, effective cleaners:
*Window cleaner; add 2 ounces of vinegar to a quart of water in a spray bottle.
*Streak-free glass cleaner; Blend 2 ounces of vinegar, a spoonful of corn-starch and a quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge and wipe dry.
*Rust remover; Use vinegar to remove rust and other mineral deposites on nuts and bolts.
>> this just in;
C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: Confused about plastics?
Experts have reached a consensus and recommend consumers avoid these varieties of plastics–identified by a triangle and number on the bottom of most containers–for the following reasons:
#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.
#6 Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.
#7 Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated, or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese belief in energy forces called “chi”. These forces can be found anywhere, even inside our bodies, and can bring happiness, prosperity, love, even good luck.
According to the Chinese, there are three types of luck: Heaven luck, Mankind luck, and Earth luck. Of these, Earth luck is most influenced by the principles of Feng Shui. The following Feng Shui symbols are thought to attract positive chi, bringing good luck to you:
- Bamboo – is a very strong plant and thrives I most conditions, therefore it is thought to be lucky.
- Cats – usually displayed in twos, one cat has its left pay up and is smiling; this cat is meant to invite good fortune. The other cat has its right paw up and has a warning expression which protects you from evil.
- Dragons – are a traditional Chinese symbol of good luck. Dragons are powerful, but do not place a dragon facing out a door or window or your luck will leave.
- Elephants – are good luck when their trunks are upturned because this indicates an announcement of happy news.
- Tigers – like dragons, tigers are also symbols of luck and power. The best place to put a tiger is in an office or study, but don’t use one with its mouth open or in an attack position or it can scare you luck anyway.
You know that when you are seeking a mortgage you should shop around for the best rate. But because interest rates fluctuate, it is a good idea to consider locking your rate. A rate lock, also called a “lock-in”, is a lender’s guarantee that you will get a specific interest rate and number of points if you purchase a home within a certain period of time.
If you do not complete your home purchase or refinancing agreement before the lock expires and interest rates happen to rise, you will pay the higher rate. If interest rates happen to drop during the lock period, however, you cannot take advantage of them unless you rewrite the lock and pay an additional cost.
Before locking in a rate, keep these tips in mind:
- Get your guaranteed rate lock in writing.
- Lock in as many of the costs as you can, including the interest rate and points.
- Shop around. Examine both the terms of the contract and its cost. Some lenders charge an up-front fee, while others offer the service at no cost.
Here are a few tips you can do to help in the quest to ‘go green’.
1. Reduce, recycle, reuse, and buy recycled. We use a ‘blue’ bin and recycle paper and bottles & cans.
2. Turn off your computer & lights when not in use.
3. Recycle ink cartridges.
4. Use you notepad wisely. Use the entire page, then turn it over and use the other side.
5. Watch what you print.
6. Install motion sensor lights.
7. Buy “energy star” office equipment.
8. Open the blinds. Turn down the lights and let the sun shine in.
9. Recycle old cell phones.
10. Do it yourself. If the office doesn’t recycle, you can lead the way.
