Goal For The Green

Although it doesn’t feel like it here in Washington, ( only in the 40’s), it’s time to at least start thinking about making our homes all fresh and clean for the Spring and Summer months.

About a year ago to be exact, I spoke about Green Spring Cleaning Agents, to help you with that task.  There are some helpful tips there, that are cost free and available from your kitchen pantry.  Better yet, it’s more than likely you have these things on hand, without having to make a special run to the store to purchase cleaners.

Then there is the matter of the garage.  At least, I can park in mine, but there is plenty to get rid of.  I will more than likely, sort things, and start by having a garage sale.  What does’nt sell, I like to donate to my local Women’s Shelter.  Household goods are put to good use there, by women who are about to start their lives over, after leaving abusive relationships.

Another thing to do, is give  your things away.  Lyndi, over at Thrifty Creativity wrote an excellent post on freecycling.  She can tell you everything you want to know about, how you can get what you want, or need for free through The Freecycle Network.  Be sure to check it out.

My hope is that these tips and ideas will help you with these often dreaded and daunting tasks.  At least they can help you be more thrifty, frugal, and “green.”

GoalForTheGreen has received another award, this time from FocusOrganic.  Special thanks goes to Stefanie!

Here’s how the award works.

• Lucky winners can add the graphic to their blog to announce the award.
• Link back to the person who gave you the award.
• Pass it on to 7 other bloggers who you follow or love to read.
• Once you have completed that list, head over to their blogs and post a comment telling them that they have received the award.

So, here’s my seven! A lot are duplicates from the last award given, but I can’t help it, I love them, and they are among my personal favorites!

1. Forced Green– Linda provides some of the best current  green information available !

2.Solar Energy-Green Lifestyle For You – The Solar Girl always has excellent green content !

3. Planet Thoughts – David has great insight on green issues !

4. Kat’s Healthy Living – The layout there is very inviting, with wonderful health and beauty tips !

5. My Autism Insights – Andrea always has wonderful information on Autism !

6. Live Life Veg – Jess, has great tips, recipes and insight on the vegetarian lifestyle !

7. My Tangible Wealth – Maureen helps you enjoy a traveling lifestyle, and how you can turn it into a home based business !

Yes, there are safe and sensible ways to keep your food fresh, while minimizing your exposure to the potentially harmful chemicals found in plastic.

Here are some tips and pointers to help you make the safest choices for your food storage. You may already have some safer options such as corning ware, pyrex, and stainless steel canisters tucked away in your cupboards. Start searching , go to yard sales, and get on with making those changes.

Plastic contains chemical additives known to leach out when exposed to heat. Leaching may increase the risk of birth defects, developmental delays, certain hormonal disfunctions, and even breast and prostate cancers. Several university studies have indicated that leaching occurs when ANY type of plastic containers are used to heat food in the microwave. Another place leaching happens is in the dishwasher.

Rule of thumb is NEVER use ANY plastic, plastic wrap, tupperware, or styrofoam in the microwave. It is also best to wash plastic containers by hand in warm soapy water. This reduces the possibility of chemical leaching. Don’t ever use harsh cleansers or abrasive sponges on plastic. It can cause scratches in the plastic, which then causes chemical migration (leaching) from the plastic. If you have scratches or gouges in your plastic containers – ditch them IMMEDIATELY!

So, in your microwave only use microwave safe glass or ceramic cookware. Don’t use any plastic or plastic wrap. Cover food with paper or paper towel when microwaving.  Don’t use recycled paper towels because they could contain metallic flecks from ground up staples and ink that can be combustable.

In your fridge, use glass, ceramic, stainless steel, or PVC-free plastic wrap. Don’t use any type of plastic container that can leave a residue.  Scouring destroys the integrity of plastic.  Don’t ever store or cover hot food with or in any type of plastic. Always let it cool for at least twenty minutes before storing in your fridge.

For packing lunches choose foil, waxed, or butcher paper for wrapping sandwiches. If you like to use bags, use the ones made from number 4 plastic. For water, glass or stainless steel is best, or pitchers made from number 2 or 5 plastic.  Don’t use pitchers from number 7 (polycarbonate) plastic. For freezing, use foil, freezer paper, or number 4 plastic freezer bags.  Don’t use any glass or plastic containers that are not labeled Freezer Safe. The extreme cold can cause them to crack.  As mentioned before, allow food to cool before storing in the fridge or freezer.  For your pantry storage, glass, stainless steel and aluminum canisters are best or number 5 plastic.  Don’t store food in any plastic containers marked with 3(polyvinyl chloride) 6 PS (polystyrene) or 7 PC (polycarbonate).

Most plastics currently on the market are made from crude oil. There are also biodegradable, recyclable and compostable plastics made from starches such as rice, soy, and corn. These bio-based plastics comprise only 3% of the $280 billion plastic market. Concern has been expressed about the use of fertilizers and pesticides used in the growth of these grains, and then turning them into plastics.  Any bio-based products are better for your health, and are more of an earth and eco-friendly option, than any petroleum based products or counterparts.