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Simple steps to every day conservation.

Many people think that living green is too expensive, but that is far from the truth. Below are a few tips on how to live greener without breaking the bank. In fact, these four tips not only cost nothing...they'll actually save you money.

Consume less. One person produces about 4.6 lbs. of trash in one day. If you have a family of 5, that is 23 lbs. of trash a day from your home alone.  You can help lessen this number by doing things like using reusable rags instead of disposable wipes, installing a low-flow shower head, or starting a compost pile with yard trimmings and food waste.  The less that you are throwing away, the better.

Recycle. Newspaper, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, batteries, old computers, fax machines, DVD players, VCRs, fax machines, appliances, wooden doors, pallets, lumber, furniture… can all be recycled. Please contact the city of Austin for a complete list of things that can be recycled and where to drop them off.

Conserve energy. You can do this by simply remembering to turn off a light when you leave a room or unplugging any battery or cell phone charger when it’s not in use. You can do even more by replacing your normal light bulbs with energy conserving bulbs and planting trees in your yard to shade your home.

Cut back on toxic products. You can buy less toxic cleaning products by looking for the ones that have the ingredients listed on the label or that make more specific claims rather than general ones. You can also use household and natural items to make your own cleaning products. See below for some make-it-yourself cleaning products:

Make your own detergent and then hang them to dry

All-Purpose Cleaner

 Mix Together:
½ Cup Vinegar
¼ cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax)
½ gallon of water

Stores well. Great for bathrooms!!!

 Air Freshener

-Simmer water and cinnamon on the stove.
-Place bowls of dried flowers and herbs (more commonly known as potpourri) around your home.
-Grind a slice of lemon up in the garbage disposal.
-Keep fresh coffee grounds on the counter.
-Keep houseplants.

Bathroom Mold Remover

Mix Together:
1 part hydrogen peroxide
2 parts  water

Put in spray bottle and spray on shower. Wait at least 1 hour before rinsing or using the shower.

Carpet Stain Remover

Mix Together:
¼ cup salt
¼ cup borax
¼ cup vinegar

Rub paste into carpet and leave for a few hours. Vacuum it up.

Dishwasher Soap

 Mix Together:
1 part borax
1 part washing soda (use a little more washing soda if you have hard water)

Add to dishwasher like normal dishwasher soap.

Disinfectant

Mix Together:
2 teaspoons borax
4 tablespoons vinegar
3 cups hot water
(for stronger cleaning power add ¼ teaspoon liquid castile soap)

Wipe on with dampened cloth or use a spray bottle.

Fabric Softener

The best alternative for this is using a clothes line to dry your clothes. You can also dampen your hands and shake out your clothes as you remove them from the dryer.

Floor Cleaner and Polish

Wood Floor Polish: Mix together 1 part vegetable oil and 1 part vinegar. Apply a thin coat and be sure to rub it in well.
Wood Floor Damp Mop Solution: In spray bottle mix 1 part vinegar to 1 part water and add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil. Shake to mix.
Painted Wood:  Mix 1 teaspoon of washing soda into 1 gallon of hot water and mop.
Brick and Stone Tiles: Mix 1 cup vinegar in 1 gallon of water. Rinse with clear water.

Laundry Detergent

Mix Together:
1 cup Ivory soap
½ cup washing soda
½ cup borax

Use 1 tablespoon for light loads and 2 for heavy ones.

Marks on Walls and Painted Surfaces

Apply some baking soda with a damp sponge. Rub then wipe and rinse.

Mold and Mildew Remover:

Apply undiluted lemon juice or white vinegar with a scrubby or sponge.

Instead of Mothballs

Cedar chips in a cheesecloth square. Be sure to use “aromatic cedar” which can also be known as juniper.

Oil and Grease Spots on the Garage Floor

Add baking soda and scrub with a wet brush.

Oven Cleaner

Mix Together:
¾ cup baking soda
¼ cup salt
¼ cup water

Makes a thick paste. Moisten oven surface with a wet sponge. Spread paste throughout oven interior (avoiding bare metal and openings). Let it sit overnight. Remove with a spatula and wipe clean. Or you can use Arm & Hammer oven cleaner which has been declared nontoxic by Consumers Union.

Stickers on Walls

Sponge vinegar over area several times. Wait 15 min and then rub off.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Mix Together:
¼ cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar

      OR

2 parts borax
1 part lemon juice

Pour into toilet bowl and let stand for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.

Tub and Tile Cleaner

Rub with baking soda and a moist sponge. For tougher jobs wipe surfaces with vinegar first. (Vinegar can break down tile grout so use sparingly!)

Water Rings on Wood

Window Cleaner