Are you sick and tired of hearing people ask you ‘Why do you want to pay so much for that?” or why don’t you just use this XXX it’s so much cheaper! Well frankly, and the truth is, I’m not a billionaire and no one gave me magical seeds that grew into a literal ‘money trees’. So obviously if I’m buying something that costs a tad/lot more than what you recommended, chances are it’s because it does the dead and if there anything more economical that would produce the same results or better I would gladly make a shift for it. Purchasing more expensive products isn’t about trying to make any associations about being better off; it’s really just about getting something that’s effective.
In fact I have here a list of green, cheap, tried and tested “tricks” I use – Granted the list isn’t very long but these are things that do work, just to prove that I only buy when I have to.
1. Salt and room temperature water
Perfect for removing blood stains. Works like magic. Rub some salt with water on the spot and rinse off before sending the garment to wash like normal. There’s no need for any of those ‘special stain removers’.
2. Baking soda or toothpaste
I’ve got lots of silver trinkets and jewelry and the patina look doesn’t always make them look any better. So polishing silver is a normal event for me but I stay away from polishing chemicals. Polishing liquids and paste don’t just stink, they are also absolutely toxic. They do work and sometimes too well because I find after a good shine, the silver is sparkling but after a week or so they start to show a yellowish tinge. Some people use vinegar, but I think a smear of toothpaste or baking soda paste and a good rub after followed by a through rinse with distilled water works perfect.
3. Borax and baking soda
Grime between the tiles and all those disgusting pipe clogging buildups can be easily and effectively be rid off when you make a neat solution of borax and baking soda with some vinegar. Pour it down the drain and watch the magic happen.
4. Calendula and geranium oil
Spots (pimples, boils) are annoying. Not only are they an ugly sight, they hurt and can scar the skin. Instead of investing in expensive
‘Pimple be gone creams’ I just dab some geranium oil and watch it disappear the next morning. If there’s some injury to the skin, I apply a mixture of calendula and geranium and again, you can see the healing the very next day.
I have more, but I just can’t remember them off the top of my head right now…
If anyone can add more frugal green tips, please feel free to add them as a comment below! Remember sustainable living is not just about saving money, it’s about sustaining life!
