Revisiting last Earth Day and Earth Day Ideas

I would like to do a new Going Green post today (not sure I'll have time), So for now I want to recap the posts from last Earth Day.

Homemade Powder Laundry Soap

I no longer use the powdered version because it did not work well in my HE washer.
If I have time later today (or this week) I will post a "How To" for Liquid Laundry Soap...so check back :)

Upcycle T-Shirt Tote Bag

The is is a fun and quick project that the kids can help out with.
Also makes a great alternative to a paper gift bag!

Things to do on Earth Day & Everyday
plant a tree or garden
turn off the lights & TV
recycle, upcycle
donate unwanted items
have a garage sale
start a compost pile
carpool
ride your bike...good for you & the environment
clean up trash in a park or along the roadside
replace your light bulbs with energy efficient ones
be self sufficient: buy baby chicks at your farm and feed store
buy organic food and clothing

My Going Green and Self Sufficient Living Flickr pic's
Visit my Flickr photos

~Patricia

Upcycle ~ T-Shirt Bag

Earth Day Upcycle Craft

How to make a Bag from an old T-Shirt

I chose an old dingy shirt that does not fit my son anymore.

Lay the shirt out flat, seams together
Cut the sleeves off using a rotary cutter or scissors
Depending on the size of your shirt cut a 7-8 inch circle around the neck
I used this helpful circle cut ruler but you could also lay a large bowl on the shirt to use as a guide.

Turn the shirt inside out, pin along the hem
Sew the bottom of the shirt closed...I went back over it a second time to reinforce the stitch.

Turn right side out.


You're done!

It was so quick and easy I made one for my daughter ;)
~Patricia

Reduce Reuse Recycle & Upcycle

Happy Earth Day!
To celebrate the day I have a couple Environment Friendly projects.

Going Green for me is not just about helping the environment, it's also about saving money.
I thought a good way to start is making my own laundry detergent.

Of course I can't find my receipt so I don't have the numbers on this.
The last time I bought "regular" commercial laundry detergent I think it cost me around $15.00-17.00 and I bought the HE kind for 64 loads.

The ingredients to make this detergent only cost a few dollars.
The recipe it self would be under $2.00 for approx. 40 loads (maybe less if I knew the numbers LOL).

Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent

What you need:
1 Bar Soap (Pure & Natural, Kirk's, Fels-Naptha or one you prefer)
1 Cup Washing Soda (not baking soda)
1/2 Cup Borax

You can Grate or Chop the bar soap.
If you Grate you do not need to use a Food Processor.
Since I am making a Powder Detergent I wanted it really fine, so I chopped and put it in a Food Processor.

If using a Processor, put all your ingredients in...

Pulse until well mixed and fine.

I recycled a plastic container to store the powder.

If you didn't use a Food Processor, just Grate the bar and mix the ingredients.

You can mix a few drops of essential oil in as well, perhaps orange, lavender or tea tree.

To Use:
1 TBS or 2 TBS for heavily soiled loads

There is also a recipe to make this a liquid detergent. I haven't tried it yet.
When I do, I'll post it.

additional info:
Why I chose Kirk's Soap
No Animal By-Products, Never Tested on Animals, Hypoallergenic, Biodegradable, No Synthetic Detergents

Check back later for a fun Upcycle project!
~Patricia

Green Mowing

I'm sad to say I haven't jumped on the whole "Going Green" lifestyle as much as I should.
But this attempt might just kick my butt in shape literally!
We have purchased a Scotts 20" Classic Mower

No Gas, No Oil, No Electricity
Just good ol' Human Push Power
Yes, it's great for the environment but it is also a great workout!
Ok, now we have 3 acres so I'm not using it on the whole yard just yet.
We bought it for me to keep up with about 8000 sq. ft. of grass in the front and back of our house.
You know the part of the yard the family is always playing in and I am always nagging Dave to mow

I just have to say I LOVE IT!
It's quiet, the kids can play safely nearby and I don't have to worry about flying debris and I am getting an awesome workout!
I think it's a win win for everyone including the environment ;)

~Patricia