Eco-Friendly Spring Cleaning Tips

February 28, 2012 9:14 am
As spring approaches, many people find themselves compelled to reduce clutter, complete long-unfinished home maintenance jobs, and make their living spaces pristine for the new season. The good news is that you can do your spring cleaning without using products or methods that take a negative toll on the environment. Here are some tips for an eco-friendly transition from winter to spring:
 
Use What You Already Have
When it comes to cleaning materials, don’t create environmental waste by using paper towels or buying rags that you will throw away after just a few uses. Old t-shirts, socks, and towels work just as well. You’ll also save money!
 
Keep Out The Chemicals
As you work to remove dust, dirt, and grime from your home this spring, make sure to use non-toxic cleaning substances so that you don’t achieve cleanliness at the expense of environmental safety. There are several green-friendly products on the market and, if you prefer, you can make your own basic cleaning products using time-tested natural staples like baking soda, white vinegar, and tea tree oil. 
 
Don’t Discard Items Unless You Must
If you go through your home and discover items that you no longer need, try to avoid disposing of them if they are in decent condition. Consider selling them via Craigslist or eBay or giving them away to others for free, so that the items can enjoy a second life and you can rest easy knowing you haven’t contributed unnecessary waste to the environment. 
 
Bring The Outdoors Indoors
After you’ve cleaned your home and the place is sparkling with spring promise, consider getting some indoor plants. Houseplants have been shown to improve indoor air quality and they will also enliven your living space with vibrant beauty and color. Some of best plant types for purifying the air in your home are Aloe Vera, Golden Pothos, English Ivy, and Chinese Evergreen. 
 
No More Piles of Paper
A great way to prevent clutter in your home this spring and also reduce environmental waste is to stop the ceaseless flow of bulk mail and catalogs to your home. A quick online search will bring up sites to help you with opting out of receiving these materials. Also, many people conduct all of their business online but still receive needless bills and receipts via mail. If you’re in this boat, take the time to stop your bank and other services from sending you unnecessary paper documents.  
 

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Congratulations!!!

February 24, 2012 2:00 pm

Congratulations to Lauren I. you are the winner of a $50 Visa Gift Card!! Thank you so much for supporting The Whitney community through social media!

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Packing Tips For Easy Travel

February 23, 2012 9:09 am

Travel should be fun! Of course, it usually comes along with the hassles of packing bags and hauling them through a variety of planes, trains, and automobiles. You can streamline those hassles by following these packing tips:

Pack Light
Overpacking takes the case when it comes to travel-related difficulties. Having less stuff to lug around with you will be helpful no matter who you are or where you're going. Take what you need, not what you want, and you'll be off to a good start.

Make a Check List
Come up with a list of what you need to take with you. Doing so will streamline the packing process, saving you valuable time. Lists are also a great way to pack light, as you can organize and prioritize, striking items that you don't really need off of the list.

Roll Your Clothes
A wonderful and easy way to optimize your luggage space is to roll your clothing rather than folding it. Doing so takes up less space, saving you valuable room. You'll be able to take more with you, or take a smaller suitcase!

Bring Food
Rather than spending your preflight time frantically looking for a bite to eat, take a snack or a small meal with you. Packing your own food is a great way to save time, and it will also mean that you're getting exactly what you want while not paying a huge mark up.

Split Up Valuables
Make sure that your valuables are spread out between your bags, in the event that something gets misplaced or lost. This is especially helpful if travelling with friends and relatives.

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