From time to time we post Eco-Tips in our weekly news letter. This page is a collection of those eco tips which you may find useful.

1. Toxics: Many cleaning products contain chemicals that are bad for your health and the environment, and have not been adequately tested for their harmful effects. Clean safely by making your own green cleaners. This simple recipe is for an all-purpose cleaner:
 
4 cups warm water
2 Tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 Tablespoons of natural liquid soap (such as Dr. Bronnor's orange scented)
10 drops of essential oil (Lavender, Pine or Tea Tree)-optional, but helps disinfect and adds a good smell.
 
Mix water, vinegar and baking soda first, then add the soap and essential oil.

2. Less Paper: If you receive a lot of catalogs in the mail and would rather save some trees by receiving less catalogs and shopping those same stores on-line, you can get some help in doing this by going to the Catalog Choice web page.

3. Waste Reduction: The average American creates 4.5 lbs. of garbage each day (Source: Story of Stuff), much of which is food waste. Starting an indoor or outdoor compost bin is easy, smell-free, and turns food waste into nutrient-rich soil. Learn how easy it is at: www.howtocompost.org. Contact your township- often, townships will provide compost bins for free or at a discount. In a small space or urban area? See this composting guide for New York City: http://www.nyccompost.org/how/index.html and look into this electronic, hassle- free indoor composter by NatureMill: http://www.naturemill.com/.

4. Pesticides: Pesticidesare designed to be harmful, and have been linked to many severe illnesses in both humans and wildlife (Beyond Pesticides). Children are especially susceptible to these chemicals since they are frequently touching surfaces, and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Search for the least toxic methods for controlling pests in your home: www.beyondpesticides.org/alternatives/factsheets Eco-tip provided by GreenFaith: www.greenfaith.org.