COURTESY/Flickr — davebloggs007
I’m sure, as a Calgarian, you’ve found out about the bylaw that prohibits the dumping of wastewater and other materials into storm drains. And there are many on the list to watch out for: soil, pesticides, yard waste, hot tub and pool water, detergents, the list is quite long. (Find it here: Drainage Bylaw 37M2005)
This makes for a cleaner Bow and Elbow River. It means Calgarians can enjoy fresh water from their taps — water that tastes pretty great compared to other cities — and recreationally go for tube ride without the worry they’ll encounter unwanted water foul.
Yes, we live in a great city that takes care of its water, and in turn we are asked to be equally conscious and abide by these water rules in order to maintain such a standard.
Why not take things a little further?
As you might have noticed, spring is coming with a blinding brightness. The snow is melting, the magpies are driving you crazy in the morning (did I say you, I mean me), I’m opening windows and letting the fresh air sweep through my apartment — it’s the perfect time for a little spring cleaning.
COURTESY/Creative Commons — Enokson
Here’s my point: there are many products in the cleaning isles of Co-op and Superstore, and what have you, that aren’t exactly friendly to our environment. Actually, anything with a WHMIS symbol on it denotes that there is a precaution to be taken to make sure you’re not going to do something detrimental to your health or cause a mini explosion. So why take the chance? Cleaning with products that contain bleach solutions, for example, only pollute the air quality in your home and while you are scrubbing away at the bath tub, you’re breathing in and absorbing a harmful product into your skin and lungs.
It’s all kind of scary, when you think about it.
But, before companies were conjuring trade-secret solutions for things like window cleaner and air fresheners, there were natural solutions and home remedies far less harmful to get your place spick and span.
COURTESY/commons.wikimedia.org
So, to get started, here are a few things I’ve found helpful that you can make at home with common cupboard staples:
FOR WINDOWS: I’m sure everyone’s heard of this, a 50-50 solution of white distilled vinegar and water.
FOR BASIC CARPET STAINS: Use baking soda to cover, rinse with club soda, blot dry and vacuum!
COURTESY/Flickr — athriftymrs.com
FOR AIR FRESHENER: Lemon paired with baking soda or vinegar will absorb odours, as well as coffee and dried herbs. Plants are great for cleaning the air along with being decorative — pulling double duty!
FOR THE OVEN: Baking soda (again!) sprinkled on grease, then dampened with water and let sit overnight will wipe away easily in the morning.
FOR DISINFECTANT: Hydrogen peroxide (1 part) and water (2 parts).
FOR WOOD: Lemon juice (1/4 cup) or white vinegar (1/4 cup) with olive oil (1/2 tsp).