DNC, So Green

Earth-friendly and Ready

Denver is looking good! All clean, green, shiny and, despite some scuffles downtown tonight, very friendly. Key events have been scheduled throughout the day, many open to the public/media but previous arrangements seem essential. Then sometimes not. Policies seem to vary.
One refreshing oasis in the overwhelming heat/overload today was The Starz Green Room, over on the Auraria Campus, an enlightened film center at all times, and a hotbed of ideas during these convention-hosting times. Film screenings, open discussions by "informed, involved and involving panelists" makes this a must-get-in.

Getting Around
The best way to maneuver Denver's random, one-way this street, blocked for security that street system is to nab a free bike. The brilliant folks at Bikes Belong Coalition have set up a free bike plan throughout downtown for the week. Did I say free? Forget walking, taxi or rickshaw. Just go in to one of the seven eager stations with your ID and credit card, and within minutes you are rolling out on a brand new cruiser, with a helmet and bike lock in the cute pouch on your (ask for a bell) handlebars. So fun. So green (idling SUV's guys!) So easy. Done playing? Drop the bike at any station. Need to roll? Go grab another. I like it!

Solution to "Something's In The Air"

Yes, commercial products seem to be toxic. Why not go back to grandma's basics to run a clean, happy home? Here are a few simple recipes from Women and the Environment, a group that's been working to clean up our planet's act for thirteen years.

All-Purpose Cleaner
suggested uses: hard surfaces like countertops and kitchen floors, windows and mirrors

2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20-30 or more drops of essential oil (optional)

Tip: Warming in microwave until barely hot will boost cleaning power for tough jobs. Only microwave in a glass container.


Creamy Soft Scrub
suggested uses: Use this creamy soft scrub on kitchen counters, stoves, bathroom sinks, etc.

2 cups baking soda
½ cup liquid castile soap*
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative)
5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, rosemary or any scent you prefer (optional)

Mix together and store in a sealed glass jar, shelf life of 2 years.

Tips: For exceptionally tough jobs spray with vinegar first—full strength or diluted, scented—let sit and follow with scrub.

Dry soft scrubs can be made with baking soda or salt (or combination of both) with 10-15 drops essential oil to scent.


Laundry Detergent

1 cup soap flakes
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup Borax

Soap flakes can be made by grating your favorite pure vegetable soap with a cheese grater. Mix ingredients together and store in a glass container. Use 1 tablespoon per load (2 for heavily soiled laundry), wash in warm or cold water.

This standard recipe can be adjusted for soft water by using 1 cup soap flakes, 1/4 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. For hard water, use 1 cup soap flakes, 1 cup washing soda, and 1 cup borax.

Note: Borax should not be ingested.

Tips: Add 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to rinse as a fabric softener. For a whitener, use hydrogen peroxide rather than bleach. Soak your dingy white clothes for 30 minutes in the washer with 1/2 cup 20% peroxide. Launder as usual.

Share any tips/recipes you have found.