Save the world and some money too

photo from Martha Stewart

UPDATE: I just found this awesome photo list on Martha Stewart for wrapping with flair using non-traditional items. Beautiful!

I really, really LOVE to wrap presents. When I was a girl, my Dad would save all his holiday wrapping for me. And I think a part time job at a gift wrapper would be so much fun. But wrapping paper and accessories can get spendy real quick and quite a bit of the materials are not recyclable. This year here are a few options to cut the costs to your wallet and to the planet:

• Use packing paper for gift wrap. As long as you use a good strong tape, this paper is sturdy, looks nice and crisp and is recyclable.
• Reuse gift wrap. A mixture of water and starch sprayed on the paper, then ironed on low will zap the wrinkles.
• Dig in your fabric stash or in the remnants bin at your local fabric source and use pretty patterns to wrap
• Embelish your gifts with clippings of pine trees, real ribbon, or with a little help from your kids.
• Look for recyclable gift wrap to use.

I know there are lots more ideas out there on this topic. Share your tips too!

Save the world and some money too

(photo from Getty Images)

Knowing that I can clean my home, with out-of-the-cupboard items, makes me so happy. I'm also really happy when I find non-toxic cleaning products that actually work. I really love Method cleaning products, but the price usually keeps my selection to a very few items. I always keep the shower cleaner handy as well as a bottle of french lavendar floor cleaner. The smell of those two products is worth the price and both last months and months.

But for other cleaners, I go homemade, and with a few very inexpensive and common items you can too. Here's quick list of everyday items that can make your home shine:

Vinegar

• dilute vinegar in hot water (1/2 cup to 1 gallon) to scrub floors, counters, and bathroom surfaces.

• cleans refrigerator grime really well
• shines mirrors too!

Heinz has a great list of ways to use vinegar around the house. Check it out here.

Lemons

• a natural degreaser, removes grease from stove and cabinets
• you can even hand wash dishes in dilutes lemon/water mixes

Baking Soda

• is the wonder ingredient after all...mixed with 1 T salt and 1/2 cup water you over it will amaze you again!
• of course Arm and Hammer has loads of tips right on over here.
  

Salt

• restores dark color to carpet (and laundry for that matter) sprinkle 1/2 on carpet, let sit for 15-20 minutes then vacuum up. you can also use cornstarch to remove carpet odors this way.

I dare you to try a few of these homemade, safe and inexpensive cleaners next time your bottle of 409 runs out!

I'd love to hear your organic cleaning tips as well!. Share share share!