Eco-Tip Friday ~ Toilet Talk

Happy Friday Friends! After publishing my post yesterday and rereading it (I'm a grammar and spelling  fanatic, I reread several times! Even my text messages are never abbreviated, and I don't do text-speak! ;) I decided that my talk of abundance, especially when it comes to money, probably sounded like kooky nonsense to most! ;) I then realized that it's time to write about that part of my journey, and the process I went through to find myself living in abundance. I thought it might be helpful for those who wish to experience the same on their journey.What worked for me, may not work for you, but bits and pieces might be exactly the answers you're looking for. This is one post, however, that I'll need to write out first. It'll take some effort to collect my thoughts and I feel a need to organize it on paper with pen first. It'll probably have to be shared in segments also, because although none of you ever complain, some days you must roll your eyes at the length of my posts. I'm sorry, I try to be concise, but.... ahhh, so much to say!

So, today will be an Eco-tip Friday, and I'd like to share one of my earth friendly recipes with you. It is one of my most favorites, I can't imagine using anything else at this point. Today, we'll talk toilets, cleaners to be exact! First let me review some of the reasons you may want to avoid commercial cleaners at all costs. But please, don't let this be a fearful read, absorb the info and if you feel a need for a change, make one. :)

Sodium Hypochlorite or Hydrochloric Acid

(Chlorine bleach )

poisonous gas

hazardous chemical

it produces organo-chlorines which can be carcinogenic when washed down the drain

could contain immune system, reproductive and neurological toxins

corrosive and seriously irritates the skin, eyes and lungs

VOCs

Gasses emitted by a variety of synthetic chemical liquids

petrochemicals that give off gases at room temperature

Severely irritating to the eyes, lungs, nose and throat

Damaging to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system with repeated exposure

Carcinogenic

Phenols

Toxic

Severe irritants of the eyes, skin and lungs

Severe corrosives of the eyes and skin

May cause an allergic skin reaction

Acutely toxic in the environment

Oxalic acid

Corrosive to tissue

Harmful if inhaled

Toxic (nausea, vomiting shock, convulsions)

Severe skin & eye irritant

Chronic exposure can cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract

May cause kidney damage

Most people know to avoid this deadly combination:

ammonia or urine + bleach= deadly chloramine fumes

But how about this one?

Vinegar + bleach = toxic chlorine gas 



I sell this recipe pack in both Simply Smitten and Inspiration-Earth. It includes the Toilet Scrub Recipe

So many great reasons to never buy a bottle of commercial cleaner again, and by no means is this a comprehensive list! Here's my lovely, simple, green solution

Toilet Scrub

1 tbsp Dr. Bronners liquid castile soap

1/2 cup baking soda

1 cup white vinegar

8 drops 100% lime essential oil (both antibacterial and antiviral, naturally)

Combine ingredients in the bowl, adding the vinegar in last. Let if fizz and bubble. With the toilet brush clean out the inside of the bowl,  it will often fizz and bubble again. I usually let it sit at this point while I clean the rest of the bathroom. Flush, rinse brush, and a sparkling clean toilet awaits.

Chemical free. Simple. Inexpensive.

So there you have it. Both vinegar and baking soda are super cheap (I just picked up several boxes today for .58 cents a piece!) You may have to invest in a bottle of essential oil, but it will last you for quite some time. Here's a link to the company I buy my essential oils from Mountain Rose Herbs, they're a wonderful, truly earth friendly company.

And that's my eco-tip for the day. Happy toilet cleaning everyone! :)

(Sorry, Blogger decided this needs to be all in bold... it won't let me change a thing! ;)

Peace ~ Melinda