The earth (mother gaia) is a living entity just as we are. Over the years mother gaia has tried to communicate with us, just as our bodies communicate with us through aches, pains or sickness. There is no one to blame but ourselves for the current earth situation. We made the choices to create this reality.

The good news is we are finally starting to listen to mother gaia’s messages. The green and sustainable living movement is fully underway. This movement was not spurred by the government or some large company. It is being driven by normal people making small choices on a daily basis. The goods and services that we pay for drives demand. By making different choices we change the demand in turn changing our world.

Here are a few ideas for you to think about. Ask yourself do I need this product or service to survive. Do I really need it? Is my ego influencing my decision? Making different choices now will help us all in the future.

1.) Buy non toxic products for your home. Not only will this create a healthier environment for you and your family but it is healthier for the earth also. A few examples of these would be cleaning products, laundry detergent, dish washing liquid, bedding material, lawn fertilizers, paint products, sealers, wood finishing products, and glues.

2.) Personal non toxic products would include; shampoo, soap, toothpaste, deodorant, and make-up. Try using a non-toxic dry cleaner instead of a traditional dry cleaner.

3.) Try to buy locally grown organic food. This not only fuels your local economy but it cuts down on the energy spent transporting the food. Better yet start growing some of your own food or join a local food co-op.

4.) Reduce your energy bills by adjusting your thermostat on your air conditioner, heat pump and hot water heater. Buy a rain barrel if you plan on watering your lawn. Create a plan to add solar panels, wind power or other type of alternative energy to your home in the next few years.

5.) Most of all release yourself from the consumerism world that we live in. Don’t let your ego run your life. Do we really need a new computer, phone, or car every two years. Love your life for what it is, enjoy this moment. If you want to improve your life look within not outward. Take a few minutes and watch The Story of Stuff, I strongly suggest it.

We have all been effected by the economy in one way or the other. There is nothing wrong with downsizing or cutting back if you need to. There are many more changes for us in the horizon. This is only the beginning. Adapt to change and live in harmony with yourself and world.

Peace & Love,
Joe

(1) Garbage disposal all natural deodorizer -
Make your garbage disposal smell nicer. While running the hot water, drop orange peels through the opening, and turn on the switch. Lemon, grapefruit, and lime rinds also work well.

(2) Refrigerator & freezer all natural deodorizer -
Clean the refrigerator or freezer shelves with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water. Then with a cloth dab pure vanilla extract in a few spots.

(3) Food storage container all natural deodorizer -
Soak the plastic food containers in warm water overnight with baking soda.

(4) Carpet all natural deodorizer -
Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the carpet. Then after a few hours vacuum it up. You may want to do this in sections or room by room.

(5) Basement all natural deodorizer -
Cut a few onions in half and leave them in the basement overnight. Once the initial onion smell goes away, you’ll basement will not smell like a dungeon anymore.

(6) Bathroom all natural deodorizer -
Add a couple drops of lavender oil or your favorite essential oil to the inside of the cardboard toilet tissue roll. With each turn, the fragrance is released into the room.

(7) General home all natural deodorizer -
Dissolve 2 cups of baking soda in hot water. Add some lemon juice and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture into air as air freshener.

Do you know of a great all natural deodorizer? Please let us know!