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Welcome to December's issue of Green Home, your EcoFresh monthly newsletter.
In this month's issue:
It's time to pull out your best silver for the holidays, and - surprise, surprise - it's tarnished! Here are a few tips on how to remove tarnish and keep your silver looking its best.
1) Place tarnished silver in a glass dish, add a piece of aluminum foil, and cover with 1 quart of hot water mixed with 1 tablespoon baking soda. A reaction between the foil and the silver will remove any tarnish.
Note: Don't use this process on raised designs; you will lose the dark accents of the pattern.
2) Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Using a soft cloth, rub the paste gently on the silver. Tarnish will disappear rapidly. After rinsing, buff the silver with a soft cloth.
3) Make a paste by mixing powdered white chalk with just enough window cleaner to moisten. Rub the paste gently on the silver with a soft cloth. Rinse and buff to bring up the shine.
Home decorating can be a lot of fun. Sprucing up your home décor inside and out gives your house interest and shows how much you care about it. However, seasonal crafts and decorative home accents can stress household and holiday budgets. Don't worry; there are many ways to decorate naturally with little or no cost - save a little sweat equity.
Plastic products pollute the earth both in their production and disposal. So instead, consider natural elements. A hike through your own backyard or a nearby wooded area (with the owner's permission) will yield all the elements you need for winter decorating.
Evergreen trees and shrubs provide an abundant source for decorating. Branches and twigs cut from evergreen spruces, pines, and cedars are easy to use and look great throughout winter. Evergreen boughs are great for making seasonal wreaths, but the sturdy, long-lasting boughs can be used in many other ways, too. Make a striking container arrangement by standing boughs in interesting metal buckets or baskets. Small twigs of spruce or other evergreen placed in vases around the house look great and bring a wonderful aroma.
Tree nuts, acorns, and cones from pines and evergreens are abundant in the woods. Pick them by the bagful and create some potpourri and basket displays. Use them in centerpieces and as accents on wreaths and swags. Simple baskets filled with pinecones make fragrant, rustic decorative accents. Mix in acorns and nuts for more interest.
Shrubs and vines offer many kinds of berries that make beautiful additions to winter decorating, in all the right colors of the season. Winterberry shrubs, a member of the Holly family, lose their leaves in the fall to reveal bright red berries. Staff Vines have berries that are red, with a ladybug-like split coat of orange over the top. The dual colors of the Staff Vine berry add interest to grapevine wreaths, containers, swags, evergreens and more.
Birch trees, most noted as white, papery-looking trees, are a great source of natural decoration. The peeled bark can be used to make lampshades, baskets and to matte pictures. Trace cookie cutters onto birch bark, cut out and string for natural, rustic decorations. Hang them throughout your home or on your Christmas tree. Please note: When harvesting bark for decorations, it is best to gather birch bark from fallen or dead trees. Removing bark from live, standing trees will kill them.
The natural world outdoors is the perfect place to "shop" for your winter décor. Covering your home with these fabulous free decorations is a great, environmentally friendly way to decorate. You'll not only be saving your budget, but you'll also be saving the environment by reducing the plastic products you buy, and will eventually throw away!
1423 — King James I is released from captivity when his government agrees to pay off his 40,000 pound ransom in six annual installments
1586 — Sir Thomas Herriot introduced potatoes to England after tasting them in South America
1804 — At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Napoleon Bonaparte crowns himself Emperor of the French, the first French Emperor in a thousand years
1824 — Following the election, four men were tied for the American presidency. The House of Representatives declared John Quincy Adams the winner
1833 — The nation's first co-ed college opens its doors: Ohio's Oberlin College
1979 — Christie's auctions off a rare, painted, porcelain thimble for the record-breaking price of $18,000
The winter season is filled with sparkling snowflakes, skaters gracefully gliding across the ice, and, unfortunately a host of winter-related illnesses. Keep yourself and your family healthy this season with a few health and safety precautions.
The common cold can be caused by one of over 100 different virus strains. In the US, most people average about three colds every year. The cold virus usually lasts 1-2 weeks and can cause any number of symptoms: sore throat, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, aches and pains, mild fever, nasal congestion and coughing. The best way to treat a cold is to take a mild pain reliever, avoid unnecessary activity, get as much bed rest as possible, and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies may relieve the symptoms, but they will not prevent or cure or the illness.
Influenza (the flu) is not a serious health threat for most people. However, for the elderly or those who have a chronic health problem, influenza can result in serious complications. Symptoms of the flu usually develop about three days after being exposed to the virus. They include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, soreness and aching in the back, arms and legs. Although these are similar to those caused by cold viruses, flu symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer. The flu is highly contagious and, if it occurs in your family or community, there is no practical way to avoid exposure to the virus. Bed rest, a mild pain reliever (one that doesn't contain aspirin) and lots of fluids are the best treatment.
Hypothermia, a drop in body temperature to 95°F or less, can be fatal if not detected and treated right away. While hypothermia can happen to anyone, the elderly run the highest risk because their bodies often do not adjust to changes in temperature quickly and they may be unaware that they are gradually getting colder. The condition can develop over a period of time, anywhere from a few days to several weeks, and even mildly cool indoor temperatures of 60 to 65°F can trigger it. If you have elderly relatives or friends who live alone, encourage them to set their thermostats above 65°F to avoid hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include: forgetfulness, drowsiness, slurred speech, change in appearance (e.g., puffy face), weak pulse, slow heartbeat, and very slow and shallow breathing. If you notice these symptoms, call an ambulance or take the victim directly to a hospital. Do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not give a hot shower or bath, since it could cause shock. Generally, do not try to treat hypothermia at home.
Frostbite usually affects exposed areas of the face (cheeks, nose, chin, forehead), the ears, wrists, hands and feet. Frostbitten skin is whitish and stiff and feels numb rather than painful. To treat frostbite, warm the affected part of the body gradually. Wrap the area in blankets, sweaters, coats, etc. If no warm wrappings are available, place frostbitten hands under the armpits or use your body to cover the affected area. Do not rub frostbitten areas; the friction can damage the tissue. Do not apply snow to frostbitten areas. If the area continues to feel cold or numb for an extended period of time despite treatment, seek medical attention.
Winter is an exciting time for kids. It brings great outdoor activities, such as snowboarding and skating, but also cold weather, ice and snow, which can present a danger. But that doesn't mean they can't enjoy these winter activities. Here are some winter safety tips for parents and children.
In General
Clothing
Ice Skating
Sledding
Playing in the Snow
Ingredients:
Instructions:
If you live in an area that has climate changes from season to season, you most likely have separate clothes for winter and summer. Isn't it logical that you'd also change the clothes on your bed when warm sunny evenings turn to chilly nights? From soft flannel sheets, down comforters and fluffy, wool blankets, there are lots of products to choose from.
The Comfort of Down. Down is most popular product used for lightweight, warm blankets, comforters and pillows. Because down is able to retain just the right degree of warmth for most bodies, it's considered one of the most perfect products for comfortable bedding.
Classic Wool Blankets. Wool derived from sheep. The hair is shorn from the sheep, spun into threads, and woven into a variety of grades, weights and qualities of fabric. Because wool has natural lanolin, it is both fire and water resistant. A resulting unique quality of wool is that it retains its warmth even when wet. Moths love to chew away at good wool blankets; so when not in use, the blanket should be stored in a cedar-lined chest or closet. Wool blankets must be dry cleaned to retain their size and feel.
The Luxury of Silk. A silk-filled, silk-covered comforter has one half the weight of a comparably sized down comforter. The sense of luxury and softness cannot be surpassed. Silk fibers are breathable, lightweight, very supple, and constantly equalize temperature. A comforter of silk conforms to the body and is not as puffy as down. All silk products are naturally hypoallergenic. A silk comforter needs to be dry cleaned, so use a duvet cover to protect the comforter and prolong its life.
Space-Age Polar Fleece. Polar fleece is a man-made fiber of polyester. By trapping air in the hollow core fibers, polar fleece provides optimum warmth and softness. A polar fleece blanket is very lightweight and can fold up into a small space when not in use. It washes easily and does not pill.
Toasty-Warm Electric Blankets. The first electric bedding products were invented in the early 1900s, but the first model of blanket was invented in 1936. Electric blankets and mattress pads are a great solution if you want instant heat. If you turn on the blanket about 5 minutes before hopping into bed, the bed will be warm and toasty for you. Electric blankets are not recommended for children.
Soft Flannel Sheets. Most flannel sheets are made from cotton, and are warm, soft, and lightweight. They're perfect for a winter bed and help you feel like you've climbed into a pair of PJs. You can pop cotton flannel sheets in the washer and dryer, but the fabric tends to pill after several washings.
The holiday season is time for food, family, fun and all sorts of stains on clothing. Here are a few tips on removing some of the most common stains you'll find this season.
Alcohol and Wine - Soak in a mixture of 1 quart cool water and 1 tablespoon vinegar. If stain remains, sponge with rubbing alcohol or detergent. Launder in hottest water safe for the fabric. If the fabric is dry-cleanable, be sure to tell the professional dry cleaner the stain contains alcohol so the proper cleaning methods are used.
Chocolate/Hot Chocolate - Rinse the fresh stain with cool water. Treat the stain with a laundry pre-treating product (such as Shout®). Wait at least 30 minutes then wash as usual. Rinse with the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Coffee and Tea - Soak in cool water, work in 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Do not use soap; it could make the stain permanent.
Cranberries - Soak in cool water for 30 minutes or overnight. Work in a detergent. Then force extremely hot water through the stain by putting the stain over a bowl in the sink and pouring water through it. Launder in hottest water safe for the fabric.
Eggs and Eggnog - Rinse the fresh stain in cold water. Apply oxygen bleach and soak for 30 minutes in warm water. Launder in warm water. Do not use hot water; it can set the stain.
Turkey Fat - Rinse fresh stains in cool water. Saturate the area with an aerosol pretreatment laundry stain remover. Wait for a minute and launder with detergent. Wash in the hottest water safe for fabric.
Most modern homes and apartments are toxic environments. As we live and breathe in them, they are contributing to a number of diseases over time. There are two main problems: toxic products that people bring into their homes, and toxins leaked into the air by the home itself. Let's look at toxic products first. The worst offenders here are: artificial air fresheners, fabric dryer sheets, hair products and hundreds of other products commonly found on supermarket shelves. These products are filled with ingredients are carcinogens (substances that will cause cancer over time), and endocrine disruptors (substances that disrupt the human endocrine system).
The other major problem is the homes themselves. In terms of toxicity, the worst offenders here are: carpets and carpet backings, foam mattresses, paints, varnishes and items containing fire retardant chemicals. The fire retardant chemicals used in mattresses, for example, have been found to contribute to birth defects (see this EWG report for example). Basically, all of these household items can emit a steady flow of toxic, airborne chemicals. Homeowners unknowingly inhale these chemicals with every breath.
So how can you create a healthy home?
Here's the extremely short answer: Stop buying toxic household products, use natural cleaning products, use low-VOC paints, and add indoor plants to your home for filtration purposes.