Go Green

Clean Green with Peter

"In keeping with our commitment to maintain as green a gym as possible, Scott Fitness is putting the kibosh on toxic and semi-toxic cleaning materials in our facilities. As an alternative, we did some tinkering and came up with a solution that hearkens back to the days of our grandparents.

peter demaria, scott fitness employee

Vinegar has been used by people of various backgrounds for thousands of years and in myriad ways, not only for preserving food but also as a mild antiseptic AND as a cleaning agent. In putting these properties to good use we've added a little soap (to cut grease) and a pinch of baking soda (to help control odor). Same results, no fumes, no pollution and no soap scum!"

~ Peter Demaria

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Solution

bottle of old fashioned vinegar, baking soda and H20

1/2 to 1/3 bottle of vinegar
(* too much can erode tile grout)
1/4 tsp. of soap
1 pinch of baking soda
top off with water

This all purpose solution works well for cleaning glass, tile and other surfaces. In addition, baking soda can be sprinkled on a surface sprayed with the solution to help remove heavy grime. This may require additional rinsing unless a sopping wet sponge or rag is used to scrub the surface clean.

* Baking soda alone should not be used to clean either glass, marble or chrome, as it may scratch a mirror finish.

~ Peter Demaria

Baking Soda ... in Your Washing Machine?

"Baking soda can be used in small amounts to make laundry noticeably cleaner. Arm & Hammer recommends a half cup but with high efficiency doodads I use about one tablespoon."

~ Peter Demaria

KC Recycles

KC Recycles is Kansas City's curbside recycling and household waste disposal program. We've listed a quickie reference of what can and can't be put into your recycling bin. For more information, visit the KC Recycles page on kcmo.org.

Do Put in Your Bin:

Aluminum cans and other metal cans
Plastic bottles with a neck (look for the #1 & #2 symbols), such as water and soda bottles, milk jugs and detergent bottles
Office paper, junk mail, newspapers, phone books, catalogues and magazines.
Cardboard (thick corrugated and thin cereal box-type)

Don't Put in Your Bin

Glass
Plastic bags
Styrofoam
Motor oil bottles and other automotive product bottles
Egg cartons
Paper towels, tissues or napkins, plates or cups
Waxed containers, like milk cartons or juice boxes
Gift wrap
Shredded paper
Plastic tubs, like yogurt tubs

Many common household cleansers aren't just bad for the enviroment, they're bad for you. (Ever been run out of your bathroom by the super-duper cleaner you just sprayed in the tub? Yeah, that can't be good for you.) Try one of these alternatives:

In the Kitchen: Stinky garbage disposal? Skip the harsh cleansers and try putting a whole lemon (or orange) peel through it. Your whole kitchen will smell good! Added bonus: lemon juice will leave your nails clean, whitened and smelling fresh, too.

In the Bathroom: Hard water deposits and soap scum? Lemon juice will work for that. It's also good for shining brass and copper.

Everywhere Else: Wood paneling? Wood floors? Wood furniture? Lemon works wonders on wood. Mix lemon and olive oil in a 1:2 ratio and then apply with a soft, clean rag.

vinegar is much cheaper than most of the cleaning products that it can be used instead of

What About Windows?: Try 1/8 cup vinegar mixed with a pint of water to clean windows and mirrors. (And use old newspaper or recycled paper towels.)

Animal Lover?: Vinegar is also good for cat uh-ohs on your favorite rug. Use a 1:1 ratio to clean Muffy's mess; the vinegar smell will disappear when it dries.

Wikipedia Says: Vinegar is a liquid produced from the fermentation of ethanol in a process that yields its key ingredient, acetic acid. The word 'vinegar' derives from the Old French vin aigre, meaning 'sour wine.' Louis Pasteur showed in 1864 that vinegar results from a natural fermentation process. Learn more >

~ Kels.

classifieds listings are FREE for members and friends