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Alternative Products
Home | Alternative Products |
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General purpose cleaner | Mix 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 gallons hot water and stir to dissolve; or use Murphy's Oil Soap or Citra-Solve. |
Metal cleaner | A dab of white toothpaste and water to make a paste. Rub on metal with damp sponge. Rinse with hot water and buff dry with soft cloth. |
Furniture polish | Mix 1/2 teaspoon olive oil with 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice in a bowl. Dab soft rag into solution and dust, polish shine wood furniture. |
Rug cleaner | Sprinkle baking soda on rug then vacuum. Use club soda on stains; or use an alternative product such as Heavenly Horsetail All Purpose Cleaner for steam cleaning. |
Toilet bowl cleaner | 2-3 tablespoons cream of tartar sprinkled on area, scrub and rinse; or use 1 cup borax and 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice poured into bowl. Let rest for a few hours and then scrub with brush. |
Garage | Alternative Products |
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Oil-based paints | Use less toxic latex paint; or use solvent-free paint when possible. |
Paint thinner | Let paint particles settle, then pour off clear liquid and reuse. |
Varnishes and stains | Look for less toxic water-based alternatives; or use pure tung oil combined with pure linseed oil; or shellac. |
Antifreeze | Use less toxic propylene glycol-based antifreeze |
Household batteries | Buy rechargeable batteries and charger or use solar powered substitutes. Recycle chargeable batteries instead of discarding. |
Garden | Alternative Products |
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Bug sprays/insecticides | For gardens, use companion planting. Plant resistant seeds. Pour a line of cream of tartar, red chili pepper, paprika or dried peppermint where ants are entering the house. |
Weed killer | Pull weeds. Mulch garden. Use intensive gardening techniques. Maintain a healthy lawn by adjusting the pH to 6.5, mowing high with a sharp blade, and watering deeply when the soil is too dry. Go bold: More Sustainable (and Beautiful) Alternatives to a Grass Lawn https://nrdc.org/stories/more-sustainable-and-beautiful-alternatives-grass-lawn |
Flea killer | Use a flea comb. Vacuum often. Wash pet's bedding frequently. Give pet brewers yeast, garlic tablets or vitamin B as a preventive measure (please contact your veterinarian prior) |
Moth balls | Use cedar chips or dried lavender sheets |
Insect repellent | Do not wear scented products outdoors. Burn citronella candles, punk or incense. Alternative product: Bite Blocker Organic Insect Repellent Spray |
Chemical fertilizers | Use compost, blood or fish meal, wood ashes. Plant cover crop in winter such as annual rye. |