Goal For The Green

Para-education and green living information

Do You Have An Ant Problem?

Jul-9-2009 By Barbara Zak

It’s that time of year when the little brown creatures bring their their buddies into your house.  I have to draw the line, when they start showing up on my bathroom floor, kitchen counter, and oh yeah, SURPRISE…in the dishwasher!  Uggh! Regardless of everything you do to keep your house clean.  There they are.

ants
Image by brocktopia via Flickr

I found this wonderful article “Rid your home of ants, without chemicals”, from my friend Chris over at Living Well Naturally, that I wanted to share with you.  The tips in the article are tried and true, and they really work.  The idea is to lure the ants out, the way they came in, with things you already have in your pantry.  Best of all, it’s cheap, it’s green, and it’s chemical free.

I was too late on getting this information to my husband, as he already had the person who treats our fruit trees (chemically free) come out and treat for ants.  He never did come indoors, but no more ants.  He will come back in 45 days just to be sure.

I sprinkled the Cinnamon by the front door, and put cut up strips of Bounce sheets in my pantry.  I’m so happy, to not see these little critters in my house anymore, especially in my kitchen.

It is my hope that you find this information useful and helpful.  By all means save yourself the money of having someone come out and do it for you.  Yes, there are companies that take care of the problem, and keep it “green.”  But, next time I see a little critter, I will be ahead of the game with this great information.

Special thanks to Chris for finding this.  We are working toward a better tomorrow, and many more to come!

See where the cutest ladybugs live!

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It’s Spring Cleaning Time, Again!

Mar-29-2009 By Barbara Zak

Although it doesn’t feel like it here in Washington, ( only in the 40’s), it’s time to at least start thinking about making our homes all fresh and clean for the Spring and Summer months.

About a year ago to be exact, I spoke about Green Spring Cleaning Agents, to help you with that task.  There are some helpful tips there, that are cost free and available from your kitchen pantry.  Better yet, it’s more than likely you have these things on hand, without having to make a special run to the store to purchase cleaners.

Yard sale in Summer 2005 in California
Image via Wikipedia

Then there is the matter of the garage.  At least, I can park in mine, but there is plenty to get rid of.  I will more than likely, sort things, and start by having a garage sale.  What does’nt sell, I like to donate to my local Women’s Shelter.  Household goods are put to good use there, by women who are about to start their lives over, after leaving abusive relationships.

Another thing to do, is give  your things away.  Lyndi, over at Thrifty Creativity wrote an excellent post on freecycling.  She can tell you everything you want to know about, how you can get what you want, or need for free through The Freecycle Network.  Be sure to check it out.

My hope is that these tips and ideas will help you with these often dreaded and daunting tasks.  At least they can help you be more thrifty, frugal, and “green.”

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