Vinegar Orange Peel Cleaner: Green Cleaner

Green Cleaner!

I noticed several Orange Peel Cleaner displays on Pinterest, and wanted to try it myself. I had pickle jars saved for future sprouting projects but decided to use them for my orange cleaner project.

• I collected various orange peels for my pickle jars.
• Added white distilled vinegar and capped my jars.
• Labeled the completion dates 10-14 days out.
• Strained and contained!
• Voila! You have your cleaner! 

Orange pickling...I say!

Label the dates

Final Product...it doesn't hurt to dilute this with water!

Review:

I attempted to clean my stove top with the undiluted version of my orange peel cleaner.  The first thing I noticed was the smell. Yes, I forgot to dilute this cleaner.  I added more sweet orange essential oil, which barely masked the smell.   I tried it again on my counter tops.  Overall, it's another vinegar cleaner with a slightly better smell and more slippery texture.

Results:  

It works.  Please dilute this cleaner with a 2:1 ratio of cleaner to water.  I'll use it until it's gone, and try it again!

Van Jones speaks to Google Talks on "Rebuild The Dream"

Van Jones speaks to Google Talks on his background, new book "Rebuild The Dream" and his experience working on advancing environmental issues, green jobs, and the grass roots movements.

Jones reviews the historical events that led to the forefront exposure of environmental issues.  And no, it didn't start with the "Hope" campaign!  

His speech differentiates the actions of past presidents, environmental activists, and the public's expectation of the U.S. President.  The missing piece is the the public's action.

The perfect equation: Political Leadership / U.S. President + Social Activists + A active movement from the public.

Recycle & Reuse: The Jelly Jar's Versatility

Glass Jars: Eco-Friendly & Reusable

The jelly jar has been a sustainable, reliable, keepsake in my life.  I still have childhood memories of nearly frost-bitten fingers from ice cold beverages served in reused jelly or preserve jars. Sadly, plastic became the be-all-store-all utility replacement for it.

Recently, the tides have changed.  The jelly jar has risen again for reusable items after studies linked BPA (bisphenol-A) to health threats in infants, children, and pregnant women.


I listed various ways to use your old jelly jars below!

1. Jelly...of course! Don't forget jams, preserves, marmalade, and peanut butter and other nut butters.
2. Bug & Slug catcher:  While gardening,  add a little beer in jar; dig a hole; and catch all of your plant-eating slugs. 
3. Beverages: Lemonade and kool-aid with fruit slices are popular summer drinks for children.
4. Candles
5. Candy: Gum balls, gummy bears and jelly beans were the best!
6. Insect catcher: Do you remember poking ventilation holes on the top of your jar when you caught a lizard, grasshopper, or firefly?
7. Beauty storage: Glass jars are great for  body scrubs or bath salts.
8. Penny Jar or change jar:   Who needs a piggy bank when you can see your coins!
9. Arts and crafts: Do you remember adding glitter or paint to one of your jars?
10. Honey:  I'll never forget watching the image of Pooh Bear on TV as a child with a jar of fresh honey.
11. Container gardening and growing seedlings. 
12. Terrarium, a mini indoor garden.
13. Vase or flower holder
14. Oils, ointments, or recycled oil storage:  Do you remember old bacon grease being stored in jelly jars?
15. Tip soliciting jar
16. Raffle jar
17. Time capsule container