Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/633516
Eco-Friendly Garden and Pest Control Plenty of natural alternatives are now available for garden and pest control in your yard. These will be free of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides but equally as effective as those that do contain these toxins. They often use ingredients such as diatomaceous earth (made from calcareous fossils), herbs, and oils, such as orange oil or mint oil, which are natural insect repellants. Natural pest control services are also available if you have a large garden to control and you don't want to do this yourself. If you have a gardener, speak with him or her about alternatives to commercial products loaded with toxins or find a new gardener who uses nontoxic products. If you live near utility poles or any wood that's been treated with pressurized CCA (this chemical, whose full name is chromated copper arsenate, is commonly used to treat wood in decking, garden furniture, and fencing so it can withstand the elements, insects, and fungi), plant a fern close to it. The fern will absorb the arsenic coming off the wood. Because CCA-treated wood can be found in public parks, playgrounds, and perhaps in your own backyard, it would be a good idea to wipe your feet on a doormat before going indoors, and wash our hands. Woods in general tend to be treated with an array of chemicals. If you uncertain about your own backyard's equipment, you can seal any wood with paint or a polyurethane coating to trap emissions. Indoor pests can also be taken care of through natural alternatives to toxic bug sprays. Ants can be taken care of by mixing 1 cup water with 2 teaspoons of essential peppermint oil. Spray the mixture where ants are getting in (windowsills, floorboards) and watch them disappear. Baking soda and powdered sugar can send cockroaches packing; and an herbal spray or natural flea collar can All-Purpose Window Wash ¼ cup white distilled vinegar ½ teaspoon liquid soap or detergent 2 cups water Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to blend. Spray, then remove with a paper towel or newspaper. Store in a cool, dry place. Carpet Freshener 4 cups baking soda 35 drops eucalyptus essential oil 30 drops lavender essential oil 25 drops rosewood essential oil Mix essential oils and baking soda in a bowl. Break up any clumps that may form, stir until mixed well. Sprinkle powder onto the floor and let it sit for about 15 minutes, then vacuum. Store in a glass jar, and keep in a cool, dry place. Lavender All-Purpose Glass Cleaner ¼ cup white distilled vinegar ½ teaspoon liquid soap or detergent 2 cups water 25 drops pure lavender antiseptic essential oil Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to blend. Spray, and then wipe area with a paper towel or newspaper. Lemon Floor Wash ¼ cup liquid soap or detergent ½ cup lemon juice ½ cup white distilled vinegar 25 drops lemon essential oil 1 gallon of water Combine all ingredients in a bucket. Mix until soapy. Mop or sponge to clean the floor as normal, and rinse. Lemon Furniture Polish 1 cup olive oil ½ cup lemon juice Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well to mix. Apply a small amount to a flannel cloth or cleaning rag. Spread evenly over surface. Turn cloth to other side and polish dry. Natural Household Cleaning Product Recipes