Prefold Cloth Diapers

Soap Nuts (Soapnuts) – Green Cleaning

I’m not an environmentalist by any stretch of the imagination, but I do consider the impact of what I am doing has on the environment. That is why when my wife started using Soap Nuts as our household cleaner, it sparked my curiosity to learn more.

What are Soap Nuts?

Soap Nuts are actually not nuts at all. They are berries (also known as Soap Berries) that grow on trees in India & Nepal. There are two main varieties of Soap Nuts: sapindus trifoliatus (The Small Soap Nut) and sapindus mukorossi (The Large Soap Nut). The Large Soap Nut is the most commonly used in cleaning (probably due to its size & ease of harvesting), but both varieties are quite effective.

How do Soap Nuts Work as a Detergent?

Soap Nuts contain large quantities of saponin in their shells, which acts as a natural, gentle detergent when it comes into contact with water. Without added chemicals, fragrances or dyes, Soap Nuts are safe and gentle for handwashing delicates, yet tough enough for regular laundry. They will leave your laundry soft, clean and fragrance free, without the use of fabric softeners.

Will Soap Nuts Clean Difficult Items?

Yes and No. Soap Nuts are one of the best detergents out there to get rid of bad odors. Musty towels and wash cloths, even cloth diapers, come out smelling fresh and new. When it comes to stubborn stains, though, such as blood & red wine, you will want to use a stain remover to help the cleaning process.

What About My Allergies to Soap?

Most allergic reactions to soap are due to added chemicals and fragrance. Soap Nuts are naturally grown and chemical free. When we began using soap nuts for our laundry detergent, the eczema which I had across my chest and belly cleared up and has been gone now for 6 months. Soap Nuts are 100% non-allergenic.

How do I use Soap Nuts in my Laundry?

For Laundry Detergent, you can use Soap Nuts one of two ways:

1. Toss 2 or 3 Soap Nuts in a small muslim bag (provided with most Soap Nuts orders) and throw it in with your laundry. (Make sure that you take the soap nuts out before putting your clothes in the dryer). The nuts will do 3 or 4 loads.

2. Boil 100 g of Soap Nuts in 12 cups (3L) of water for 30 minutes. The liquid you have is now a concentrated, chemical free detergent. The leftover shells can be placed in your compost. Use 3 Tbsp or 45 ml of this detergent with each load of laundry. This allows you to do approximately 60 loads of laundry. Not bad for under $10!

Can Soap Nuts be used for More Than Just Laundry Detergent?

Yes. Soap Nuts can be used, in the liquid form, for cleaning just about anything. From dish washer soap, to window & glass cleaner, to repairing oily or dry hair, Soap Nuts are a multi-purpose cleaner. For more information on particular applications visit http://SoapNuts.Wordpress.com

The End Product Still Goes Down the Drain. Does That Hurt the Environment?

No. Soap nuts are antimicrobial. This means that they actually help in breaking down the grey water in the septic system. Also, you do not have to do a rinse cycle when you do your laundry with soap nuts. This can save gallons of water every wash cycle. Don’t worry, though; if you forget to stop your machine before the rinse cycle the Soap Nuts are just as effective. The amount of saponin left in the rinse cycle will just leave your clothes feeling soft.

Soap Nuts are a Win-Win Situation

With great cleaning power, no harmful chemicals, & prices that rival any other detergents, Soap Nuts are one of the best cleaning agents you can buy.

For more information on Soap Nuts & pricing, visit http://Stores.HotterThanHealth.com

10 Ways to Green Yourself

#1.  Start Sustainable.

Sustainability is the ability of an eco system to maintain ecological processes, functions, and productivity into the future. You can use products that are sustainable, and are always replenishing themselves, such as fast growing bamboo.

#2. Recycle everything.

• Don’t stop at recycling your plastic bottles and paper bags. In fact, one billion bottles of water are transported around the United States each week, and it is probably better to avoid buying them altogether.
• When you go shopping, buy used clothes and used books instead of new. Donate your clothing, books and toys to thrift shops or consignment stores. Some people think that buying used clothing is gross, or unsanitary. It is just simply not true. Often, people don’t try on clothes from thrift stores, and with their prices you don’t have to. So newer clothes are usually actually ‘worn’ by more people. I have heard people tell me that they don’t want dirty or clothes that look worn. It’s funny because I see a lot of clothing items with the tags still on, that were donated to thrift stores from the department store. Haven’t you ever worn something once, and then donated it to a thrift store? I know I have. So before you are quick to cut used clothing down- give it a chance.
• Did you know you can even buy recycle ink jet cartridges? Not only are they cheaper, they are just as good as the new ones.
• If you have a baby, reuse cloth diapers.
• Use items like reusable Tupperware to save food as opposed to plastic bags and wraps.
• Discard paper towels and paper napkins, and trade them in for washable cloth.
• Save and reuse grocery bags you get from the store, or even better- buy a reusable bag. Not only are these recycling tasks going to help our planet and make you feel good about yourself, they are going to save a lot of green from your pocket, which is especially helpful during these times of economic hardship.

#3.   Save Energy

• Go through your house and make sure everything is sealed, and if it isn’t seal it up.
• Buy appliances that boast the energy star label on the box.
• Turn your computer off when you aren’t using it. You have probably heard the popular myth that it uses less energy to leave it on all day than to keep powering up. Well, it is what it is- a myth. If it were a real issue, then electronics would be dying on you all the time.
• When your phone is not charging, unplug your charger. It actually uses energy when it is plugged into the wall- even if the phone isn’t hooked up to it.
• I know, its common sense, but I’ll say it anyway. Turn off your lights when your not home or in that room, turn off your TV when your not watching it, etc. It helps to realize how things we do affect our planet before we can fully understand how important it is to help it.

#4.   Get More Exercise

Consider alternate forms of arriving at your destination. Walk, bike or take the bus. The other day I saw a man go to the store half a mile from his house to buy two items, just to come home and walk the treadmill. It would have been just as easy, and so much better for him had he walked to the store for those two items. I know people who work a block from their house, and still drive, even when they aren’t running late. Even if you don’t work close to home, a walk to the bus stop still helps. I’ve heard people complain that they don’t have time to walk to their local destinations, and often bite my tongue to keep from mentioning the years they would add to their life if they just got some exercise. So save two birds with one stone- be green and be lean!

#5.  Go Online

• Most companies, even some small businesses, are going online when it comes to billing. Call your energy, gas, utility, and credit card companies and see if they have an automatic bill pay program. Some companies offer a discount for people who pay online, not only because it is the ‘green’ thing to do, but because it saves them money in office supplies.
• Save money and paper by using e-mail as opposed to letters.
• Use debit cards for your payments instead of checks.
• Go to your favorite magazines’ website, and chances are you can view the entire magazine online and for free.

#7.  Conserve Water

• If you live in a dry climate, don’t plant a bunch of bushes and flowers that wouldn’t thrive there naturally. Next time, try to Xeriscape. Xeriscape is the term for landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. Its simple- all you have to do is plant things that would grow with the climate naturally.
• Fix all leaky faucets in your house. It is cheap and easy to do, and won’t run up your water bill or your natural resources.

#8. Buy Local and Organic

            Not only would you be supporting your local farmers by buying their produce/dairy, you would know where it came from. Buying from people you can trust is important when your health could be at stake. Go to your closest farmers market, and feel free to ask the farmers any questions you may have. Ask if there are any chemicals or bug repellents used on the vegetables, and when the meat will expire. If something is ‘certified organic,’ that means it meets the FDA criteria.  

#9. Clean Cleaning Items

• Replace your stainless steel and silver polish with half a lemon. Lemon juice can also remove lime build up from mirrors and windows.
• Vinegar is one of the best cleaning agents there is. It doesn’t smell great, but it does a great job of covering up odors such as a stinky dog. Also, running vinegar and water through your coffee pot, and then running just water to remove the vinegar, will get your coffee pot sparkling and the taste fresh.
• Baking soda is something you can mix with vinegar or water for an intense sanitizing effect- without the chemicals.
• Corn Starch can clean windows and furniture, and even used in ironing and to shampoo your carpet.
• Salt, mixed with equal parts vinegar, removes mildew. You’d be surprised at how many of the best household cleaning supplies are already in your home.

#10. Spread the Word

• Telling other people how they can help the planet is just one way you can spread the word. Global warming is a very real issue, and it needs to be recognized as well as the other using excess chemicals, waste and energy are causing.
• Volunteering is an important step to doing your part. Whether it is planting some trees or picking up trash on the side of the road, there are endless ways you can help.
• Blog, write articles, post your feelings on forums. Motivate others to do the same.
• Something as little as a picture on a bumper sticker, or as big as a poster really can say a thousand words.

All my life I have been a girl of self indulgence. I just loved baths, creams and body sprays, with one major problem, I was severely allergic to those chemical laden products, and was left using so called pure soaps that still left me with dry skin that was often accompanied by a rash. With a chemistry and nursing background, I soon learned enough about skin conditions and the chemical makeup of some of those product out on the market. I knew that I could enjoy my baths & creams once again by making it all myself.

I started off just making some simple soaps and mineral baths. The difference in my skin, especially on my face was incredible. Next I began working on cream recipes that would combat the excess oil problem I have. With my own little creations done, I was thrilled to indulge once again.

Because I know that I am not the only woman in the world that loves to pamper herself, my little creations made excellent birthday and other holiday gifts. Soon these gifts turned into gifts for friends of friends. People kept telling me that I should be in business, as my products were great. Sure I thought, I was already working a ‘real job’ and knew I simply did not have time to start my own business. Eventually, while on maternity leave from work, Spring Rain Botanicals ( www.springrainbotanicals.com ) was officially born.

Pregnant with my first child I was both excited and scared as most of us are with the first baby on the way. With my nursing background I know the implications of having chemicals cross the blood barrier via the placenta. Pregnant for the first time, I was amazed to learn what suddenly can become a toxin to your unborn child. Most of us know of the obvious, like cigarette smoke. Have you ever thought of the effects, whether short or long term, of the chemicals in your skincare products? Probably because I have always had to be so careful in what I choose to apply to my body, I have thought about those chemicals. Since I was already making my own skin care I knew that I could also make things I needed for my pregnancy and childbirth. I created rich belly butter to combat stretch marks and leg cramp cream to combat my sciatica problems. Breastfeeding my child was important to me, and listening to other moms I know of the impending problems I could have. So needless to say a Nipple ointment that would protect AND heal would be essential to my life.

When my first child came along, I knew there was a good chance that he too would have my remarkable DNA for being allergic to everything. I had also made the decision to use cloth diapers on my children and needed a product that would wash off the cloth well, if you have tried any zinc creams you will know they do not wash off without allot of effort. I started off making a diaper area and all over body cream. I researched constantly to come up with the most beneficial ingredient that would make this cream actually be effective. Shea Butter would definitely be the answer. Rich in vitamins A and E, as well as essential fatty acids, Shea butter would not only heal skin but protect it as well. Now there is no reason to be so concerned about protecting baby’s delicate skin if you are going to turn around and use those commercial wipes made with drying alcohol on your little angel. So here too I developed an all natural baby wash made with a pure herbal derivative of lavender. Not once did my son ever have a diaper rash or heat rash. His skin always looked fresh, clear, and he always smelled nice, best of all it was done naturally.

Living in a world of chemical laden products, excessive pollution and the overuse of pesticides, I was determined not only to help keep my children’s allergies suppressed but to also give them as pure of a start to life as possible. Realistically, the majority of the allergies that we have are to the chemicals and pollution that we live with on a daily basis.

Because his hair was so thick, and he was born with lots of it, cradle cap was also an issue we had to deal with. Professionals kept recommending baby oil to remove the buildup of skin. Baby Oil is a mineral oil. Essentially a petroleum by-product. Yuck. So again with a little research I read about the benefits of Grapeseed oil. This oil is rich in vitamins E, C, beta carotene, as well as omega fatty acids. Great for all skin types, and famous for cell regeneration and moisturizing. Not only was this oil loosening the dry skin scales, but when I applied it to his hair it absorbed right into his skin. I didn’t have ‘greasy head’ concern with this amazing oil. It’s quick absorption also told me it was going to work where it was needed.

When breastfeeding, I realized it is common for dad’s to feel a little left out of their new baby’s life. This is something I would never of thought of before I had children. Using a few drops of Lavender Essential oil to help calm and soothe in the Grapeseed oil , we massaged our son nightly and it amazing how peacefully he went to sleep. Not once did one of our children fuss at bedtime or cry themselves to sleep. Bedtime was an enjoyable as well as relaxing time of day, not all parents can say this. Daddy was happy too as he finally felt a part of our baby’s life, as he was the one mainly performing the massages after I nursed. Massage not only leaves your baby soft , but massage also stimulates your baby’s brain. Stimulation of the brain encourages growth & mental development. Children who have had this kind of contact at a young age also grow into more self confident and content individuals. At school age, both of our children still enjoy having their backs rubbed at night to get to sleep, and still to this day bedtime is enjoyable. I believe that because we put massaging them from birth as an important aspect in their life, today they are affectionate, happy and secure children. Of course we know that other factors have contributed, but I totally believe in infant massage, especially as they still enjoy it at school age.

Shortly after my second son was born it became evident that he had a hereditary skin condition called Eczema. Because my mother in law was already using my Baby Body Butter to combat her Eczema, I knew exactly what would work. We have been able to totally suppress his Eczema since birth. I have also been selling my products to consumers in Japan ( www.yackattack.com ). They have a serious problem of atopic eczema ( atopy ) with their children, and I am proud to say my products have been very effective in their country.

Since they love to play outdoors, I wanted to ensure that my children were protected. Due to the controversy of the appropriate level of deet to use on children, not to mention it is a pesticide, I wanted my children to be protected naturally. I knew this could be done with pure essential oils, as historically groups like our native Indians have been using plant extracts for centuries. Bye Bye Buggy is an effective way to keep you and your family ‘bite free’. We have been using it faithfully for over five years now and now so do many families.

We debuted a new product this year called Bye Bye SUN. This is a natural mineral based titanium dioxide sunscreen. Unlike commercial sunscreens that protect you from UVA & UVB rays with chemicals that sink into your skin, our sunscreen provides a physical sunblock by applying an invisible ‘film’ to you skin. The microfine titanium dioxide actually reflects the suns rays, UVA and UVB, away from your skin. It does need to be reapplied every 2-3 hours, and more so after swimming or excessive perspiration. Applied properly, it is an effective sunscreen. Like any sunscreen, it is meant to be used in conjunction with minimized exposure and proper clothing such as hats, long sleeve shirts, etc. Best of all it can be safely used on children over 4 weeks of age. We recommend that our sunscreen have a SPF of 15- 18, based on the directions from the manufacturer of the titanium dioxide. The Shea butter we use in the cream also contributes to the SPF as it has a natural SPF value of between 6- 8. Because we use natural ingredients to maintain our SPF, we cannot put and exact SPF level on our product by Health Canada Standards. We use this product most importantly on ourselves and our children, you can trust it on yours. Bye Bye SUN is created using the same Shea Butter cream base as our Baby Body Butter, so it is safe & healing for skin conditions such as Eczema & Psoriasis.

Although Spring Rain Botanicals ( www.springrainbotanicals.com ) started out as a safe way to pamper myself, the heart of the company centers around the Baby and Pregnancy products which are truly my passion. Since they were created for my own pregnancy and babies, you can trust Spring Rain Botanicals line of amazing products. Enjoy !

For further Information you can contact Karen McCafferty, owner of Spring Rain Botanicals.

Km@springrainsoaps.com

www.springrainbotanicals.com

PO Box 257

Fonthill, Ontario CANADA L0S 1E0