Monthly Archives: October 2011

Green cleaning your laundry

Posted on
Reply

Laundry RackThe Learning Channel has 10 tips that will help you green clean your clothes. Green cleaning your clothes begins with four household products; vinegar, salt, baking soda, and lemon juice.

The tips begin with using cold water to wash your clothes. You should also only wash your clothes when you have a complete load. Never overload your washing machine.  If you overload your washing machine, your clothes will not come clean. Do not use laundry detergent. “Salt is a good stain remover. (TLC)” Baking soda and vinegar also make great laundry cleaners.

Star certified washers use less energy. When you dry clothes you should try drying several loads “back to back.” The dryer won’t need to warm up, which takes a lot of energy. You can also go with the option hanging your clothes on a rack to dry. Do you know any other green cleaning laundry tips or tricks?

Image courtesy of storebukkebruse via Flickr

Find and fill the hidden storage space in your apartment

Posted on
Reply

Storage boxes to help organize your apartmentIf you’ve tried organizing your apartment but you think you don’t have enough space, “Oh My Apartment” has some interesting tips. The bathroom door is one place that has potential for storage. I purchased an over the door robe hanger. “Oh My Apartment” suggests an over the door shoe rack or towel hanger.

You can also wall mount some items in your bedroom or living room. These wall mounts can hold books, or other items. I use the 3M wall mounts in my apartment. They don’t damage the wall or the paint. View the picture in this post. It has storage boxes that you can slip into small unused spaces in the apartment.

Visit the Container Store, Wal-Mart, Target, and other stores to find storage containers to slip under the bed. You might be able to use these containers in the closet. Do you have any storage tips? View other posts on the TriBridge Residential blog.

Image courtesy of Rubbermaid Products via Flickr

Finding green electronics for your apartment

Posted on
Reply

Case-Mate Fuel Cell for electronicsYou might think that it is difficult to live green in an apartment, but the TriBridge Residential blog has several posts that tell you how to save energy. You can purchase energy strips to help you save energy on electronics once they are powered off.

You can also grow a few vegetables on your balcony, patio, or in your apartment. The Energy Star website also provides information about energy efficient light bulbs, battery chargers, computers, cordless phones, and televisions. You don’t need to view the website to find those products. When you visit your local electronics store, Wal-Mart, or Target; search for the Energy Star sticker on the product packaging.

Ikea also has solar powered floor lamps made by a company named “Solvinden.” You can purchase these lamps in black or white. You can also find other solar lamps in IKEA. Do you know about any local electronics stores where you can purchase energy efficient lamps?

Image courtesy of David Berkowitz via Flickr