Cleaning up after the Super Bowl can have its challenges. Below are some cleaning products that won’t eat up  a sizable chunk of your household budget and work even better.

You will also get the added benefit of more  room under your sink by throwing away all those cleaners except for the below three items.

Vinegar, baking soda, salt, and even beer can replace many of the products you use when cleaning to save you BIG $, while also saving the environment and energy.

Below are are a number of ways to replace expensive store-bought chemicals that can hurt the environment.

Cleaning glass

Mix a 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 3 cups of water in a spray bottle.  a Just spray it on, wipe it down with a piece of newspaper, yes newspaper, and you get squeaky clean glass even better then the store bought cleaners!

Cleaning in the Bathroom and Personal Care

Use the same ratio of vinegar and water above in a spray bottle or in a pal. The vinegar is mild enough that it won’t etch the porcelain, and it makes the chrome fixtures  shine. Also if you run out of toothpaste or no longer want to buy it, Baking soda works just as well. Put a little on your toothbrush with a little water to make a paste and you teeth will be sparkling along with your breathe. Baking soda also works well to exfoliate your skin so use it for you face and body when in the bath.

Scrubbing  Stuck-on food and Stains

Baking soda works as an alternative to any type of abrasive cleaner. Sprinkle dry baking soda on the stuck-on food, or combine it with a little water to make a softer scrub for bathtubs and shower tiles. Added benefit is that it will also absorb any bad odors! Also works on your kitchen counter tops as well.

Deodorizing your Carpet

Sprinkling baking soda on carpet removes odors. Cover the entire area with a light sprinkling and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then vacuum it up. The baking soda will absorb the smell. It works great on pet smells and other mild odors.

Cleaning a cast-iron skillet

Sprinkle salt over the stuck-on bits and use a plastic brush to clean the pan. The salt is gritty enough to force the food bits free, but soft enough that it hasn’t damaged my pan. Add a little water for the extra tough bits.

Removing  Stains from a Glass Coffee Pot

Coffee stains everything, especially the inside of the coffee pot. If the bottom of your pot gets gunky, pour in about a quarter-cup of salt, five or six ice cubes, and some water. Then lightly swirl the mixture around. The salt and ice will scrub the pot and lift the stains. Rinse out the coffee pot before you use it again and you are set to go. Using a carafe coffee maker to save even more energy is the way to go to save even more energy and money!

Polishing Metal Pot Bottoms

The acidity of beer actually can polish metal. Rubbing copper-bottom or aluminum pans down with some flat beer removes tarnish and restores shine. Beer can also work on baking sheets and cupcake tins. No need to use a fresh beer an old left over one that is flat works equally as well!

Check back for some more energy and money saving tips this week.

 

National Green Energy Council President Congratulates Governor Patrick of Massachusetts on Offshore Wind Project

National GEC President, Ralph Avallone traveled to Boston, Massachusetts where he was closing keynote speaker at the Green Economy Conference at the Hynes Convention Center.

At the conference Mr. Avallone congratulated Massachusetts Governor Patrick on his support of a massive offshore wind turbine project. On APRIL 28, 2010 U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ken Salazar announced his approval of Cape Wind with a favorable Record of Decision for the project to be constructed on Horseshoe Shoal in Nantucket Sound off the coast of Massachusetts.

“Secretary Salazar’s decision today to approve Cape Wind has launched the American offshore wind industry. It allows our nation to harness an abundant and inexhaustible clean energy source for greater energy independence, a healthier environment and green jobs,” said Cape Wind President Jim Gordon.

This project created a near decade long permitting path for Cape wind.”What enabled Cape Wind to reach this crucial milestone is the steadfast support of leading environmental, labor, health and trade organizations and the support of the overwhelming majority of Massachusetts citizens who have repeatedly made their voices heard. We also appreciate Governor Deval Patrick’s support, vision and leadership to make Massachusetts a global leader in offshore renewables and the clean energy economy. Thank you to all those who made this day possible,” Gordon added.

The project proposes to construct 130 wind turbines five miles off the coast of Cape Cod, the first time an offshore wind project has passed federal approval.

The next day, in New Jersey, a company called Fishermen’s Energy launched a buoy to measure wind speed and temperatures to determine the best location to site turbines. If all goes as the company hopes, construction on up to 100 offshore turbines could begin next year, said spokeswoman Rhonda Jackson.

“Our organization presented a model in November of 2008 in our United States Energy Master Plan that we presented to Congress to create a daisy chain of off shore wind turbines from the tip of Maine down to the Florida Keys” said Avallone.

“We believe that these two states will show the nation that through public-private partnerships and a collaborative spirit we can and will show the world that America has truly entered the “Great Green Revolution”. Continued GEC National President Ralph Avallone.

“The National Green Energy Council is committed to continue our involvement in this opportunity to assist America in creating a new Green economy!”

To learn more about the efforts of the International Green Energy Council or to become a member go to: www.greenenergycouncil.com