Safer plastics
My home used to be loaded with petroleum-based plastics in the kitchen, from vinyl floor tiles to storage containers and handy wraps. And I did not realize that phthalates used to soften plastics and vinyl enter the air and our food and can affect the hormones of developing children. My family now uses phthalate-free, recyclable containers and wraps such as Gladware containers and the Tupperware's freezesmart line.

Tip offered by Stephanie: B., Hampton

Make your own Laundry Products
I am making my own laundry products and reusing the containers I store them in. I make my own laundry detergent using the following recipe:

Liquid Detergent

1 quart water (boiling)
2 cups bar soap (grated)
2 cups borax
2 cups washing soda

1. Add finely grated bar soap to the boiling water and stir until soap is melted. You can keep on low heat until soap is melted.

2. Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the borax and washing soda. Stir well until all is dissolved.

3. Add 2 gallons of water, stir until well mixed.

4. Cover pail and use 1/4 cup for each load of laundry. Once it's cool, add 5 - 7 drops of your favorite essential oil per gallon. Stir the soap each time you use it (it will gel).

Tip offered by: Kristen R., Norfolk

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