The John Tesh Blog

Speed Clean the Healthy Way

Who isn't interested in having a clean, tidy, fresh-smelling house?  But hearing that the wrong cleaning methods can exacerbate allergies (even cause them) or asthma, or possibly spread disease-causing toxins through your home, suddenly a little mess doesn't seem so bad. Paige Greenfield, a contributor to Prevention magazine, led the way to quiz leading immunologists, microbiologists, and cleaning experts to find the healthiest ways to tidy up.

Surprise! The safest ways to clean can also be the quickest- yay, because here's the weekend! Even better: It's okay to leave behind a little grime! See if you can answer the same quiz- which is healthier?

Which is healthier: Deodorizing with a scented candle or an air freshener?

Answer: Neither. "You're just masking a foul odor by introducing a stronger one," says James Sublett, MD, chief of pediatric allergy and immunology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. Worse, candles release particles of soot, and candles and air fresheners give off synthetic fragrances--all of which can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms. If you love the look of candles, don't despair--try unscented beeswax candles, which have a light honey fragrance that won't worsen symptoms. (They also produce much less soot than paraffin.) But the healthiest way to get rid of an odor is to crack open a window and turn on a fan to circulate air.

Which is healthier: Sponge mop or rag mop?

Answer: Sponge mop. Even after rinsing, more dirt and bacteria sticks to the strands of a rag mop than to the sponge. Besides, the sponge's flat surface cleans more effectively. Use a solution of 1 ounce of bleach per quart of water, plus some soap, to clean floors. When you're done, rinse the mop with a fresh batch of the solution, says Philip M. Tierno Jr., PhD, director of clinical microbiology at New York University Medical Center. Stand the mop up in the shower to dry to keep germs from multiplying.

Which is healthier: Dropping a tablet into the tank or using a toilet brush?

Answer: Toilet brush. Though tablets release cleansers with each flush, you still need to scrub to get rid of dirt, says Tierno. Try pouring 1 cup of bleach into the toilet before going to bed. The bleach breaks down bacteria and fungus overnight, making your job easier.  (Just make sure to leave the lid down in case you've got a canine friend who enjoys a good slurp out of the toilet...don't worry- your isn't the only one!)

Which is healthier: The oven's self-cleaning feature or elbow grease?
Answer: Clean it yourself. A "self-cleaning" appliance may seem convenient, but it can create a toxic home environment, says Jeff May, a certified indoor air quality investigator and author of Jeff May's Healthy Home Tips. The feature heats the oven as high as 900°F and burns off everything inside. Even if the oven is sealed tightly, it'll release smoke, fumes, and carbon monoxide, he says. Instead, sprinkle baking soda in a quarter-inch layer. Spritz the baking soda with water until damp, says Annie Bond, author of Better Basics for the Home: Simple Solutions for Less Toxic Living. Let it sit overnight--the grime should lift right off the next day.

Which is healthier: Cleaning a humidifier once a week or not using one?

Answer: Not using one. Dry air parches nasal passages, making you more vulnerable to catching a virus. But a humidifier does more harm than good because it encourages mold growth, which can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms, Sublett explains. Measure the relative humidity in your home with a hygrometer (such as Honeywell's digital wireless one, $25, amazon.com), and make sure it falls between 35 and 65%, says May. Too low? Float some blossoms in bowls of water throughout the house; as the water evaporates, the humidity will rise.

Which is healthier: Bleach or ammonia?

Answer: Bleach. Ammonia fumes are more irritating to the skin, eyes, nose, and lungs, Tierno says. Bleach is better at cutting dirt and killing germs. But a little goes a long way: One ounce of bleach per quart of water will remove the toughest mold from the tightest spots. Whatever you do, don't mix bleach and ammonia. The combination creates chloramine, a gas that can damage your airways.

Which is healthier: Cleaning pet accidents with baking soda or vinegar?
Answer: Vinegar. Animal excrement is full of bacteria and possibly parasites. The most important thing to do is to break up the enzymes in the urine or stool, says Sarah Hodgson, author of Puppies for Dummies, because the enzymes are what encourage your animal to mark in the same spot again. Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half mixture of vinegar (apple cider or white) and water. Saturate the area with the solution and pat it dry with a paper towel; repeat and let dry.

Next time you're dishing the dirt- literally?  Try some natural solutions for the dirt, with these very effective, and very gentle, products next time you've got a mess to deal with:

For Stains: Use baking soda Sprinkle it on the stain until completely covered; spray with water. When baking soda is absorbed, wipe clean with a cloth.

For Mold, bacteria, and grease: Use vinegar Fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar. Saturate the affected area and then simply let the vinegar evaporate.

For Soot, wax, and oil: Use washing soda (sodium carbonate) on stone or glass. A cousin to baking soda, it can be found in the detergent aisle. Make a thick paste with 1 4 cup of soda and water. Cover stain and let it set for an hour; scrub.

Weekend's here.  No one really wants to spend it cleaning the house, so it seems like a pretty good idea to do it the best way, the safest way, the fastest way, the first time!

Finally, today, we lift our hearts in memory of the victims of 9/11, and love for their families. You are never forgotten.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

30 tips for your Green Home Guide- simple and painless!

Have you noticed?  Going green can sometimes cost you a lot of green!  But not always, so it's pretty cool to find some easy-to-go-green ideas from Whole Living that could have you stashing away some of your precious green! You might be surprised that some of these ideas, which seem pretty simple!- can help you leave a lighter carbon footprint- enjoy! 

1. Get to know a local farmer.
2. Drink from a reusable water bottle.
3. Skip the gym and exercise outdoors.
4. Reuse your Ziploc bags.
5. Eat sustainable fish (visit the Blue Ocean Institute for more info).
6. Bring a reusable bag to the supermarket, grocery store, mall, and lunch stop.
7. Eat a meal -- or two or three -- without meat.
8. Unplug your electronics.
9. Cancel the phone-book delivery.
10. Sign up for online banking and stop receiving paper statements.
11. Get off junk-mail lists.
12. Share books, or swap paperbacks using PaperBack Swap.
13. Shut down your computer when you leave work or home.
14. Skip the elevator and take the stairs.
15. Turn off the lights.
16. Fill up your freezer, since the fuller it is, the less energy it uses to keep food frozen.
17. Bring lunch to work in a reusable container.
18. Swap tools, toys, clothes and the likes with your neighbor, or organize a neighborhood swap!
19. Go trash-free for a day- try to recycle everything.
20. Save gas by emptying your trunk.
21. Spread the word- start an eco-conversation wherever you go.
22. Join a community supported agriculture (CSA) program (visit Local Harvest).
23. Schedule an energy audit to save energy and money.
24. Plant an organic garden.
25. Go on a one-day buying freeze.
26. Print on both sides of the paper. Better yet, use treeless paper.
27. Bring your own mug or thermos to your favorite coffee spot.
28. Check the air pressure in your tires; under-inflated tires reduce fuel efficiency.
29. Get a library card.
30. Volunteer your time at a local conservation agency, and you'll help others go green, too!

How many of these ideas do you think you, personally, could carry out in one week?  What if you got your spouse along for at least three more?  Add in the rest of the family, and you've got a shot at being an example in your community!  Good luck-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

The 10 Worst Germ Hot Spots

You may scrub your toilet and counter tops until they shine, but Prevention magazine has listed some scary new bacteria breeding grounds that require just as much attention. Germs (the catchall name for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms) are everywhere--at home, in the office, even in your car. Luckily, about 99% of them can't harm us. But the other 1% can be annoying, uncomfortable, or downright scary: Most of these pathogens are either viral or bacterial and can cause everything from a runny nose to a potentially life-threatening infection.

We've heard in recent years some of the most obvious places that germs propagate--the doctor's office, the soles of your shoes--but many more germ-friendly locales are completely unexpected yet no less dangerous. We uncovered a host of surprising new spots where germs like to lurk, and offer easy solutions to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

1. Forget the kitchen sink- try the kitchen faucet!
That metal aeration screen at the end of the faucet is a total germ magnet. Running water keeps the screen moist, an ideal condition for bacteria growth. Because tap water is far from sterile, if you accidentally touch the screen with dirty fingers or food, bacteria can grow on the faucet, explains microbiologist Kelly Reynolds, PhD, an associate professor of community environment and policy at the University of Arizona College of Public Health. Over time, bacteria build up and form a wall of pathogens called biofilm that sticks to the screen. "Eventually, that biofilm may even be big enough to break off and get onto your food or dishes," she notes.

Keep It Clean: Once a week, remove the screen and soak it in a diluted bleach solution--follow the directions on the label. Replace the screen, and let the water run a few minutes before using.

2. The garbage disposal- might not be disposing of germs!
Bacteria from last night’s dinner could end up on today’s food and utensils if you’re not careful. That raw chicken or spinach you're rinsing for dinner is often loaded with harmful bacteria, which can make the young, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system seriously ill. In fact, there are often more than 500,000 bacteria in the kitchen sink--about 1,000 times more than the average toilet has. Although the metal part of the disposal produces ions that can help kill germs, they still love to grow on the crevices in and around the slimy rubber stopper. That means your disposal can become party central for bacteria, contaminating whatever touches it--dishes, utensils, even your hands.

Keep It Clean: At least once a week, clean the disposal's rubber stopper with a diluted bleach solution--soap and water aren't enough.

3. Your welcome mat? Very welcoming, but not of what you want.
It serves to greet not only your guests but also all the bugs on the bottoms of their shoes. In fact, one study found that nearly 96% of shoe soles had traces of coliform, which includes fecal bacteria. "The area near your front door is one of the dirtiest in the house," says Reynolds. Once bacteria plant their stakes in your mat, anytime you walk on it, you give them a free ride into your home.

Keep It Clean: Spray the doormat once a week with a fabric-safe disinfectant (such as Lysol Disinfectant Spray). Leave shoes at the door, and avoid resting bags and groceries on the mat, too.

4. Vacuum cleaner
It’s all in the bag—including spreadable germs. "Vacuums--including the brushes and bags--are like meals-on-wheels for bacteria," says Charles Gerba, PhD, professor of environmental biology at the University of Arizona "You suck in all this bacteria and food, creating an atmosphere for growth." A recent study by Gerba and his team found that 13% of all vacuum cleaner brushes tested positive for E. coli, which means you could spread it around the house each time you use the appliance.

Keep It Clean: Change your vacuum bag frequently, and do so outdoors to avoid the cloud of bacteria that filters into the air. (Vacuum bags that feature antibacterial linings are best, and are available for many major brands.) Clean the cavity of a bagless vacuum with diluted bleach and let it air-dry.

5. Dish towels
You know a sponge can harbor nasty germs, but dish towels are just as dangerous. A recent study of hundreds of homes across the United States found that about 7% of kitchen towels were contaminated with MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), the difficult-to-treat staph bacteria that can cause life-threatening skin infections. Dish towels also rated tops for dangerous strains of E. coli and other bacteria. We often use towels to wipe up spills, says Reynolds, then reuse before washing them, which spreads germs.

Keep It Clean: Stick to paper towels to clean countertops, and save the dishrag to dry just-washed pots and plates. Change towels or launder at least twice a week in hot water and bleach.

6. Car dashboard
This is your vehicle's second-most-common spot for bacteria and mold. Here’s why: When air—which carries mold spores and bacteria—gets sucked in through the vents, it's often drawn to the dashboard, where it can deposit the spores and germs. Because the dashboard receives the most sun and tends to stay warm, it's prime for growth. (The number one germ zone? Food spills.)

Keep It Clean: Regularly swipe the inside of your car with disinfecting wipes. Be more vigilant during allergy season—about 20 million Americans are affected by asthma, which is caused in part by an allergic reaction to mold.

7. Soap dispensers
About 25% of public restroom dispensers are contaminated by fecal bacteria. Soap that harbors bacteria may sound ironic, but that’s exactly what a recent study found. "Most of these containers are never cleaned, so bacteria grows as the soap scum builds up," says Gerba. "And the bottoms are touched by dirty hands, so there's a continuous culture going on feeding millions of bacteria."

Keep It Clean: Be sure to scrub hands thoroughly for 15 to 20 seconds with plenty of hot water--and if you have an alcohol gel disinfectant, use that, too.

8. Restaurant ketchup bottle
Eww. Those condiments on the tabletop are grimier than you think. It's the rare eatery that regularly bleaches down condiment containers. And the reality is that many people don't wash their hands before eating, says Reynolds. So while you may be diligent, the guy who poured the ketchup before you may not have been, which means his germs are now on your fries.

Keep It Clean: Squirt hand sanitizer on the outside of the bottle or use a disinfectant wipe before you grab it. Holding the bottle with a napkin won't help--they're porous, so microorganisms can walk right through, says Reynolds.

9. Refrigerator seal
Do you scrub the inside of your fridge? It’s not enough. A University of Arizona survey of 160 homes in three US cities found that the seal around the fridge tested positive 83% of the time for common molds. The mold can spread every time the refrigerator door opens--exposing anyone who's susceptible to allergies and potentially contaminating the food.

Keep It Clean: Wipe fridge seals at least once a week with a diluted bleach solution or disinfectant.

10. And finally- something dear and quite near to you every day- your cell phone
Drop your cell any place that’s convenient? Read this first. Several studies on cell phones and PDAs found that they carry tons of bacteria, including staph (which can cause skin infections), pseudomonas (eye infections), and salmonella (stomach ailments). Many electronic devices are sheathed in leather or vinyl cases, which provide plenty of creases and crevices for germs to hide.

Keep It Clean: Use a disinfecting wipe a few times a week, and be conscious of where you rest personal items.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Buying organic on the cheap- it IS possible. Here's how.

With food costs rising over the last several months, you might wonder if adding organic milk to your grocery cart is really worth the extra money.  It is.  Yes, organic food is more expensive, but when it comes to the staples of your diet, and your family's- organics are indeed a worthwhile investment, and the payoffs might surprise you:  benefits that influence your health today, and long-term.  Prevention magazine clues us in about which foods are worth the splurge, which we can skip, and how to save money while keeping your diet nutritionally and ecologically sound:

Organics 101
First- 3 ways organics benefit your health:

They Have More Nutrients:  Reports of organic food not being better for you are way outdated.  A brand new analysis of about 100 studies, including more than 40 published in the past 7 years, found that the average levels of nearly a dozen nutrients are 25% higher in organic produce.

There May Be Weight Benefits:  Research in rats found that those fed an all-organic diet (versus conventional food) had lower weights, less body fat, and stronger immune systems.  Plus, the "clean diet" animals were calmer and slept better.  (How'd you like to be the researcher into that particular study??)

You Consume Fewer Toxins:  Eating the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables exposes you to about 14 pesticides a day.  A study supported by the EPA measured pesticide levels in children's urine before and after a switch to an organic diet.  After just 5 days, the chemicals decreased to undetectable levels.

Top Produce Picks

Government lab tests show that even after washing, certain fruits and vegetables carry much higher levels of pesticides than do others. Between 2000 and 2005, the not-for-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed the results of nearly 51,000 tests for residues on produce. Based on the data, they created a "dirty dozen" list of the most contaminated fruits and veggies. Top offenders include: peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes (imported), spinach, lettuce, and potatoes. Always buying these foods organic is ideal, but if you can't, focus on those you eat all the time.  The saving tip?  Buy organic produce in season (preferably local), when it's most affordable--usually at half the cost. Not only does your wallet benefit, but so do the local farmers supplying the grub. You're guaranteed that the produce is fresh and little energy was wasted in its journey from the farm to your kitchen.

Milk:  Is it Worth the Splurge?  The experts say YES.  Per half gallon, organic milk is more expensive--about $4 versus $2.50--but it's worth the splurge. Recent studies revealed impressive findings on organic milk. Some highlights include: It contains 75% more beta-carotene, as much as a serving of brussels sprouts. It has 50% more vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that aids the immune system and fights cancer and heart disease. It provides 2 to 3 times the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, and about 70% more omega-3 fatty acids. Organic milk also contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). This good fat has been linked to numerous health benefits, including stronger immunity, less belly fat, a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and healthier arteries.  The saving tip?  Many organic dairy companies such as Stonyfield Farm and Organic Valley offer printable coupons on their sites for as much as $1 off a half gallon of milk or 16-ounce container of yogurt.

Is There More to Your Meat?
Again- research goes with organic here.  A study in the journal Meat Science compared the nutritional content of organic and nonorganic chicken meat. The researchers found that the organic samples contained 28% more omega-3s, essential fatty acids that are linked to reduced rates of heart disease, depression, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease. Animals raised organically can't be given antibiotics, growth hormones, or feed made from animal by-products (which can transmit mad cow disease.)  The saving tip?  Get picky about portion size.  The recommended portion size for meat and poultry is 3 ounces, the size of a deck of cards. Stick to this amount and round out your meal with less expensive whole grains and veggies to dramatically cut meal costs and improve nutritional balance. A pound of organic whole chicken for $4 can feed a family of four with brown rice and in-season veggies on the side.

Are There Organics You Can Skip?  You bet.  Step into any health food store and you're likely to find an organic version of just about everything, including cotton candy. While it's true that organic "junk foods" are better for the planet, they generally aren't better for you. A six-pack of organic soda costs $5; yes, it's made without high fructose corn syrup, but each can contains 160 calories (20 more than a 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola Classic) and zero nutrients. Cutting back on sweets and nutritionally void extras altogether is the best way to get the most nutrition bang for your buck.

Another Tip To Save?  Buy generic vs. brand name, since nearly every mainstream supermarket now carries organic store-brand options.  Additionally, buy in bulk when possible.  Organic options can be found at the big name shopping clubs, or go local with a community health food store.  Does you live near a neighborhood co-op?  Try there- great support of local efforts, and a great money saver, too!  You can purchase many organic  grains (including brown and wild rice and whole oats), pastas, flours, dried fruits, and nuts in the bulk sections of stores for far less. Organic brown rice in bulk is about 99 cents per pound.

It may seem like a lot all at once- try one food staple at a time, perhaps.  Soon you may find shopping with a different, organic, mindset becomes a new habit that's easy to stick with!

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Your guide to everything "allergic"- the bad, the ugly, and maybe a little bit of good!

Allergies of every kind, from mold to milk to metal, are becoming increasingly common in the United States. With a sympathetic nod to those of you bracing yourselves against this spring's burgeoning pollen count, MSN Health & Fitness is here with 10 allergy facts that don't come up as regularly or reliably as seasonal symptoms do.

1. Allergies can give you a shiner. When hay fever strikes, pressure from nasal congestion can be so great that it causes blood vessels in the face to become constricted. The blood can't flow freely and may pool under the eyes. Blood draining back toward the heart, or venous blood, appears blue in color (compared to arterial blood flowing from the heart, which is red) and, when trapped, results in the appearance of an allergic shiner, sometimes known as "black-eye syndrome."

2. Any organ in the body can be affected by allergies. Sufferers of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) will attest that allergies can cause a runny nose, irritated eyes, and an itchy throat. Some allergic reactions can cause the skin to break out in hives or the intestines to cramp, and allergy-induced asthma takes a toll on the lungs.  A bee sting can affect the cardiovascular system, and produce an anaphylactic response, which affects the respiratory system.

3. It's not pet hair that gets your dander up. Contrary to popular belief, pet hair is not an allergen—though it's still no fun to clean the sheddings of cats and dogs from your wool coat. Rather, it's the particles of pet dander (dead skin), saliva, and urine trapped in the hair, or airborne in your breathing environment, that prompt your allergic reaction.

4. "Allergy-addiction syndrome" lacks credibility. Like a drug addict who craves a chemical that's bad for the body, some people claim to have an addiction to foods to which they are allergic. But paradoxical cravings are most likely explained by a typical psychological trick we play on ourselves: We always want something a little more when we know we can't have it.

5. The sharp rise in peanut allergies is still not well understood. The rate of peanut allergies in the U.S. has doubled over the past 10 years, currently affecting between 1 and 2 percent of the population. Prevalence in the U.S. may be explained by our method of processing; dry-roasting is not as popular a method in countries where the allergy is less common. Another prevailing theory is the hygiene hypothesis: Now that we're living in an increasingly sterile environment where diseases are eradicated and bacteria vanquished, the immune system may be seizing on harmless foreign antigens—essentially, protecting our system against a false threat.

A new study reverses recent health strategies. Rather than delaying an introduction to peanuts, the research suggests we might increase tolerance by introducing peanuts earlier and more frequently.

6. Black boys are at especially high risk of having food allergies. A March 2009 study showed that black male children are about four times more likely than the rest of the population to be food allergic. The study of more than 8,200 participants found both food sensitivities and food allergies to be highest among blacks, males, and kids—which leaves these kids right in the demographic crosshairs.

7. Eight foods are responsible for 90 percent of all food allergies. The chief offenders: milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat. Some make the list because they're prevalent among children, and others because they prompt lifelong reactions. "A child will 'outgrow' some food allergies, notably milk and egg; as the GI system matures, the system gets better at breaking down the proteins in them that cause an adverse reaction. Other foods, such as shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, tend to trigger an allergic response even when broken down, so the reactivity is more apt to be lifelong."

8. A link has been drawn between allergies and obesity—but to date the association is controversial. Some research has suggested that food allergies contribute directly or indirectly to obesity. In 2007, one study published in the journal Diabetes found that a high-sugar, high-fat, low-fiber diet caused an immune response of inflammation, in turn leading to increased insulin resistance, which prompts the body to store more fat.

However, the prevailing wisdom is that allergic disease and obesity are each based on a variety of genetic and environmental factors. The research is not yet conclusive enough to establish a causal link between the two.

9. Nickel allergy is a common culprit of contact dermatitis. If your skin is irritated where contact is made with bracelets, rings, earrings, or eyeglasses, it may be due to nickel content in the metal. Reactions to 24-karat gold or other metals used in fine jewelry (such as platinum or titanium) are rare. Trace amounts of nickel in detergent, nail polish, and makeup, or even in buttons and snaps, however, can cause an itchy rash at the site due to metal allergy.

10. The prevalence of allergies continues to increase. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, allergies of every kind—inhaled, ingested, contact, or otherwise—are steadily increasing in rate. Allergic diseases currently affect more than one in five Americans, making them the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the U.S. If you have pollen or mold allergies, you can check daily counts in your area through the National Allergy Bureau.

Talk to your doctor, if you feel you need to see an allergist for more comprehensive testing.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

Save money and our one and only Earth. Happy Earth Day.

Happy Earth Day!  And you know, this is so much more than any gimmick, or commercial play to get you to spend more money to 'go green.'  In fact, how about spending less? 

This is it- OUR EARTH.  How have we been taking care of things lately?  And by lately, I mean in the last century alone!  Studies from scientists, and more studies from more scientists show...well, we could use a little belt tightening.  So from DivineCaroline.com and The Weather Channel, here are some ways we can celebrate our planet's greatness each and every day...and  that neat little idea of saving a little green stuff $$$, too? 

We are creatures of habit, and nowhere is this more true than in our homes. You might be following in mom's footsteps, emulating the way your college roommate handled domestic chores, or listening to the advice of one too many TV advertisements, but it's possible that some of your cooking, cleaning, and shopping practices could be dumping money and toxic chemicals down the drain. With a few simple changes, you can save a few bucks and be a little bit kinder to the planet.

Ditch the cleansers that come with bleach.

Many types of bathroom and kitchen cleaning fluids and powders include bleach. Even though bleach costs next to nothing, when mixed with cleansers, it seems to double their price. Using cleansers sans bleach is usually just as effective, not to mention easier. You don't have to worry about damaging your skin or clothes or be concerned about fumes. That said, there are times when no amount of scrubbing will remove the smudges on the bottom of the bathtub. In that case, keep a bottle of bleach handy. Spraying or pouring bleach--brand name or generic--on the stains will be far more effective than a diluted cleanser. Plus, a large bottle will last for months, if not longer, and cost $1 to $2. (Don't forget to wear gloves and clothes that would embarrass you if you donned them in public. And make sure to ventilate the room.)

Make peace with the bacteria in your household.

Just remember, in your body, bacterial cells outnumber your own cells, so you have no choice but to coexist with them. Antibacterial soaps may be de rigueur, but they don't work. They cost more, are no more effective at killing the most harmful strains of bacteria, and studies suggest that they may be harmful to the environment. In addition, scientists warn that antibacterial soaps may lead to a rise in antibiotic-resistant super germs. Save the money and buy regular bar soap instead.

Ease up on the dryer.

While every woman knows better than to put her prettiest panties and bras in the dryer, don't forget about the not-so-nice stuff that you can't imagine living without. The t-shirt from your favorite concert will last (almost) forever if you hang it to dry every time. Second hand garb, apparel from cheap chain stores, the top you still have from high school--let them dry as nature intended. Air-drying will even help retain the downy softness of a new hooded sweatshirt. By using the dryer less, you'll cut back on your energy bill, reduce your carbon footprint, and extend the lifetime of your clothes.

Embrace the cold.

Just like the dryer, the washer can wreak havoc on clothes. Hot water is particularly rough on clothes, weakening the fabric and fading the color. We justify using hot water to get tough stains out of our clothes. But unless you're an auto mechanic, a really messy eater, or someone who plays in the dirt often, your clothes will come out just as clean washed in cold water. With oil stains, the clothes washing experts do recommend warm water, but I have found that if I apply stain remover and let it work its magic, the grease vanishes regardless of the water temperature. And just like with air-drying clothes, cold water washes will save money on your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint.

More water. Less soap.

If soap is good, then more must be better, right? Wrong. Soap works by attracting dirt. But if you use too much, it becomes difficult to wipe away the residue. So the remaining soap sitting on your glistening counter tops and floors is actually going to make them dirtier quicker. The worst time to use too much soap is exactly when most people tend to go overboard--when there's an accident on the rug or a stain the couch, we douse it in stain remover. The problem is that the residue clings to the material and collects dirt, making the fabric or carpet look dingy. By using soap and cleansers sparingly, you'll save resources and money.

Re-use it and then use it again.

The kitchen is a place for creativity--with not only food preparation, but also food storage. If you are constantly buying food containers and wondering why you can never find the tops, start reusing the "free" plastic containers that come with your food. Whether it was filled with sour cream, pasta sauce, or hummus, it doesn't matter once it's washed. Save the plastic bags that you put your produce in at the grocery store to wrap up cheese, sliced vegetables and fruit, or anything that needs a quick wrap. Wash and re-use resealable plastic bags. It's hard to recall how we preserved food without Ziploc bags and the like, and I would never suggest going without. But since they are made with thick plastic, they have several lives. Just handwash the bag, turn it inside out, and let it dry. If you become more resourceful, you will notice that you buy far fewer bags, plastic wrap, and food storage containers, which is good for the planet and your pocketbook.

Greens for less.

The temptation to buy pre-washed greens is hard to resist. But if you are looking to stay healthy while trimming your grocery budget, it's time to go analog. If you don't have a salad spinner, invest. They are inexpensive and will ultimately save you money. Take a head of lettuce, tear off the leaves, put them in the spinner, fill it with water, drain, and then start spinning. Drain again and spin some more. The drier the lettuce, the longer it will last. Then put it in a sealable plastic bag or a container. If you really want to get ahead of the curve, make enough salad for two days and leave the dressing on the side. Loose-leaf greens use less packaging than the bagged type and are a much more cost effective way to get your veggies.

Sometimes, it's the little things that we've been doing for years that are the hardest to change. Paying attention to where we can cut costs and streamline our cleaning and cooking will save us time.  And the planet?  On behalf of Mother Nature, thank you.

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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Eco-friendly AND $$$ saving tips to celebrate Earth Day

How about this for an idea?  Celebrate Earth Day this weekend (actual date is next week, Wed, April 22nd) and save yourself money at the same time!  Got your attention?  Good- let's find out how, with these money saving, home eco-friendly tips from Martha Stewart:

Cut back on pollution and save as much as $1,400 on annual energy bills with these easy household tips.

Go Low-Flow

To reduce hot-water consumption (and energy needs), federal legislation mandated improved showerhead efficiency for models made after 1994. Replace older models with ones that spray no more than 2.5 gallons per minute.

Potential annual savings: $145, plus 370 pounds of emissions

Lose the Old Fridge

Refrigerators use more electricity than any other appliance. Older ones are worse, so give top priority to replacing a pre-1993 fridge.

Potential annual savings: $70, plus 1,720 pounds of emissions

Upgrade Windows

Single- and even some double-pane clear-glass windows can force heating and cooling systems to work overtime. Energy Star-qualified windows with insulating glazes, gas fills, and better framing materials deliver the best results.

Potential annual savings: $95 and 2,200 pounds of emissions

Fill the Dishwasher

Energy Star dishwashers can be more efficient than hand washing. Run full loads, air dry, and skip the pre-rinsing (most newer models don't need it).

Potential annual savings: $25 and 110 pounds of emissions

Adjust Your Water Heater

Lower your water heater's thermostat to 120 degrees to restrict heat loss. The exception: dishwashers. Check if yours has a "booster heater" for sanitizing 140-degree rinsing.

Potential annual savings: $450 and 215 pounds of emissions

Moderate the Thermostat

Lower the thermostat by just two degrees this winter to conserve energy without sacrificing comfort. Turn it down 10 degrees at night and when you're not home -- or install a programmable thermostat for automatic adjustments.

Potential annual savings: $100 and 500 pounds of emissions

Wash in Cold Water

About 90 percent of the energy used for a load of laundry goes to heating the water. Some stains demand hot water, as do bed linens (to kill dust mites). Wash all other loads in cold.

Potential annual savings: $300 and 330 pounds of emissions

Change Lightbulbs

Compact fluorescent lightbulbs consume a quarter of the electricity required by comparable incandescent bulbs and last up to 12 times longer. Maximize savings by changing at least five frequently used bulbs.

Potential annual savings: $60 and 770 pounds of emissions

Unplug Electronics

Many household appliances continue to suck electricity even when switched off; nationally, this creates the annual emissions equivalent of 17 power plants. Minimize leaks by unplugging idle electronics.

Potential annual savings: $200 and 480 pounds of emissions

Can you imagine if you and I, and maybe possibly 3 friends each could get one or two of these ideas in motion?  That's a lot of emissions not put into our atmosphere, and some cashola kept in our pockets, and both great reasons to celebrate Earth Day!  Enjoy your weekend-

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

Check out the new John Tesh Social Network. You can connect with new friends, post your own blog, visit various forums, upload your favorite John Tesh music and share your photos.  To learn more about how to join, click here.

New Ways To Improve The Environment

Thankfully, we're finding new ways to replace petroleum products and lessen our dependency on foreign oil.  According to USA Today one up-and-coming innovation is to use our cornfields as a natural resource to manufacture plastics.

Some of the corn-based products we can expect to see flood the market are food containers, plastic gift cards, and cellphone casings. NatureWorks, based in Minnesota, is one company that has developed a technology using plastic pellets to make clothing, diapers and food packaging materials. 

Already, one organic dairy Naturally Iowa whose motto is "we milk the cows and grow the bottles," has developed milk and water bottles out of pellets.

Though these biodegradable bottles cost 5% to 10% more than the plastic ones, the lesser cost for disposing a compostable bottle levels out the cost increase.  The down side is that compostable bottles need to be sent to a commercial composting plant and cannot be recycled along with regular petroleum based products. 

Of course, another negative to using corn as a plastic is that the farmers still need to grow the corn, extract the sugar and use pesticides to ensure the corn grows properly. 

One product, EarthBottles is being used to bottle pharmaceutical products which assures that no petroleum based chemistry mixes with the contents as with ordinary plastic bottles.  One added bonus is that EarthBottles contain natural antioxidants to protect the product inside. 

Another company Metabolix has developed a biodegradable plastic called Mirel that decomposes in soil, compost or even water. Presently, the company is using its product for packaging natural cosmetics or for making agricultural mulch.  You can also find biodegradable plastic razors made of Mirel that decompose in compost or water.

The use of bioplastics is on the rise, but the flaws need to be addressed. For example, water molecules can slip through corn-based plastic, which means the water would evaporate out of the bottle over time. Recently, a newer more durable bioplastic that holds liquids a lot better, has been created and is available in stores. 

The more development that goes into these products, the better the bioplastics are becoming. However, the best news is that it's all non-toxic.  You could actually grind it up and eat it.  Despite causing potential constipation, it would never kill you. 

John

Email John:  johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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