Review - Ultimate Cleaning Package by Radiantly You

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) recipes are available, online, for just about everything. And that's great for people who are into making stuff.

Making stuff isn't for everyone. So we look to commercial products to fill our needs. In my experience, shopping for Eco-friendly products at the market is difficult. The selections are limited, the expense is high, and one has to be very careful about ingredients because not all so-called green items are actually green.

I was invited to try out the Ultimate Cleaning Package by Radiantly You.

Before agreeing to do a review, I asked about where the items are manufactured and was told that everything is made in the US (WNY). Their packaging is also made locally. The soap/shampoo packages are made out of recycled content (they are nifty cardboard containers with "please reuse & recycle" stamped into the back). Other products are packaged in plastic which is not made from recycled content but which is, itself, recyclable.

None of their products are tested on animals and most of them are vegan (some of the body care products, like the lip balm, contain bees wax).

I received several items to "test drive":

• Tub Scrub ($8.50)
• Counter Cleaner ($10.50)
• Lemon Hand Soap ($5.00)
• All-In-One Bar ($10.50)
• Dead Sea Mud Soap Bar ($7.50)
• Vanilla Mint Toothpaste ($9.00)

As you can see, they are reasonably priced.

My Review

All-Natural Tub Scrub
This tub scrub resembles common cleansers like Ajax, Comet, etc. Unlike those brands, it includes ingredients such as castile soap, sodium carbonate and certified organic essential oils. One simply scoops out the necessary amount, scrubs it onto the tub surface, and then rinses it away after 5-10 minutes. I used a damp cloth to apply the cleanser and it worked great.

All Natural Counter Spray
The counter spray includes some of the same ingredients as the tub scrub. The concentrated solution is poured into a spray bottle (which was included in the package) along with water and the spray is ready to go. It's easy to use ... spray it on and wipe it off. It worked well on oil splatters in the kitchen and shinned up the sink area in the bathroom. It smells great, too!

Invigorating Lemon Hand Soap
This hand soap smells luscious! It's like washing with lemon meringue pie. It contains several oils .. organic pressed coconut oil, castor oil, and sustainably harvested organic palm oil. One or two pumps is enough to thoroughly clean one's hands. It leaves my skin feeling clean and soft.


Unscented All-In-One Bar and Dead Sea Mud Soap
The all-in-one soap is great! One can use it from head to toe. As a shampoo, it creates a nice lather and left my hair feeling clean and soft. As a body soap, it cleaned my skin without drying it out. The dead sea mud soap has a slight mineral smell. Dead sea mud is know to improve the skin's natural processes. It penetrates the deep layers of the skin and helps improve blood circulation. This bar works well as a soap and I love that it has beneficial, healthy qualities.

Vanilla Mint Toothpaste
This toothpaste contains coconut oil which has beneficial properties. Used in the mouth, it has the ability to draw out the bacteria which gets stuck between teeth and under the gums. If you've ever used this oil, you know that it is solid at cooler temperatures. The directions on the package instruct users to scoop out a small amount and place it on the toothbrush. I found this a bit difficult because of the solid nature of the oil ... it flaked and wouldn't remain on my toothbrush. So I simply popped some into my mouth, allowing my body's temperature to melt it and then brushed as normal. I will admit that, being used to the more common cream-type paste, this product is a bit difficult for me to get used to. That said, it has a nice flavor and cleans teeth using natural, healthy ingredients.

My Thoughts

These products contain ingredients which are safe, non-toxic, and familiar. In fact, they are items which are commonly included in DIY cleaning solution recipes. So I felt confident in using them without worry.

All of the products, which I tried, worked. The cleansers left counters and the tub smelling nice with a gentle citrus smell.

In my opinion, these products would work well for anyone who likes the idea of DIY recipes but doesn't have the time or inclination to mess with them.

To order these items or browse the rest of the Radiantly You product line, click HERE.


I received Radiantly You products in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the items reviewed.

This post is shared at Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Hop

17 Tips For Spring

Spring is HERE!

Welcome to the first day of Spring!! I'll bet that you thought it would never get here, right? I had my doubts! But it's here and it's time for our annual spring tips and ideas.

If you're moving into Autumn instead of Spring, you might be interested in Eco-Friendly Tips For Autumn.

Eco-Friendly Tips for Spring

1. Spring is traditionally a time to tackle those big cleaning jobs. Instead of using toxic chemicals, opt for more earth-friendly cleansers. Check out How to Make a Non-Toxic Cleaning Kit for ideas and recipes.
2. Clean out closets and drawers and donate usable items to a charity, thrift stores or post them on FreeCycle.
3. Take a look at air filters and wash or replace them as necessary. And don't forget the filter on your dryer ... it needs regular washing as well.



To avoid over watering,
group plants with the
same watering needs together.

4. Plan a vegetable garden. When considering which veggies to grow, consider heirloom varieties which help to preserve biodiversity. Consider natural pest control rather than toxic pesticides (click HERE for more information and be sure to click through to the natural slug control as well). Is your space limited? Consider a container and/or vertical garden. And, rather than commercial fertilizers, start a compost pile to nourish your garden.
5. If you'll be landscaping your yard, opt for native plants which don’t need as much water and fertilizer.
6. Check the air pressure in your tires. Warmer temperatures affect tire pressure and improperly inflated tires lowers fuel efficiency.
7. As the weather warms, consider walking or cycling instead of driving. Or, choose the bus/train for your travel needs.



Dry clothing outside to save energy.

8. Dry your clothes outside rather than use the dryer.
9. Sweep your patio, deck or walkway instead of using an air blower.
10. Use a push mower instead of a power or gas mower.
11. Switch the direction on your ceiling fan to cool (here's a hint ... when you stand under the fan you should feel the air blowing down on you).
12. When the fireplace is no longer being used, close the damper.
13. Check the batteries on smoke detectors and make sure they are working properly (okay, it's not a "green" tip but ... it's important).



Shoes carry pollutants into the home.

14. Remove your shoes upon entering your home.
15. Open the curtains and let the sun shine in (it'll help clean your air) and open the doors to let in some fresh air.
16. Speaking of curtains, adjust them as the days warm up ... open them in the early morning and after the sun goes down ... and close them during the hot parts of the day, especially when the sun shines directly on your windows.
17. Here's a trick for cooling your home on hot days ... rather than use an air conditioner, try using a portable fan ... during the cool morning & evening hours, set the fan in a window and blow in fresh air. When it gets too hot in the house, turn the fan and blow the hot air out. You'll be amazed at how well this works.

Spring is a great time to brush off our "green routine" and renew our commitment to the earth.

It's our home!

What Eco-friendly tips do you have for spring?


Sneak Peek: Our very own Clare, of EcoExpert Blog, will be joining us tomorrow. She has something very special planned for you. "See" you then!

Posted at Small Footprint Fridays and Fit Foodie Runs Linky Party

Is your laundry detergent natural, toxic free, and Eco-friendly? #Review

How many ingredients are in your laundry detergent? Go ahead ... go count ... I'll wait!

Got it? Okay ... what's the verdict?

Mine, Celadon Road's Lavender Laundry Detergent, has six ingredients: sodium bromate, soda ash, coconut oil, clay powder, vinegar, and essential oil. It is made in the USA and was originally created to ease the suffering of a child's eczema which was aggravated by commercial laundry products. It is safe for skin, clothing, and septic systems. It is not tested on animals and comes in a reusable container (the company offers refills which come in bags). Since it only requires 1-2 tablespoons per load, the 32-ounce container will handle between 32-64 washes.

My friend, Amanda, sent me the laundry detergent to try, along with two other products:

Odor Eliminator

Stain Remover

These products came in 2-ounce containers (also refillable), perfect for "on the go" needs. They contain natural, plant-based enzymes which eliminate odors and dissolve stains on contact.

So, how do these three products work?

The laundry detergent has a lovely, light scent. I have a top-loading washer so used two tablespoons for a very full load. Our clothes came out beautifully clean and fresh. They actually felt soft which is something that never happened when I used commercial brands. During the wash cycle, I peeked in and noticed that there were no suds. Why is this important? Because suds are created using synthetic chemicals and are designed to reassure consumers that something is "happening". Similar to the addition of whitening agents, suds are merely a trick. One wonders why, if products are effective, there's a need for the addition of toxic chemicals to convince us that our clothes are clean. It's something to think about!

I gave both the odor eliminator and stain remover a brief trial. I used both on an old pet stain. The odor was removed leaving a clean, citrus scent. The stain remover lightened the stain but did not remove it completely. I believe, however, that both of these products would work best if used immediately after the "event". Patience is also necessary as the products are sprayed on and then should be allowed to dry. I was impatient and didn't allow the area to dry naturally.

I enjoyed all three of these products and gladly recommend them. They did the job well without hurting us or the environment.

You can buy Celadon Road products, from Amanda, by visiting her site HERE.

Want a free 2 ounce stain remover? Amanda is graciously offering Reduce Footprints' readers a "freebie". How do you "cash in"? Just visit our SPECIAL OFFERS PAGE for details.

Connect with Amanda on FACEBOOK, OZOSHARE, and PINTEREST.


I received Celadon Road laundry products in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the products reviewed.


Sneak Peek: Curious about how the CTWW Gang met the Sustainable Decor challenge? Tomorrow we'll take a look at their results and unveil a new challenge.

Review & #Giveaway - Homemade Cleaners by Mandy O'Brien & Dionna Ford

Have you ever considered making your own household cleaning solutions?

I have! Commercial varieties usually contain toxic chemicals which are bad for our health and bad for the environment. There are "green" cleaners available but one has to be careful about them because they aren't always as green as the label implies and, they tend to be expensive. Making my own just makes sense.

But here's my problem: The Internet is full of recipes and I don't always have the time to search out the "tried and true". When I do find ones that work well with minimal ingredients, and bookmark them, I have to turn on the computer to read them whenever I want to clean (yeah, there are important things going on in my brain and I don't have room to "store" recipes). Printing them out seems like a waste of paper and ink, and then there's the problem of where to put all these pieces of paper. So, you can see my dilemma. But there is a terrific solution!

I received a copy of Homemade Cleaners, written by Mandy O'Brien and Dionna Ford, from Ulysses Press. It is a wonderful book!

It starts out with a discussion about the safety of products you'll find at your grocery store, even so-called "green" products. This is an important section because, contrary to what we might have been told, items in our stores have not necessarily been tested for safety.

Next, the authors tell us about the ingredients necessary to thoroughly clean our homes. The list isn't long and contains items which I am familiar with (and can pronounce).

I must admit, however, that when I received this book, I first browsed the recipes. And WOW ... there are recipes for cleaning anything and everything in your home. Is the upholstery on your favorite chair dirty? No problem! Have some serious soap scum in your shower? Got you covered! There's even a section for cleaning the air. I found one recipe which came in very handy.

Last summer we got hit with a lot of rain, along with extremely high humidity. Since I avoid using air conditioning, we developed mildew around the windows. I tried cleaning it without much success. This recipe, from the book, worked well:

RECIPE

MOLD AND MILDEW CLEANER

2 tablespoons borax
2 cups warm water
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar

Add borax to warm water, and shake until borax is dissolved. Add vinegar. Spray on surfaces affected by mold or mildew. Let sit for a few minutes, and then scrub mold or mildew away with a sponge or scrub brush.

The book has a few more surprises; tips on composting, grilling, and keeping a healthy yard. And if you've ever been bothered by bugs in the summer, you'll love the section entitled "Bugging Out".

I highly recommend this book. It's packed with pertinent information, is well written and easy to read, and one can refer to it without turning on the computer.

GIVEAWAY

The lovely folks at Ulysses Press have graciously offered to give one lucky Reduce Footprints' reader a copy of Homemade Cleaners. This giveaway is open world wide. All entries are optional but, of course, the more you complete, the better your chances of winning.

Don't want to wait to get your copy? You can buy it, right now, by visiting Ulysses Press. Just scroll down to the "Buy It Now" section.

Okay ... the Rafflecopter Form is ready for you. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Recipe and Book Cover Image Courtesy of Ulysses Press

Sneak Peek: Join us tomorrow for a brand new and exciting Change The World Wednesday Challenge.


I received a copy of "Homemade Cleaners" in order to write this review. I received no other compensation. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone and reflect my honest opinion of the material reviewed.

Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW)

Welcome to Change The World Wednesday (#CTWW)! If this is your first visit, please click HERE for information and a complete list of all the challenges we've taken on so far.

There's a lot of great information in this post and I encourage you to read through it ... however, if you don't have the time right now, you might find the following quick links helpful:

• The #CTWW Gang
• The Honor Society
• My Final Thoughts on Our Last Challenge
• This Week's Challenge

Last week we asked the question, How many CDs/DVDs do you have? These seemingly harmless discs create a lot of waste. Billions are manufactured each year. They aren't easily recycled which means that most of them end up in a landfill. We stopped buying entertainment on discs a long time ago ... instead, there are rentals available (either online or in-store) and the public library offers an ever-growing collection, free of charge. For those times when it would be nice to own, there are plenty of digital options available. That takes care of the future but what about all the items sitting on our shelves ... taking up space ... collecting dust ... and, rarely being used? Those items are being sorted out. Most will be given away via Freecycle or donated to a local charity.

The Honor Society are those people who help us spread the "green" word by writing an article about our challenges and/or leaving pertinent comments. Here's what they had to say:

Alicia accepted the challenge. She shares this, "This challenge comes at a good time because we have just started to check into Netflix. Most new movies that come out we don't really care for so something like Netflix is good because we can choose from a lot of older movies also. I went through our CDs and DVDs recently and donated the ones we hadn't listened to or watched in a while. I have to admit I didn't realize they weren't typically recycled. That really gives me the incentive not to buy many of them. We have gotten where we download most music so that helps out. Thanks this challenge has been an eye opener!"

Argentum Vulgaris gave us an update on reducing his water footprint. If you've been following him for any length of time, his decision will come as a surprise ... he's making a serious change which should have a huge impact. AV also talks about the number of CDs/DVDs in his home. Read about both HERE.

Lisa wrote a great article entitled Ways To Reduce Your Water Footprint. It introduces a useful iphone app and offers some tips on how to improve our numbers.

Lois joined us. Here are her thoughts, "I went through all my DVDs before I moved into my small apartment and recently spent an evening going through all my CDs to find what I no longer cared to listen to. I have both now stored in one CD box from Ikea but really need to go through my DVDs again as I haven't watched many in the past two years. I've passed on the ones others wanted and have a small amount, less than 10, that I will use for crafting with the little ones and to hang from our apple trees to deter deer from devouring them. Thanks for another kick in the pants to get on to that task yet again."

CelloMom says, "Haven't bought any CDs for a decade, but earlier this year bought one used through Amazon's marketplace service (I also sell books through that). Yo-yo Ma's 1990s recording of Bach Cello Suites. (Of course)."

La Alicia responded to CelloMom: "CelloMom -- I have that CD from years ago and still LOVE it. Over the years, I have become more and more thoughtful and considerate about what I consume and get rid of. I can always improve but I think awareness is totally the first step. Love to swap and loan with friends too." By the way, check out all the Earth Day tips on La Alicia's blog ... great stuff!

EcoGrrl makes a very good point in this comment: "I moved all 300 of mine to my iPod about 5 years ago and sold 95% of them (saved my utter favorites in case of emergency iPod/iTunes failure, haha). Also moved my files saved on CD-rom over to Google Docs (my MacBook Air doesn't have a CD drive) and recycled the old jewel cases with my other hard plastics over at Far West Fibers here in Portland - they do take all those #7's and a whole lot more :) Note - it's important to remember that going digital doesn't mean you've eliminated your environmental impact - you're just transferring it to a different form - smaller yes, but still destructive. Internet use and storage takes up SO much - data centers are springing up all over my state of Oregon, on the eastern (dry) side of the state, where they are using up all the precious water to keep them cooled so that people can store their stuff online. There is definitely a negative to all of our internet use, so we need to think of the "invisible" storage of our digital files as well."

Tiffany C. shares this, "WOAH! This is a super hard challenge for me. My family and I are super duper movie lovers. We have a lot of DVDs. Music CDs, not so much. I am completely digital on that front. So for DVDs, I've always thought that I would find a creative way to use the DVDs once they became obsolete. This is a great challenge and I am glad you let me know that #7 plastic is not recycled - didn't know that. Now it's even more imperative for me to find creative ways to reuse the dvds. In the future. Artwork perhaps..."

In a sweet post about feeding birds and saving landfills, Ann shares our banner.

For those who wish to challenge themselves further, visit Charlie ... she has a whole page of activities with something for even the most seasoned "greenies" among us.

Our Twitter friends joined the conversation ... here's what they had to say:

From @givetreegifts
- I've just discovered even more reasons to incorporate lentils in our diet more often!http://www.cicilsiptic.org/pulses.php?id=25
- Another great reason for us to use more lentils is that the prairies where we reside grow the most lentils so we're buying local
- Who says lentils aren't versatile and tasty?! Check out this Recipe Index | Lentils.ca- http://www.lentils.ca/recipe-box/recipe-index
- Browned Butter Kale and Lentils with Quinoa | Lentils.ca: http://www.lentils.ca/recipes/browned-butter-kale-and-lentils-with-quinoa
- Free Access: Lentil Recipe Revelations eBook | Lentils.ca: http://www.lentils.ca/recipe-box/recipe-revelations-ebook

From @dusdifissette
- Yes to 3Rs #StreamNetflix No mail delivery #Donating movies to Library #gigsticks not burning disc upload via #iCloud

From @startanewleaf
- as always, really amazed by your challenges! I have so many DVDs and CDs can't wait to find ways to #reuse them!

From @rulesofgreen
- haven't bought CD's in long time, use mostly #spotify, probably should get rid of them but the @PutumayoMusic
CDs I want to keep...
- ...partly because they have beautiful covers

The #CTWW Gang are those folks who share our challenges on twitter using the hashtag #CTWW. If you're a Twitter member, I highly recommend following them ... they have a lot of great things to say. Let's meet them:

@89linz	@almosttruth	@amotherlife
@anitaadamsnc	@aspenclean	@beatepdx
@beckymcneer	@biggreenpen	@bstoneblog
@catherineolivia	@chewyleecious	@clubcontent
@conservationm	@crazy4grnlivn	@crazykids6
@delaneyclare	@dusdifissette	@earthyurban
@ecoexpert1	@eddiegear	@frederickbrooke
@gigivaneyck	@ginavalley	@givetreegifts
@gogreenbeans	@greeneral	@groovygreenlivi
@intricateknot1	@irishcarter1	@ithoughtiknewma
@jaemacjustsayin	@jamiastar	@jchapstk
@jnjgogreen	@jodyzimmerman	@laalicia
@lady_bren	@ladyjcmuses	@lavishandlime
@leighanneramsey	@littlegreenblog	@lorcadamon
@marjoriemcatee	@mcmillendc	@mom2tle
@mombloggerplr	@momgamerwriter	@ntiveheart
@oneadayart	@pinkladyapril	@rulesofgreen
@squishablebaby	@startanewleaf	@theworld4realz
@treesgroup	@tristinandtyler	@tsue1136
@turningclockbac	@twicecreations	@wencdj
@whopaysthepiper	@whywelovegreen	@zenfarmz

My Final Thoughts:

This challenge reminds me, once again, that living green is about every aspect of our lives. Even the small things have an impact. CDs and DVDs seem harmless until we look deeper. It's then that we see how a whole industry has been created to accommodate them ... jewel cases, racks and carrying cases ... things which require natural resources to fabricate. In the end, all that stuff finds it's way to a landfill. Suddenly those innocuous discs seem different ... they begin to look like a wound on the earth.

Thanks, everyone! If you wrote an article, I have Stumbled, Tweeted, Facebooked and posted it on Google +. You can help spread the "green" word by using the share feature at the bottom of this post.

This Week's Challenge:

So ... what shall we do next? I know ... how about some spring cleaning? Here's your challenge:

This week, test out Eco-friendly cleansers. You can buy "green" versions or better yet ... make your own. Use Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide or search the Internet for other natural, homemade options. If you're currently using something which contains toxins (typically identified by the long list of ingredients on the label and warnings about skin irritation, breathing problems, etc.), consider switching to a safer version.

OR ...

If you've already made the switch to safe cleansers, please share your tips, suggestions and recipes.

UP THE ANTE: Dusdi Fissette (aka @dusdifissette on Twitter) says that she's already using Eco-friendly products from her cupboard to clean so she's upping the ante and asking us to use steam for cleaning. Who's up for her challenge?


Ready to start cleaning? I know that you are!



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Just add the banner below to your blog by
copying the code & pasting it into your site!


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As always ...

WE'RE CHANGING THE WORLD ... ONE CHALLENGE AT A TIME!

Hydrogen Peroxide Instead of Bleach

Awhile back I gave up chlorine bleach. Yes, it cleans and disinfects ... and makes our whites whiter. But, there is some evidence that it is harmful to our health and the health of the environment. The evidence is mixed, however ... some reports say that it is totally safe and will break down into natural components when it reaches the ground or waterways. Other reports say that it is lethal to fish and pollutes our natural resources ... and is a health hazard to humans.

What I know, for sure, about using chlorine bleach is that it smells bad and gives me a headache. So, I tend to lean towards the people who say bleach is toxic. If there is even a hint of something being harmful, especially when there are alternatives, then ... I'm all for "erring on the safe side" and choosing the healthier version.

One of the healthier alternatives is hydrogen peroxide ... the cheap stuff that comes in a brown bottle and is available almost everywhere. It doesn't smell ... it doesn't hurt the environment and ... it works.

Here are some ways to clean with it:

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved hydrogen peroxide as a sanitizer. So, use it to kill germs on all surfaces (counter tops, tables, showers, etc.). It can be applied to a sponge or cleaning rag for wiping down an area ... or sprayed directly onto the surface.

• Do you use a wooden cutting board or wooden utensils? A little peroxide will kill salmonella and other harmful bacteria.

• Add one cup of peroxide to a load of whites in your laundry to whiten them. The trick with making this tip work is time. Peroxide takes time to work so ... add it into the wash and let it sit for awhile (I let mine soak for at least an hour). Then, add in your regular detergent and wash as usual.

• Use it to wash store-bought fruits and veggies. According to the Journal of Food and Science, peroxide is affective in killing E.coli.

• Fight mold and mildew throughout your home ... just spray peroxide onto the affected area and let it sit ... then wipe down as usual.

• Apply it to a clean rag to shine up mirrors and windows.

• Use it to mop your floors ... either add it to your bucket of water or ... pour it directly onto the floor.

A few notes about Hydrogen Peroxide:

• It is rendered useless when exposed to light (that's why it comes in those brown bottles). So, if you want to keep a spray bottle handy, be sure it is a dark spray bottle.

• It takes time to work, so spray or pour it on and then let it sit.

• Peroxide is a bleach and will whiten ... so be careful when applying it. If you're trying to get a stain out of, for example, your blue jeans and you pour peroxide directly onto the material ... you'll probably end up with a white spot. So, use caution.

• Some reports have suggested using peroxide as a mouthwash to clean and whiten teeth. It should be noted that there is some evidence suggesting that peroxide can be used in the treatment of mouth infections but that long-term use can damage tissues in the mouth. So, ask your doctor before using peroxide in this way.
  

So, there you have it! A cleaner that works ... and is kind to both humans and the environment. How good is that!!

As always ... I would love to hear from you!