Green and Grateful.

We don't need a reason to be grateful this Thanksgiving season. To make sure everyone stays on track, here are some organic, nutritious GMO free recipes that you can prepare for your family and friends to celebrate good health and happiness!

Roast Turkey with Sage.

What is Thanksgiving without some turkey? Remember, look for organic and heritage turkeys, which are raised without hormones, antibiotics, or additives.

Ingredients: 
1 14-pound turkey, fresh or fully thawed
20 fresh, whole sage leaves
1 red apple, quartered (leave peel and core on)
1 onion, quartered (leave skin on)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup turkey or chicken broth
Cheesecloth, large enough to cover turkey (single thickness)

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 450º. Remove liver, giblets, heart, and neck from inside turkey; discard or save to make stock.
2. Pat dry turkey. From the front of the breast, slide hands under turkey skin and loosen all the way to the back of the turkey. Place 10 sage leaves (5 on each side) under breast skin in a decorative pattern.
3. Salt and pepper turkey cavities (body and neck). Stuff with remaining sage leaves, apples, and onions. Skewer cavities shut. Rub outside of turkey with soft butter. Fold and tuck wings under turkey.
4. In a small saucepan, mix olive oil and broth. Saturate cheesecloth with liquid, squeezing out extra. Blanket turkey with cheesecloth. Use remaining broth for basting.
5. Place turkey on a rack in a large, heavy roasting pan. Place pan on lowest oven rack and immediately reduce temperature to 325°F. Bake for about 3 hours (17 minutes per pound), basting with oil-stock mixture every 20–30 minutes. (During last hour of cooking, cover lightly with foil, if necessary, to prevent overbrowning.) Remove cheesecloth during last 30 minutes of cooking. Insert meat thermometer in breast and thigh meat to judge doneness. Final breast temperature should be 170º, thigh 180°F.
6. Remove turkey from oven and let juices run into roasting pan. Tightly cover whole turkey with foil until ready to carve. Reserve pan juices to drizzle over slices before serving.

Fresh Spinach and Artichoke Baked Dip.

Buy local and use organically grown spinach to make this dish extra healthy!


Ingredients:

1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
9 ounces baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella
2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, or more to taste
1 14-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts, drained
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
 1. Place yogurt in a fine sieve over a medium bowl. Cover and refrigerate. Let drain for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 350°. Fit a steamer basket in a large pot with 1–2 inches water and add spinach. Bring to a boil and steam spinach until lightly wilted. Transfer to a colander and let cool. Wring out excess water.
3. Place spinach in a food processor. Add drained yogurt, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, mayonnaise, garlic, pepper, salt, and hot sauce. Process until coarsely blended. Add artichoke hearts and pulse until a chunky mixture forms.
4. Place mixture in a 1-quart baking dish and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly and lightly browned, about 35 minutes.

Mashed Caulifllower.

 Maybe not a fancy dish, but a welcome one. Creamy and buttery, but without all the carbs. Of course, Thanksgiving comes with indulgences, but if you want to save your indulgence for another dish, creamy mashed cauliflower makes the perfect stand-in for mashed potatoes.



Ingredients:

1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces (about 6 cups)

8 tablespoons unsalted butter (you can substitute with ghee for a dairy-free alternative)
2 tablespoons whole milk or almond milk

1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
1. Place cauliflower in a large pot and cover with water. 
2. Bring to a boil, lower heat, and simmer until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain. 
3. Pour cauliflower into the bowl of a food processor or blender. Add butter, milk, salt and pepper to the food processor and blend until smooth. 
4. Serve.

Cranberry-Pomegranate Relish.

Easy and tangy, this refreshing cranberry relish features organic orange peel for a bright finish.

 Ingredients:


3 cups fresh cranberries (about 12 ounces) (stems removed)
3/8 cup date sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 large orange peel (cut into thin slivers - no white pith)
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
1 large orange (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
2/3 cup pomegranate seeds

Directions:

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange peel in a large saucepan. Stir over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer until berries begin to burst. Turn heat to medium-low and cook another 10 minutes, stirring often. Mince rosemary leaves; then stir into sauce with orange segments and pomegranate seeds. Transfer to a small serving bowl. Cover and chill.

Fig Pie.

 This novel, savory-sweet dessert features juicy, fresh figs; it's wonderful paired with fresh goat cheese.


 Ingredients:

2 Light and Flaky Crusts
2 1/2 pounds fresh figs, stemmed and quartered
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup unrefined cane sugar
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon butter, room temperature

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one pastry disk to make a 12-inch round. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate, leaving overhang. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
2. Place figs in a medium bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice.
3. In a small bowl, combine unrefined cane sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well, sprinkle over figs, and toss to mix. Transfer fig mixture to pie crust and dot top with butter.
4. Halve second pastry. On a lightly floured surface, roll one of the halves into an 11-inch round. Using a fluted pastry wheel, cut into 1-inch-wide strips. Repeat with second half.
5. Carefully weave dough strips in a lattice pattern over pie. Trim edges of lattice pastry flush with rim of pie plate. Roll dough overhanging from bottom pastry up over lattice edges and crimp decoratively. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until filling is bubbly and crust is golden. Cool on rack and serve warm or at room temperature.

 





 

Shake the Monday Blues Away!

If you've had a long first day back into work and are looking for something to cap off your Monday, look no further. Courtesy of Huffington Post's Green page, we share with you this adorable orphaned otter who was taken in by Chicago's Shedd Aquarium a little over two weeks ago. Known as Pup 681, this precious creature enjoys toys and playtime as much as any little tot.

Have other adorable must see videos? Feel free to share them with us!

'Tis (Almost) the Season!

Sorry it's been a while, folks! We've been busy checking out ideas for everyone as we know it's that time of year again when parties are being prepared and dinners are being set for the holidays. Today, we are proud to present our ideas for a totally eco-friendly gathering!

Eco Invitations
Recycled paper invitations are the obvious choice, but they’re not the only choice. How about getting creative and with the help of your child making your own – this will give the party a personal touch and is a fun way of using pictures from old cards or even leaves and flowers from the garden. But without a doubt the greenest invitation of all is one that saves on stamps and trees.

Think local when planning your menu
Leave your taste for global delicacies behind as you plan the menu for your eco-friendly party. Buying locally produced food is one of the best things you can do to stay green, since it takes a tremendous amount of fuel to get those global delicacies to your table. Instead of Brie, buy locally produced artisan cheese for a nice change. Same goes for wine. Discover wineries in your area and serve that to your thirsty guests instead of a wine from thousands of miles away. Grass-fed beef burgers are another good idea for organic meal ideas, as well as locally produced baked goods and desserts. Also, now that the farmer’s market season is revving up, that’s the perfect place to find what’s in season (in your area) and save as well.

A few more food-related ideas
Have at least one dish that’s completely animal product-free. The reason is two-fold: 1) More and more people are cutting meat out of their diets, so you never know if a guest will be Vegan/Vegetarian. 2) Meat production is considered another strain on the environment. By concocting a delicious animal-free dish, you’re showing your guests that animal-free doesn’t mean free of taste. And instead of plastic wrap for leftovers, use tin foil since it can be recycled (dirty tin foil however cannot be). And if you like interactive desserts, what better than providing the makings for s’mores, using organic chocolate and having your guests find their own twigs (if the party has access to trees/yard), which they can use for toasting their marshmallows.

Don’t forget the beverages
Whether you’re serving up beer, wine or cocktails to your guests, again, think local. Beer is produced everywhere nowadays, same goes for wine. Search away until you find alcohol that was made as close to your residence as possible. And while it may be tricky to find locally produced Vodka or Gin, you can at least make sure the mixers are local, such as using local fruit and either juicing it, mashing it or however else you’d like. And if there are no wineries in your area, you can buy organic wine. Frog’s Leap and BonTerra are two great options.

 Decorate to please the Green Gods
A little creative ingenuity can go a long way in this area. From repurposing bandanas as napkins to using large leaves as name tags for which to write your guests names, there are many ways to be green. Instead of buying water bottles, serve up filtered tap water in old wine bottles. And for the tableware, other than using REAL plates, cups, silverware, etc, you can also buy biodegradable disposable tableware from Whole Foods (their 365 store brand of tableware), offering disposable plates and bowls made from sugar cane. And locally grown flowers, or mini trees that you plant afterwards, are an easy way to decorate your table and home for your eco-fete. Reusable centerpieces, such as bowls or veggies and/or fruit, also work.

Expert Tips.

National Geographic shares with us some tips on greening up the loo! Who knew that small changes to the way we go about our business could make such a wondrous change in saving the planet?
Thanks to NatGeo's True Green Home Book for these amazing tips.

Sink or Swim: Don’t let the faucet run, wasting our most precious resource, as part of your family’s daily bathroom routine. Embrace the drain stop and use your sink as it was intended, by pouring in some water to wash your hands and face or to shave. Don’t run the faucet when brushing your teeth—use a cup of water instead. Any of these simple ideas can save as much as one gallon of water a minute. Check that your drain stop is actually keeping water in the basin, as a leaky plug equals water wasted.

Flushed Away: Toilet flushing is responsible for about 30 percent of all water used by the average American household, which means that almost 44,000 gallons of quality water is flushed away per family every year. Upgrade to a high-efficiency or WaterSense-labeled toilets; without one, your single-flush unit can use 3.5 to 7 gallons in one flush, compared to a high-efficiency unit’s 1.3 gallons or less. Check with your local government—you might even be able to switch to a waterless composting toilet. If you’re stuck with your old model, place an inexpensive toilet dam (available from your hardware store) in the cistern to reduce the amount of water in each flush, or fill an empty soda bottle and place that in the cistern. Silent leaks can waste up to 200 gallons a day: drop a little food coloring into your tank and wait 15 minutes—if the color turns up in the toilet bowl, call your plumber.


Reading Material: That two-ply designer toilet paper is indeed an expensive luxury. Amazingly, every ton of paper recycled saves 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, 4,000 kilowatts of electricity, 3 cubic yards of landfill and 7,000 gallons of water. But recycled toilet paper makes up only 2 percent share of the American market—much of the rest is made from plantation-grown or native forest trees. Make the switch to environmentally friendly toilet paper that is unbleached, chlorine-free and, if possible, 100 percent recycled.

Light Showers:Showers are the biggest resource-guzzlers in the home, but you can reduce this just by spending less time in the shower and using a timer. Replacing your old showerhead with a WaterSense-labeled or energy-efficient model can save you almost 3 gallons of water a minute. Take advantage of rebates and offers provided by your local government or water authority to make the switch. If one out of every 100 U.S. homes was retrofitted with water-efficient fixtures, we could avoid 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions a year. Keep a bucket handy to collect gray water for use in the garden. Install a thermostat that keeps hot water at a usable temperature so no cold water is wasted.

Picking up the Steam:
It is essential to have an exhaust fan in your bathroom to reduce mold and other harmful contaminants, but that’s no reason to forget the fan’s negative environmental impact. Choose energy-saving exhaust fans that are thermostatically controlled and not connected to the light switch, so they turn on when the air temperature rises rather than when someone turns on the light. Clean the fan’s filter once a month to ensure that it runs efficiently.

Eco-Friendly Halloween Ideas.

It's that time of the year again - spooky costumes and creepy crawlies all about the streets as both parents and children alike enjoy dressing up for Halloween!

If you're one of those eco-conscious people who believe that children do not need copious amounts of candy all in one go, here are 5 better options for giving away to the wee trick or treaters this year:

1. Honey Sticks.

Not only do they come in lots of various flavours, they are sweetened only by nature and made easy to consume. Readily available in most markets as well as coffee shops everywhere, these yummy treats are an ideal substitute to all that candy!

2. DIY Treats.

If you *must* give out sweets and treats, why not make your own? You can replace certain ingredients to create gluten free, lactose free and organic options, and even decorate them so they look ghoulish and spooky.

3. Jump Ropes and Hacky Sacks.

It is always a welcome idea to motivate children to move and be active. Hacky sacks, which are little rice or bean filled bags that are balanced on feet and kicked to one another, are a fun choice. They are available for purchase in bulk at most party-supply stores, can be easily made or purchased by local or online artisans. Jump ropes are also available in bulk but can easily be made by cutting thin rope elastic into 10 feet each, knotting the ends. Instant fun!

4. Art Supplies.

Children are naturally creative, and there is little out there more wonderful for a child than a surprise supply of art materials. There are tons of non-toxic options out there, but feel free to make your own - melting old and broken crayons into a cookie mould churns out adorable new sets to get busy with.

5. Homemade Granola Bars.

All you need are oats, nuts of your choice and some honey. All the ingredients are customisable (maple syrup instead of honey keeps this vegan, replace nuts with dates if there's an allergy precaution), and it's super easy to make! If you take time to do the research there are loads of no-bake, vegan, organic options. A yummy treat that doesn't result in tots bouncing off the walls!

10 Breathtaking Natural Wonders of the World.

We believe that everyday should be earth day. In celebration of our beautiful world, here are ten jaw-dropping places you need to see to believe!

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão, Brazil.

The crystal clear water ponds blend into the sandy landscape, that only looks like a desert – it is not one, however. Visitors can swim in these nice pools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vaadhoo Island, Maldives.

Phytoplankton – the marine microbes – create and amazing effect by emanating the blue glow. The species create the most romantic natural lighting in the world.

 

Champagne Pool, North Island, New Zealand.

The geothermal pond is a spectacular natural marvel, formed 900 years ago. The water temperature is about 73 °C (163 °F). The surroundings look like a different planet.

Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia.

The largest salt flat in the world, which stretches for 10,582 sq km (4,086 sq mi), impresses with a vast white landscape. There are even hotels, built entirely of salt blocks!

 

Red Seabeach, Panjin, China.

Shalow seas and tidelands are home for thousands of birds and other species. The red grass Sueda defines the mysterious ruby landscape.

 

 One’uli Beach, Maui, Hawaii, USA.

Perfect for snorkeling and diving, the beach also fascinates with its black sand. Isn't that a beautiful contrast?

Hamilton Pool, Texas, USA.

After a calciferous dome broke off the ground and fell, it opened a fascinating pool. A beautiful waterfall contributes to this natural beauty.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, North Island, New Zealand.

The cave is a habitat for glowworms, that are found in New Zealand only. Tourists can have a boat tour to experience this unique sight.

 

 

Marble Caves, Carerra Lake, Argentina and Chile.

This gorgeous freshwater lake is surrounded with marble caves. The unusual natural network is called Marble Cathedral and attracts many visitors.

 

 
Lake Hillier, Australia.

Scientists still are not sure what causes the lake’s pink color. It does not change and stays pink even in a container. It does not have adverse effect on people and certainly is one of the most beautiful natural oddities.

Crazy Creatures!

Today, we scanned the entire world wide web to bring you some of the most bizarre, creepy and most rare creatures that exist on or planet. Behold, the wonders of this world!

The Panda Ant

Actually falling under a type of wasp, this critter resembles large, hairy ants. Found in Chile, they are well known for their painful stings.

The Blue Dragon

This beautiful little creature is actually in the sea slug family, gliding across waters thanks to the gas filled sac in it's stomach.

The Indian Purple Frog

 This hopper only spends two weeks out of a full year on the Earth's surface, spending the rest of the time mating underground.



The Thorny Dragon

 This small lizard, camouflaged in shades of brown to fit in in the desert, uses a fake head to dodge predators!



The Poodle Moth

 Discovered in Venezuela in 2009, there is still much to learn about this strange (but cute) looking creature.



The Saiga Antelope

 Spread around the Eurasian steppe, this animal is known for its extremely unusual, over-sized, flexible nose structure, the proboscis.



The Mantis Shrimp

Although they are the most common predators in tropical and sub-tropical waters, little is known of these beautiful swimmers who spend most of their time hiding in their burrows.

Happy Deepavali!

Diwali also known as Deepavali and the "festival of lights", is an ancient Hindu festival celebrated in autumn every year. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.

This year, Green Cleaners wishes everyone a happy Deepavali. May positivity and love reign in your lives all throughout the year!

Do NOT Throw Away That Bottle!

Recycling projects are always cool, especially when you can turn your trash into something new and useful. We’ve written posts about ways to recycle before, but it turns out there’s so much that you can do with recycle plastic bottles that we just HAD to share it on a separate post!

The PET plastic that most plastic beverage bottles are made of is a fairly useful material – it’s resilient, flexible, transparent and food safe. As such, there are probably countless applications for these bottles that will give them second lives. If you're looking for fun things to do with the kids over the weekend and love DIY projects, give this a gander and see what other ideas you can come up with!

Use Old Bottles to Organize Your Art Materials.

  

 

Vertical Garden, Anyone?

What About A Beautiful Chandelier of Bottle-Bottoms? 

Or, Get the Scissors Out and Make Planters!

Feed the Birds and Have A Seed Party!

In the Mood for a Challenge? Why Not Build a Boat?

There are so many ways to reuse old plastic bottles instead of letting them rot in a landfill forever. Have ideas? Share them with us!

It Only Takes One.

Here's an inspiring story we found that we just had to share with you all. About 30 years ago a man made it his life's purpose to build an entire forest by planting each tree by hand, by himself. Today, after reaching his goal, he is at it again.

Jadav “Molai” Payeng, an Indian farmer, plans to spend the next 30 years planting another giant woodland by hand. Continuing his personal battle to beat deforestation, Payeng’s second 1,300 acre forest will transform another barren landscape in the region.

The first forest that Payeng planted began in 1979 when he was a teenager, on a barren sandbar in Jorhat. Over time, his efforts transformed into a lush nature reserve, which attracted other plants and animals, who now inhabit his forest. His efforts completely changed the area from dry and uninhabitable to a thriving ecosystem that birds, deer, rhinos, tigers, elephants and cows now call home.

Payeng and his family live on (and off) the forested land he created. His wife and three children help to raise dairy cattle on the land, making a humble living by selling their fresh milk to the nearby town.

However, one successful forest isn’t enough for the farmer, who sees the harsh effects of deforestation throughout the Indian countryside each day. Distraught by seeing land left barren and unusable, he has pledged to continue his work, and begin planting another forest, the same size as his first. Payeng says that the second forest may take another 30 years, but no longer a teenager, he has his family on his side to help improve the world, one seed at a time.

Green and Grateful.

Since the launch of our franchise in Adelaide at the beginning of September this year, we have received a wave of support from our new clients. Green Cleaners has always taken pride in being the best in every aspect, and from using our own eco-friendly, plant derived cleaning products to training our staff to provide you with 5 star service on every appointment, we strive to give you excellence.

We are overwhelmed by the warm welcome we have received, and look forward to being able to serve more families who have made the smart choice of going green. It fills us with great joy to know that our clients feel the difference of clean in its truest, greenest form.

One of our new clients has been generous enough to share their experience after having our staff service their home:

It is some years since I have had a cleaner and this time around I wanted to make sure that my cleaner shared my values in regard to caring for our earth and our health and would use only environmentally friendly cleaning products. I found Green Cleaners on the internet and was impressed by their website, which looked highly professional, yet friendly and easy to use. These first impressions carried through the entire process. Renato called me and arranged a time to come and see my home, discuss my needs and their services in order to provide me with a quote. 

I had several other quotes from other cleaning services also claiming to use ‘friendly’ products but Green Cleaners stood out as begin highly professional, really knowing their products and being committed to this healthier choice. Their quote was more expensive but I was willing to pay more to put my money where my values lie. Renato offered me a trial clean at a reduced cost, which I took up and was delighted with the result. The team were every bit professional, extremely thorough and efficient, and committed to green products. I have now signed up for regular cleans and am looking forward to life in my clean and healthy home.

Mrs. C, Henley Beach

It is because of such clients that we work tirelessly to provide you with the best option when it comes to ensuring the safety and health of you and your family. So from our Green Cleaners family to yours, thank you very much!

What Takes Your Breath Away?

For most of us, a beautiful sunset, the ocean crashing waves upon the shore and a perfect summer wedding lead us to hold our breath. Excitement and adventure are moments that take our breath away. However, for a large number of people, their breath is cut short by a common, difficult respiratory illness - asthma.

By definition, asthma is a respiratory condition marked by attacks of spasm in the bronchi of the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. Although usually connected to allergic reactions and other forms of hypersensitivity, did you know that there are other odd things that can trigger an asthma attack? If you or someone you care about suffers from asthma, it is important to be aware of triggers so you can help prevent an attack.

Thunderstorms.

Research has shown that there is a dramatic increase in asthma related attacks that cause people to turn up at the emergency room in hospitals in the wake of a thunderstorm. Doctors are still unsure of the specific reasoning behind this, but studies have revealed that this could be due to the increase of pollen that is released in the air during a storm.

Stress.

When you're stressed, you tend to feel a tightening in your chest. Anxiety causes shortness of breath and unfortunately for people that have asthma this could turn into a full fledged attack if they don't step back and try to relax. Stress can even cause non-asthmatics to develop asthma like symptoms.

Food Additives/Preservatives.

Some food colouring and flavouring agents have been found to trigger asthma attacks. Although there has not been any final research to reveal a certain connection, the argument stands that some people who have asthma are unable to properly digest certain food such as those high in nitrates.

Laughter/Crying.

Extreme waves of emotion such as intense laughter or uncontrollable weeping also tend to prompt asthma attacks in people due to the change in breathing patterns. Some people might not be aware until it has become a full on asthma attack, mistaking it for a simple shortness of breath due to the strength of emotion they have experienced.

GERD/Acid Reflux.

Acid Reflux/GERD can cause horrid pain and burning up your throat especially when you lie down. Acid backs up and causes a reaction in your airways - be wary as it can be tricky to determine whether you are experiencing an attack or suffering through the symptoms of reflux.

Are you asthmatic, or know someone who is? Share your personal triggers and help others prevent an attack in the future. 

Potty Training 101

Not quite as you know it! We've all heard the expression 'if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down', and no one really likes discussing 'their business'. We totally get you. However, there are some very basic things found at home that should NEVER be flushed down the toilet - and we're going to tell you why.

1. Bathroom wipes – these moist towelettes are becoming an increasingly popular bathroom accessory. Despite the fact that they’re marketed to be flushed like toilet paper, these wipes are creating clogs and backups in sewer systems around the world! (Same thing goes for actual baby wipes and cleaning wipes).

2. Condoms – They probably seem small and very similar to toilet tissue, but these latex prophylactics are like kryptonite for septic tanks and sewage treatment plants. They actually end up resembling fish in the sewer when they fill with air - pretty grim, right? Remember also that there are people who have jobs that require them to clear out what we flush out and some consideration goes a long way. 

3. Cotton Balls & Swabs – They might seem soft and tiny especially when they're all soggy, so it makes sense to flush them out, right? Wrong! They eventually gather together in bends of the pipe, causing massive blockages. 

 

4. Prescription Medication – A common mistake we make is thinking that we're doing the smart thing by flushing expired medication to keep them out of children's reach. In reality though it's actually extremely dangerous to do so. Medication destroy bacteria, have terrible effects on wildlife downstream and contaminate groundwater supplies. 

5. Paper towels – Not only are they wasteful (we recommend using reusable rags instead) but they are also NOT designed to breakdown the way toilet paper does. So if you do have to use them, know that flushing them down causes huge problems for the sewage system.

 

6. Disposable diapers – just because there’s poop in it, doesn’t mean it belongs in the toilet. Nappies are made from toxic plastic designed to actually expand when it comes in contact with water. In half the time it took you to wrestle that thing down the toilet, it will come back up and cause a massive flush flow problem.

7. Cat litter – It might make sense to flush down your furry pet's business, but cat litter is made from clay and sand, two things that you should NEVER put down a toilet. Not to mention that cat waste contains toxins and parasites that shouldn’t be in our water system.

8. Dental floss – Despite feeling like string, dental floss is not biodegradable. Once flushed, it loves to wrap itself around other objects in the pipeline, making tiny clogs bigger in an instant. Imagine a tough spider web that causes objects to get trapped inside the drainage - not a pretty picture!

 

There you have it. The next time you think of flushing things down your toilet, think of how it could come back and contaminate our water supply as well as how it affects the steady flow of our sewage systems. 

 

 

Surviving the Haze!

Haze is an atmospheric condition where particles, smoke, dust and moisture suspend in the air obscuring visibility. In Southeast Asia, haze poses a serious and recurring problem every year, particularly between May to October, due to the burning of forests in some countries to clear land. As most of you probably realize by now, the haze has been getting worse each year and today we wanted to discuss simple ways you can protect yourself and your family from the effects of haze exposure.

Minimise outdoor activities, especially strenuous ones such as sports and working out. 

When we workout and engage in physical activities our breathing gets heavy and our lungs are open to irritants in the air. Try to minimise the time you spend outside, and keep your family otherwise occupied by planning activities at home. The fine particles in the haze are toxic and when inhaled can enter the bloodstream and underlying tissue, causing respiratory problems, headaches and a decrease in your systems immunity.

When indoors, keep all doors and windows closed. 

Turn your fans on, or if you prefer, your air-con units. However, make sure that the filters are clean, and that the air being circulated inside your home is pure.

If you need to go outside, wear a mask.


Respiratory masks such as the N95 are effective when it comes to filtering out harmful particles in the air. Don't scrimp on these, either - replace them when they become soiled and distorted in shape. They can easily be bought in any polyclinic or pharmacy near you.

Boost your immune system. 

Drink lots of water to flush out any toxins from your body, and do as your mother says - eat lots of fruit, leafy greens and fish filled with omega 3! It is always a good plan to stay on a healthy diet, but more so now with the haze.

Keep up to date with local air quality reports. 

Recommended precautions you should take will usually be given in the form of advisories based on the latest air condition. So it is recommended that you check your local health authority’s website regularly for the latest air quality update. For Singapore, you can visit http://www.nea.gov.sg/psi/. 

Stay safe and be alert, everyone!

Mother (Nature) Knows Best!

As our lives become busier and more stressful, it is easy to gravitate towards the latest products that promise to make tedious chores easier. Need a bathroom cleaner? On your next trip to the store, you grab one of the many bright and colorful bottles promising to be a quick fix. But did you ever think about what's in that container?

Whether you're a housekeeper who cleans with these products all day or someone who cleans your own home regularly, you should take the time to consider the fact that majority of cleaning products are made up of harsh cocktails of chemicals, which can be bad for your health -- and your kids' health. As people rethink what they're bringing into their homes, they're looking for greener solutions.

 

1. Healthier Home
   If you go green, no longer will there be chemicals absorbed into the skin or breathed in by the person cleaning. Health benefits extend to family members who are no longer breathing in cleaners lingering in the air and sitting on surfaces.
   Studies have shown that using a household cleaning spray, even as little as once a week, raises the risk of developing asthma. Using green cleaning products can reduce the chances of developing asthma, which today is the most common chronic illness and the leading cause of school absences due to chronic illness across the country.
2. Purer Environment
   When you use many cleaning products, harmful chemicals are being released into the environment; not great for you and the people around you to breathe in.
   Changing to greener methods helps reduce pollution to our waterways and the air and it minimizes your impact on ozone depletion and global climate change with fewer smog-producing chemicals. Many green products also use recyclable packaging which minimizes waste.
   
3. Safer Products
   Conventional cleaning products pose risks such as chemical burns to the cleaner's skin and eyes. Green cleaners aren't corrosive and meet strict standards regarding inhalation toxicity, combustibility and skin absorption.
   
4. Better Air Quality
   As with most people, we can't stand the stench of strong chemical odors. Many green cleaning products -- including store bought and ones you can make at home -- include pleasant natural essential oils.
   
5. Less Expensive
   
   Investing in green products also makes sense for companies. The cost of environmentally friendly cleaning products has become much more competitive, while cleaning in an environmentally sound way reduces the risk of sick days for employees and the risk of fires and chemical spills.
   
6. Fewer Antibacterials
   They have long since debunked the idea of washing your hands with antibacterial soap - it even promotes bacterial resistance to antibiotics! Good thing that most green or environmentally friendly cleaning products don't contain antibacterial agents.
   
7. More Knowledge of Ingredients
   Government regulations don't require ingredients to be listed on any cleaning products. This is another reason we advocate thorough research - companies that produce true, organic and earth conscious cleaning products will tell you everything you need and want to know because they have nothing to hide!
   

As concerns for health become more prevalent and people become more aware of the harsh effects cleaning chemicals are having, they're going back to basics and looking for greener ways to clean.

For products that are safe, effective and proven to be as green as it gets, check out http://www.greencleaners.asia/products.asp
and if you're following us from Adelaide, please visit our website to find out more about how we can help you as you explore the greener path: http://www.greencleaners.com.au/

Health is Wealth.

In the same way you look after your body by eating right, keeping fit and living well, a healthy business is a strong business. In this day and age of competitive markets, it is absolutely vital that you focus on the right investments to help your business grow.

In such a fierce landscape, more businesses are realizing that their workplace can be a strategic business tool and its care is vital to protecting its most valuable asset—its workers.

Recent studies have shown that buildings that go green have measurable financial gains due to employee health, productivity, and retention as well as lower operating costs. Also, as more and more businesses benefit from green cleaning, their individual impact grows exponentially to reach a global scale.

Research has revealed that facilities that switch to green cleaning have dramatically reduced employee sick days by 30%, 10% of whom suffered from illnesses caused by "Sick Building Syndrome". SBS effects range from headaches, nausea and respiratory problems caused by poor indoor air quality, chemicals from carpets and upholstery, mould build up and poor lighting.

Get the most out of your business by ensuring that your employees are at their healthiest!

Numerous businesses have already chosen to jump onto the green cleaning bandwagon - if you haven't done so, make sure to read up on the claims of greenery that cleaning companies promise to deliver. Just as you would only give your body the best to stay in the best of health, choose a green cleaning company that aims to improve the health of your business and employees alike.

For genuine green cleaning services, check us out in Singapore at www.greencleaners.asia and in Adelaide at www.greencleaners.com.au

Introducing our Green Cleaners team in Adelaide

Green Cleaners is internationally known for offering the highest standards of professional cleaning to protect your health without harming the environment, therefore creating a healthier home and a better environment for you and your loved ones. We are proud to bring our environmental knowledge and service expertise to Adelaide, combined with local South Australian owned and operated core values and commitment from our Master Franchisors, Renato & Ida Forte.

Both Renato & Ida are born and bred in Adelaide and they will bring together the skills acquired over 35 years of experience working in the retail and public sectors of the community towards supplying the Green Cleaners brand and ensuring the delivery of a benchmark of services that are recognized and sought after within industry for the value of their clients.

Renato started his working career with 20 years in a retail business, running in partnership with Co-Director and wife Ida Forte. He then worked the following 12 years in the a public hospital sector as Property Services Manager. He has completed a Certificate IV in front line management and recently completed a training course in OH&S regulations codes and practices in the workplace.

Ida's career has lead to the health sector too, working at an aged care facility as a Divisional Therapist for the last 15 years and finding her niche in assisting the residents with daily activities, giving her great satisfaction as the residents embrace her creativity and friendship.

They would like to move forward now and engulf the following cliche – if you do something you enjoy, you won’t have to work another day in your life.

Together, Renato and Ida bring the skills acquired by working in the retail and management role towards supplying the Green Cleaners brand. Embracing the commitment of Green Cleaners – to offer the highest standards of cleaning to protect health, without harming the environment.

Their goal, is to be part of the delivery of a benchmark of services that are recognized and sought after within industry.

To find out how Renato and Ida can be the healthier choice for your home, your family and our environment, visit Green Cleaners Adelaide today: www.greencleaners.com.au

Green Cleaners Launches in Australia!

G’day Adelaide! Green Cleaners can now be found in South Australia with the launch of our first Australian Franchise.

We’ll be delivering the same 5* standards of service and cleaning using our healthier eco-friendly products and we’ve got plenty of great welcome offers for new clients; so spread the word and request a quote today! www.greencleaners.com.au