Wednesday, October 29, 2014

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!






Tuesday, October 28, 2014

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.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Food That Masquerade As Being Healthy!

Happy Monday, everyone! We at Green Cleaners believe that choosing to go green means improving all aspects of your lifestyle. Today, we bring you food that are pretending to be healthy - but are not.


Protein bars.
Just because they claim to have protein, doesn't mean they are actually nutritious. The truth is, with all the added sugars and preservatives in a protein bar, they are pretty much as bad for you as a bar of chocolate. If you want a quick pick me up, make your own mix of healthy nuts with antioxidants to snack on during the day.

Veggie Burgers.
Although a lot of veggie patties (especially those you make at home) are extremely healthy, some of those served in restaurants may be held together with loads of cheese, making it full of saturated fat. Before you order a veggie burger when you dine out, ask your server what they used to make the patties and how they were prepared. Better safe than sorry!

Frozen Diet Meals.
Most of the ready made meals that require little effort (microwave and serve) are actually packed to the rafters with sodium. Not only that, they tend to not have enough servings of vegetables making the diet unbalanced, which also causes you to get hungry soon after you've had a nuke and gobble meal.

Gluten-Free Desserts.
Some people do need to avoid gluten due to allergies and intolerance, but most of the gluten free options, especially cakes and cookies, actually contain just about the same amount of calories as their gluten-containing equivalents, if not more. They are also pricier, so it makes little sense to spend more if it's really not necessary.

Veggie Chips.
Don't be fooled by the sea of spinach chips, carrot chips, and pepper chips lining the snack aisle these days. Oftentimes these are no healthier for you than a regular bag of chips. Most still use potato as their base, and then sprinkle in a little spinach, tomato, or pea powder for color – and not a lot of added nutrition.

Multigrain Pasta, Bread and Cereal.
Whole grains are healthier than refined grains because they have more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
However, multigrain might mean refined wheat flour with a dash of refined corn flour, and two kinds of refined flours isn't necessarily better for you than one. Check the ingredients list. If it says "whole wheat" or "whole corn" near the top, then you're actually getting the extra health benefits.







Thursday, October 23, 2014

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.













Wednesday, October 22, 2014

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!

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall.

Autumn is upon us! Although not everyone around the world has the pleasure to enjoy this season, we at Green Cleaners still believe that because being kind to the Earth is not just a seasonal practice, it is the perfect time to share some fall inspired crafts you that engage your children and keep creative minds busy wherever you are in the world.

1. Fall Button Branches





Wondering what to do with all those spare buttons that have fallen off clothes or came free with past purchases? All you need is a good strong twig and ta-da! You have a beautiful button branch!

2. Fall Leaf Initials (Door Hangers)

All you need are the stunning leaves found in your back garden or around the block, and a strong setting wire. If you're feeling more adventurous, why not go for a whole name? You can adjust the sizing to fit on a door for a more personal touch.

3. Mouse Corks

This is a good way to put those wine corks to good use. Feel free to be as artsy as you can be, using colourful card paper and pipe cleaners, markers and googly eyes. Just be sure to keep the stanley knife out of reach - remember, safety first!

4. Stunning Leaf Banners

The beauty of this specific craft is that you don't have to stick solely to autumn leaves - you can do bright green leaves, flowers or even petals of any colour that you have readily available. For a nice touch, you can use old newspapers or magazine clippings. This is a fun project that the whole family can enjoy and you can all hang up proudly across the halls!

5. Tin Bird Feeder
Once the weather gets chillier and especially when it starts to snow, it’s tougher for birds to find food quickly. Make it a little easier on the birds by making these adorable recycled tin can birdseed flowers. A set of these would look adorable lining your front flower beds or spread amongst the pumpkins in your backyard garden. - See more at: http://www.inhabitots.com/10-easy-eco-friendly-fall-crafts-for-green-kids/3/#sthash.N0ixaK54.dpuf

Once the weather gets chillier and especially when it starts to snow, it’s tougher for birds to find food quickly. Make it a little easier on the birds by making these adorable recycled tin can birdseed flowers. A set of these would look adorable lining your front flower beds or spread amongst the pumpkins in your backyard garden. - See more at: http://www.inhabitots.com/10-easy-eco-friendly-fall-crafts-for-green-kids/3/#sthash.N0ixaK54.dpuf




As the weather gets chillier, birds to find it a bit more difficult to find food. Why not take it from Mary Poppins and help them out a bit? All you need is tin can (or two), some paint and a pair of tough scissors!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Pamper Yourself.

When was the last time you said the words, "I need a break."? More importantly, when was the last time you actually acted on that and booked a holiday away from all the stresses of work and the city life? Today, let us take you on a trip down the green lane - where pampering yourself comes hand in hand with pampering the earth!

Here are some beautiful destinations that offer eco-friendly spa services:

Washington, D.C. : Nusta Spa




Nusta Spa stays on the green path by using sustainable, local and chemical free recycled materials throughout its interior as well as their products!








                                                                                       Peru: Inkaterra Machu Picchu

Located in an Andean village near the ancient city of Machu Picchu, the Inkaterra Hotel and its Uno Spa transcend the old and modern worlds. One of the greenest hotel resorts in the world, it is carbon neutral, and long recognized for its extensive sustainability commitment. This includes the use of green technology as well as supporting major ecology research and conservation programs of its rainforest surroundings.





Australia: Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa

Nestled in one of the most precious, respected rainforests, Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa peacefully resides in the heart of this incredible fusion of humanity and nature, and does its part each day to respect and nurture the Aboriginal tribe that so carefully crafts its life here.

A three-day Aboriginal Expedition allows you to walk the pathways, breathe the air, and live the life of a human being that is truly at one with nature. The green doesn’t stop there. Once inside, the spa menus are just as kind to the earth, so while you’re getting a facial, or immersing yourself in a massage, you can smile knowing that not only are you treating yourself, but you’re also helping the astonishing outdoor setting around you. The green spa’s partnership with the Australian Greenhouse Office ensures its daily reduction of greenhouse emissions, energy management, intellectual property rights, cultural heritage preservation, and the underlying movement of working at one with nature.




Ireland: Monart Destination Spa

Being Ireland's first destination eco-spa, Monart Spa is widely recognized as Ireland's top spa by travel authorities like Forbes magazine. Located on 100 acres of the Irish countryside, the spa was built to ethical standards, including every tree cut down used later in its construction, operating hydrocarbon-free, and according to stringent energy efficiency standards.

North Africa: Kasbah Du Toubkal

Not for the faint of heart, this beautiful one of a kind gem perched 1800 feet above sea level on North Africa's highest peak has been recognized by the King of Morocco for setting the responsible travel standard. The Kasbah uses mule transportation, minimizes electricity and partners with the local Berber community, funding local projects such as a school, waste disposal system and the area's first ambulance.






Costa Rica: Tabacon Grand Spa

 Amidst the pristine rain forest of Costa Rica and an active volcano is the Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, rooted in its surroundings. Treatments are conducted outdoors to the sounds of waterfalls and the rain forest, and specialize in local ingredients, especially those using volcanic mud from the active Arenal Volcano, prized for its curative properties. Long a recipient of international awards and certification, Tabacon is considered one of the finest spa resorts in Central America.

These are only a few of the most sought after getaways around the world. What are you waiting for? Pamper yourself while staying on the bright green road.



Monday, October 13, 2014

Green Superheroes!

What child does not love the idea of being a superhero? We have recently found a wonderful organization that offers camps for young people who want to be more actively involved in saving the planet.

 Green Super Camp Australia offers students a fantastic learning experience that guides every individual into becoming a more confident, motivated and driven member of society! Operational for over 30 years, children who have been involved in this camp have shown a great improvement in their overall holistic growth. With a 55% increase in academic skills, 30% rise in personal development and a whopping 84% improvement when it comes to self esteem, this green discovery is sure to make parents, children and schools happy!

It's no wonder Australia is one of the leading countries in the movement to help the planet restore it's former glory.

For more information, you can visit http://greensupercamp.com.au/

Friday, October 10, 2014

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!

Thursday, October 9, 2014

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.


Saturday, October 4, 2014

Hashtag Your Way to A Cleaner Home!

Hi everyone! Due to the immense amount of support for Green Cleaners Adelaide, we have decided to make things a little more interesting - and who doesn't love a good, fun challenge?

Here's the deal - we want YOU to share with us why you are the most in need of a professional, healthy, green home cleaning appointment and we'll give the best, most creative entries a $50 voucher to use off a Green Cleaners service!

All you have to do is upload a photo with the hashtag #GreenCleanersAdelaide and then tell us why you and your home deserves a service. Here are some examples of eligible entries:

#GreenCleanersAdelaide "My husband hasn't slept since Tyler was born. It would be wonderful to sleep in a bed made up to hotel standard!"

#GreenCleanersAdelaide "Meet Brewsky! He's got sensitive skin and loves making a mess - so please come to our home and clean using non toxic products!"      




#GreenCleanersAdelaide "My son Jake loves to help around the house, but he has bouts of asthma that really get in the way!"



Share your pictures and reasons to win here: https://www.facebook.com/GreenCleanersAdelaide