Last Chance for Free Mulch

Hello everyone!  No, I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth :)  Just busy being a Mom to 4 great kids, working, trying to keep the house together, getting ready for the holidays, lots of birthdays, volunteering, yard work...well you get the picture :)

Check out the latest blog at http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/11/last-chance-for-free-mulch.html

Weathering Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene was not kind to the east coast.  We were prepared for the worst, but hoped for the best.  Unfortunately, Irene's winds and rain caused damage up and down the east coast, and 44 confirmed deaths to date.   http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/09/weathering-hurricane-irene.html

Baring It All

Can be the green way to go...read all about it at my other blog:

http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/08/baring-it-all.html

Popeye and Olive Oyl would be proud

Popeye knew a few secrets.  Learn more at:
http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/08/popeye-and-olive-oyl-would-be-proud.html

Green Project of the Day - deux

More de-cluttering spawned yet another green project :)  Read more at:

http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/08/green-project-of-day-deux.html

Foodies

There are lots of alternatives to plastic baggies out there, and I have several different types to keep our lunches as waste free as possible. 

To read the full article, please click:   http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/08/foodies.html


Bon Appetit!

Green Project of the Day

Green Project of the Day 

(click to see more at alacartegreen :)

 

July was a blur...

It was an incredible, nature filled blur!  Read about our trip to one of the natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyoon!

http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/08/july-was-blur.html

A Method to the Madness

http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/07/method-to-madness.html  

Where have you been?

Looking back, it's been an incredibly busy June and July!

June is always a hectic month with the kids finishing out school, final exams, sports banquets, end of year celebrations, soccer parties, gymnastics shows, band concerts, award ceremonies...you get the picture.

This year, the day after school ended, we packed up and headed to the NJ shore for a week of fun in the sun.  If only the water line to the fridge hadn't burst, it would have been a nice relaxing week.  Thankfully our good friends were texting, calling, and emailing us to let us know about the flood, figured out how to turn off water to the house, and spent hours making headway cleaning up ceiling tiles, and mess that resulted in our finished basement.  Hubby, aka my hero, zoomed 5 hours to get home and deal with cleanup, allowing us to stay at the beach.  If there is any lesson to be learned, "know where the shut-off valve to your fridge line is", and then before vacation shut it off!  We've added that to our vacation checklist, right next to washing machine shut-off valves :)  Also, make sure the folks watching your home know where the water line shut-off, and other utility shut-off points are.

Thought of the Day...

"If you're going through hell, keep going."
Winston Churchill

U is for Upcycle...

What is upcycling?  How is recycling defined?  And, aren't upcycling and recycling the same? 

Let's start with the more familiar, recycling.  Recycling, is also called downcycling...

To read the rest of this interesting, informative,  and compelling post, please visit:
http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/05/u-is-for-upcycle.html

Great Green Gifts for Mother's Day!

Mother's Day is almost here,                            
and I got to thinking...
besides a poem from the kids,
what kinds of gifts would
spread a grin from ear to ear
for eco-moms far and near?

For more than a dozen ideas that may elicit a smile from your favorite eco-chic Mom, and my top pick, check out
A La Carte Green's post: 
http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/05/great-green-gifts-for-mothers-day.html

Life is...

Life is like a wave...you can't change how it breaks, but you can change the way you ride it...

Happy Arbor Day 2011

Did you know that the last Friday in the month of April is National Arbor Day?  That's today!  http://www.arborday.org/arborday/

 I love trees.  Since I was very little, I've loved looking at trees, drawing and writing poems about trees, climbing trees, planting trees, and enjoying how beautiful they are.  During the hot summer months, I used lay at the end of my bed, staring out the window at the silhouette of trees.   They truly are a gift of nature, a gift of our planet.

So what is National Arbor Day all about?   According to the National Arbor Foundation, "Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care."  It was founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, and each state, as well as other countries around the world, celebrate in some way.  


Arbor Day Foundation's mission statement is, "we inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees".  According to the World Resource Institute, there are approximately 100,000 reasons to celebrate, or 100,000 known species of trees that exist throughout the world.  If you need a reason or two to celebrate trees besides them being aesthetically pleasing, here are my top 10 reasons to plant a tree:

1.  Trees remove CO2 from the air, reducing the impacts of greenhouse gases and climate change.

2.  trees produce oxygen that is necessary for life on Earth, and are good for your overall health.

“One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.” —U.S. Department of Agriculture

“In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.” —Dr. Roger S. Ulrich Texas A&M University

3.  Trees can add value to your home.

 “Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent.” —Management Information Services/ICMA

4.  Trees help cool your home and neighborhood.

5.  Trees break the wind, and reduce both  heating and cooling costs.


“The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.” —U.S. Department of Agriculture

“Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent, by shading the windows and walls of a home.” —American Public Power Association

“If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12%.” —Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research 

6. Trees improve water quality.  Trees help to filter water, improving water quality and groundwater recharge. 

7.  Trees reduce runoff, which also increases groundwater absorption, and allows for groundwater recharge, which in turn is a source of drinking water for many Americans. 

8.  Trees prevent erosion.  The roots of trees help to prevent soil erosion which can lead to the siltation of streams and wetlands, and loss of property.  

“The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion. This allows more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams.” —USDA Forest Service

9.  Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife and birds.

10.  Trees help to maintain biodiversity by providing shelter, food, and habitats for wildlife and birds.

You can become a member of the National Arbor Foundation for as little as $10, and they will send you 10 free 6-12" trees that will grow into beautiful mature trees as a thank you (you even get to choose from a list of trees).  I'm looking out the window now at my beautiful flowering tree that looks like it's decked out for the spring prom.  I received this tree as a gift from National Arbor Foundation many years ago, and it's grown into a stunning beauty that I'm still enjoying today, and hopefully will be for years.   http://www.arborday.org/members/index.cfm

There is tons of great information on the Arbor Day Foundation website where you can learn about tree care and planting, tree identification, free landscaping ideas, join the tree forum, and much, much more.  It's worth checking out at http://www.arborday.org/ There is also an amazing glossary of tree terms http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/glossary.cfm

I hope you'll decide to celebrate National Arbor Day in some way too, whether it is today, tomorrow or in the future because without trees our planet just wouldn't be the same :)  Happy Arbor Day!

T is for Twist

Check it out at alacartegreen :)

http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/04/t-is-for-twist.html 

Happy Easter 2011

Don't forget to green your Easter by composting the Easter egg shells after you enjoy a yummy hard boiled egg :)  As the shells decompose, calcium is released back into the soil. It has also been reported that crushed eggshells help prevent  slug and snail damage because they don't like to cross them.  I will definitely have to give this a try in the garden this year, and see how well it works  :)

Egg cartons can be reused or recycled as well.  Use your cardboard type egg cartons for crafts, to store and organize jewelry or small items in your desk drawer, to store golf balls, to cushion ornaments, make fire starters (add laundry lint, some old broken crayons and/or used up candle bits), or make some seed starters just by adding some compost (or potting soil)!

For craft ideas, check out http://www.freekidscrafts.com/recycled_egg_carton_crafts_for_kids_|_recycled-t75.html .             

A la Carte Green: Happy Earth Day!

A la Carte Green: Happy Earth Day!: "Happy Earth Day Everyone! What will you do to celebrate Earth Day? Here are 10 simple ideas that you could adopt today and forever. In ..."

Happy Earth Day 2011!

For 10 great ideas for Earth Day, check out our sister blog A la Carte Green :) 

http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/04/happy-earth-day.html

It Ain't easy being green

So it's been awhile since I've posted.  

Basically, we got stuck in project purgatory, but at least there was green intent behind it! 

Remember "A is for Air Quality"?  http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2010/05/is-for-air-quality.html Well, in an effort to improve the indoor air quality, we embarked on removing the dust mite laden carpet in Tiger Lily's bedroom, and replacing it with bamboo flooring.  

In terms of "green" flooring, bamboo is extremely sustainable because it can grow between 1-2 feet a day.  It does not need to be replanted after harvesting because it has an extensive network of roots, and spouts new shoots continually.  In addition, bamboo perpetually converts greenhouse gases as it grows, filters the air while making oxygen, and doesn't need pesticides or fertilizers to grow at amazing rates.  This is one rugged, useful, rigid, sustainable grass!  Not only was our choice of flooring "green", but it saved us some green too.  Compared to the oak hardwood we'd originally considered to match the first floor, the bamboo cost significantly less, approximately half as much per square foot.  http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2010/05/bamboo-or-bambooooozled.html 

As a result of the difference in price, the flooring replacement extended into the hallway, and the next 2 bedrooms.  These areas also desperately needed to be replaced, and by removing the dust laden carpet and padding, and installing the green, clean bamboo flooring we've improved the air quality, as well as increased the value of the house.


To complicate the project, we took the opportunity to remove the horrible, contractor-special, "popcorn" ceiling that is sprayed on quickly and cheaply.  Besides the fact that we hate the look of the popcorn ceiling, it's impossible to clean off spider webs and dust because the "popcorn" flakes off.  So, the unhealthy ceiling needed to be scraped off before the carpet was pulled up.  Talk about labor intensive and messy!  Fortunately, the ceiling dust that didn't make it in the bag while scraping, fell on the carpet, which was rolled up and removed.  

Oh, and lest I forget...after removing the horrible popcorn ceilings, the entire upstairs ceiling had to be primed and then painted (low odor paint).   And just for good measure, we added to project purgatory, and primed and painted the walls in two of the bedrooms. 


Suffice it to say DIY projects, have many bumps along the way, both human (hubby smashed his finger, I wrecked my shoulder, and we both ached for weeks) and projected related.  As we did each room, the kids had to endure being displaced from their rooms, and having their stuff mostly inaccessible in piles and boxes.  In addition, we all put up with tools, project mess, and the inconvenience of it all.  Even with great planning there were extra trips to the store, plenty of snags along the way, and days it felt like it we'd never finish.  

Although it ain't easy being green, and we were in project purgatory for weeks, I can honestly say the rooms look AWESOME, and the pride in greening and beautifying our home is something that can't be measured :) 

Recycled beauty

I was so excited to find a replacement for the glass pitcher that Tiger-Lily broke recently.  The original pitcher was a bridal shower gift, but at least it had a long life before it shattered. I found my new recycled glass beauty at Pier 1.  It's from Spain, and I love the tiny glass bubbles you can see in it.  Besides the fact that I got it for a steal, a love to buy recycled items when I can because if there is no market for them, there is less incentive for recycled products.   

Recycled glass dishes

I've got my eye on a few other recycled glass items from Pier 1 too.  Only problem is I don't want to get new dishes until I replace the dishwasher.  The baskets are rusted, and have stained the edges of my current plates.  I've applied the nasty coating to the rust areas, and that has helped some, but the dishwasher is getting up there in age.  However, I don't really want to replace it until it's all washed up, 'ya know?   The poor thing does get a workout in our house...but, I always run it full, and I am a master at fitting in "just one more thing".  Sorry for the dishwasher tangent!  Here is a picture of the recycled plates and bowls I'm considering. I think it's neat that they are imprinted with "Authentic 100% recycled glass" on them! 

recycled glass bottles

For more info on glass recycling and neat recycled glass items check out: http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2010/07/g-is-for-glass.html

Green Valentine's for your Sweet

 

 Traditionally Valentine’s Day makes us think of reds, pinks, and white, and giving gifts to express amore.  And although card companies promote Valentine’s Day as a day of giving gifts, the gifts don’t have to be red, pink, and white, or expensive…instead they can be thoughtfully green.  How can Valentine’s gifts be green?  If you are in a quandary for a last minute gift, read on for a dozen ideas.  

1. Instead of buying one of the ONE BILLION paper cards that appeal to the eyes, how about a Valentine that appeals to the stomach and won’t end up in the landfill?  Perhaps some homemade cookies or cupcakes would be appreciated in the your child’s classroom, or by your sweetheart?  You can add notes with icing to sweeten the “card” even more.  Sweethearts always appreciate something sweet.  
2. Instead of a paper Valentine that in all likelihood will not be recycled as it should be, how about starting a tradition that continues for years?  Reuse one special card from year to year.  Each year, date and write a special message.  How sweet will it be to look back when you are both 90 and read them to each other?  That's a Green and Sentimental gift. 
3. How about making a green recycled gift that kids will love making and giving?  Check out Family Fun’s idea to make cute recycled hearts out of crayon scraps!  http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crayon-hearts-671639/   
4. What about flowers?  Many people associate flowers with Valentine’s Day, right?  And although I LOVE flowers, and think they bright up any space, I like them outside in the spring and summer even better because some of the flowers make me sneeze!  How about flowers that keep on giving and beautifying such as bulbs or a potted plant for a greener floral Valentine’s present.  Since I'm very lucky, and hubby is very romantic (and you hate to squelch that), I let him know that if he wants to buy me flowers, to buy them before or after Valentine’s Day and save some major green!  Speaking of green flowers, you can always indulge in organic flowers that are grown without the added chemicals used to grow traditional flowers.  Try http://www.organicbouquet.com/
5. What about chocolates?  Chocolates are synonymous with Valentine’s Day, and if you are a chocolate lover (I like chocolate any day, not just Valentine’s Day!), you might want to consider a greener chocolate alternative.  Try certified organic chocolate, or chocolate grown without chemicals, and without destroying the rain forests where cocoa beans are grown.  Additionally, chocolate that is Fair Trade certified ensures that the cocoa farmers are paid fair wages to provide us with the greenest sweet treat. 
6. If you think of jewels as a Valentine staple, think about green bling such as the beautiful recycled, functional artistic jewelry by Artsy Fartsy.  Not only is this jewelry unique, it is as green as jewelry can be - it’s made from recycled plastic, but it’s funky, whimsical, and functional all in one.  http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2011/02/green-bling.html
7. Dim the lights…use less electricity, and set the romantic mood  with romantic candlelight.  BUT, you don’t want to pollute your indoor air with pollutants that are expelled by many candles.  Instead choose, soy or beeswax products to enjoy the glow of eco-friendly candlelight. 
8. Speaking of candlelight, if you choose to go out to dinner, choose a green restaurant.  Check out Green Restaurant Association’s website, www.dinegreen.com to find a certified green restaurant.
9. Whether dining out, or dining in, try organic (grown without fertilizers or organic chemicals) and/or locally-produced wines.  See what you can find at http://www.organicwinefind.com/ and download their free mobile app while you’re there!
10. How about making a delicious organic dinner, and eating in with organic wine, and beeswax candles, and organic chocolate for dessert?  Nothing says, “I love you like” taking the time to make a romantic home-cooked meal.
11. So now that you are content from eating a delicious dinner, sipping some organic wine, and spending quality green time with your sweetheart, you may want to give him a gift?  However, buying for your man can be difficult for some, especially if you are in the market for a green gift for him.  Might I suggest a gift that you don’t have to buy, and you have on hand?  It’s the greenest, yet most intimate of all gifts. Yourself!  Slip into a sexy negligee, or don’t…maybe all you need is a nice red bow…dim the lights (saving electricity), light those soy candles, put on some sweet music…you get the picture ;)  If you need help spicing things up, head to the kitchen in nothing but your apron in search of a few groceries.  Read why cornstarch, tomatoes, avocados, chocolate, and buttermilk are 5 sexy ingredients you might want to introduce him to!  http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/green-sex-natural-aphrodisiacs.html 
12. And if you are feeling super sexy, you might want to give him something to enjoy for a bit longer.  For more details, on this seductive green gift, read more at http://planetgreen.discovery.com/fashion-beauty/boudoir-photos-valentine-gift.html

 I hope you have a wonderful GREEN Valentine’s Day with the one you love!

S is for Snow Part II

I big thank you to my sister-in-law in New Hampshire for telling me about Snow Ice Cream.  Not being a native New Englander, I've never tried making it, but based on her recommendation, the next decent snow we get, we'll give it a try (not that I want any more snow this season, we've already had 74+ inches, and honestly I'm tired of digging out and don't want to have school up until July!)

I found a few variations on recipes, so based on what you have on hand, one of these will hopefully work for you!  Don't forget to pull out any toppings you might have on hand...caramel, strawberry syrup, sprinkles, chocolate, crushed up candy canes or other candy, mint GS cookies, Oreo cookies...you get the picture!



Recipe #1 - 4 ingredients you probably have on hand

Ingredients
    * 1 gallon snow
    * 1 cup white sugar
    * 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    * 2 cups milk

Directions:
When it starts to snow, place a large, clean bowl outside to collect the flakes. When full, stir in sugar and vanilla to taste, then stir in just enough milk for the desired consistency. Serve at once.

Source: http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/snow-ice-cream-ii/Detail.aspx


Recipe #2 from Paula Deen, and Food Network - 3 ingredients you may have on hand

Ingredients
    * 8 cups snow, or shaved ice
    * 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
    * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Place snow or shaved ice into a large bowl. Pour condensed milk over and add vanilla. Mix to combine. Serve immediately in bowls.


Source:  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/snow-ice-cream-recipe/index.html


Recipe #3 - 3 ingredients,this one is good for chocolate lovers like me!

Ingredients
    * fresh snow, about 8 cups
    * 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
    * Hershey's chocolate syrup (or similar), about 1/4 - 1/2 cup

Directions:

Take a big bowl and fill it with fresh snow, add and stir in sweetened condensed milk and some Hershey's chocolate syrup, to taste. Source:http://www.squidoo.com/snowicecream

If life sends you snow, go with it and make ice cream!  YUM!!!!

Green Bling

Artsy Fartsy earrings ~$15

Susi DuPuis, took the saying,  "One man's (or woman's) trash, is another man's (or woman's) treasure", and allowed her imagination to soar.  She is the brainchild behind the creative jewelry collection called "Artsy Fartsy, recycled plastic jewelry", and her creations are inventive, colorful, and fun!

Artsy Fartsy bracelets ~ $20

She makes fun, funky, eye-catching jewelry from common household plastic containers, and if you look closely enough you may even spot a logo or two.

Susi is enthusiastic about sharing her art with others, and teaches classes and does demonstrations to help others consider using plastic as an art medium.  She's been featured in several shows on the West Coast for SCRAP Art, Trash to Treasure, and Salvage Art Exhibitions.

Artsy Fartsy necklaces $30-$90 featuring "stacked" disk beads

Susi says, "I believe that what I am doing is merely scratching the surface of ideas for using recycled plastic containers.  What is most meaningful to me as an artist....is that my jewelry represents art and recycling with a functional element.  The plastic is recycled into a whole new functional life as jewelry....it's not recycled art just for art's sake."  I'm so impressed that Susi had the vision to take containers that many toss in the trash (yikes, why don't they toss them in the plastic recycle bins instead!?!), and creates such fun, funky, functional jewelry.  That's why I think Artsy Fartsy, recycled plastic jewelry is such a gem!

The earrings, bracelets, brooches, and gorgeous necklaces, are one of a kind pieces of functional art made by dissecting household containers, hand cutting the shapes, and fashioning them into jewelry.  Besides being beautiful, and unique, Susi says that the "green bling" is often a conversation starter and sends a loud and clearly beautiful message about the importance of recycling and reusing resources.   

Artsy Fartsy Brooches ~ $20

I hope you'll stop by her website and browse her beautiful items, and next time you are looking for a unique green gift, consider purchasing one of her items.  I'm eye-ing a bracelet and necklace myself! ;)

http://www.artsyfartsyjewelry.com/index.html

"Eat Your Greens" with a modern twist ;)

Moms are always trying to get their kids to eat their leafy greens, as well as other green veggies like green beans, broccoli, etc.  I love the crunch of a nice, leafy green salad, it's just delish, especially if you mix in a variety of lettuce.  In the spring/summer we grow our own lettuce, and most years it does very well.  This year I'd like to try to mix in some new varieties like Red leaf and Mesclun greens.  During the colder months, I'm partial to mixing Romaine, Ice Berg, and Arugula for a yummy colorful salad.  Of course I don't need to tell you that greens are good for us and provide roughage.

But what about the packaging of lettuces?  You probably put your lettuce into a thin plastic produce bag, and I hope you recycle it?  It is definitely recyclable, I checked the other day and the produce bag was Type 2, so just add it to the wad of grocery bags that you are hopefully depositing in the bin at the grocery store.  The plastic grocery bags are high-density polyethylene film (HDPE, Type 2), or  low density or linear-low density polyethylene film (LDPE/LLDPE, Type 4), and can be recycled at your local supermarket and other locations.  The bins are usually available right near the entrance/exits. 

What about that green velcro gizmo that is wrapped around the leaf lettuces?  In the past, lettuce was wrapped with large twisty-ties, but I prefer the green velcro gizmo because to me, they are greener in more ways than one.  I've come up with a few great re-uses for those green gems!   Let me know if you have any more ideas to add to the list!

1. My first use for them was to help wrap an icepack around injured children's body part.  Place the icepack on, and use the green velcro gizmo to help hold it in place. In this case I don't cut the velcro, but use it as is from the lettuce.
2. Use number two is a green "cord keeper".  Instead of buying those velcro cord keepers, use one that might have ended up in a landfill instead.  The only problem was when kids took the cords out, the green "cord keeper" often lost it's cord.  In this case, I cut the velcro to size I need.
3. Use number three, new and improved, green "cord keeper".  I made an adjustment to the velcro so that it threads through itself, and does not come off the cord and get lost.  It's really easy, after you cut it to the size you need, fold one end over on itself, then cut a tiny slit in the green velcro (you are cutting through two layers), then you wrap it around the cord, and feed the green velcro through the slit, pull until it's snug on the cord.  Coil up your cord, wrap the velcro around and fasten it!
4. Use number four, brings us full circle...back to the garden, where I use it to tie plants such as tomatoes to the tomato cages, and cukes, pole beans, etc. to their cages/poles.  I also use the velcro plant ties to train vines such as clematis to grow along the chicken-wire fence of my garden, and to tie heavier plants such as sunflowers to a fence.  Gardeners will immediately get the picture ;)

Jumbled mess of cords

Nice and neat with "green" velcro keeper, recycled from lettuce packaging :)

 Sources:   http://www.ehow.com/how_10885_recycle-plastic-grocery.html#ixzz1DDf3fcMV

 

Great Green Gift

My eco-conscious sister always manages to find some really neat green gifts.  This Christmas she surprised me with a beautiful pair of earrings made from recycled forks.  The designer, Maude Lapierre, creates "unique pieces of jewelry out of discarded stainless steel cutlery, transforming the simple structure and patterns of a fork into something new and elegant."

http://www.galerie-co.com/catalog/personal-accessories/jewelry/fork-earings-motif

Cloudy with a chance of meatballs?

Cloudy with a chance of meatballs?  Or is it snowballs?  But I digress on the recent weather around here...

In today's dinner-cast, I don't expect that we'll have any problems with meatballs, they'll be yummy, and then the plates will go in the dishwasher.  However, we should expect to see clouds...cloudy glassware, silverware, and plastics, that is.

In 16 states, including MA.......the new "greener" non-phosphate dishwasher detergents have resulted in cloudy, milky looking glassware.  Why is this happening you might wonder?  In the states adopting The Household Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law, July 2010, the law stipulates restrictions on the amount of phosphates allowed in dish detergents, as well lawn fertilizers.  As a result, dish detergent manufactures have reworked their formulas to drastically reduce phosphates added to make your glasses and dishes sparkly.  

But, how does phosphate impact habitats in lakes, rivers, and other freshwater systems?  Phosphates cause the over-growth of algae, and this leads to oxygen-starved areas, and without oxygen in the water, fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals can not survive.

Why do the glasses and other things coming out of a clean dishwasher look cloudy or milky anyway?   The problem begins if you have "hard" water, which is caused by  high levels of minerals dissolved in your water, specifically calcium and magnesium. According to Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., "Soap is less effective in hard water because its reacts to form the calcium or magnesium salt of the organic acid of the soap. These salts are insoluble and form grayish soap scum, but no cleansing lather." In other words, unattractive, cloudy, milky glassware.
 
So how can you tell if hard water is the issue, or if your glassware is suffering from etching, which is varying degrees of scratching or pitting of the glass surface?  Try soaking a cloudy glass in vinegar for 5 minutes, and if the milky deposits diminish, then hard water is your problem.  I just did this experiment, and sure enough, the glass is clearer in just 5 minutes (don't worry I'll reuse the vinegar to clean something else, I mean the glass wasn't "dirty", it just had some hard water buildup on it) http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/2010/10/n-is-for-non-toxic.html

The dilemma...
Is the aquatic habitat of frogs and fish more important than sparkly dishes?  Or do sparkly dishes trump wildlife?  Can we be environmentally friendly and have sparkly dishes?

Since I'm elbow deep in soap suds washing these cloudy, milky glasses, I figured it's time to get the dish on sparkly solutions, because I definitely prefer letting the dishwasher do the dirty work.

I learned about a product called Lemi Shine, by Envirocon Technologies, Inc.  It's an additive for dishwashers http://www.envirocontech.com/products/Learn-More-about-Lemi-Shine.html touted to bring back the shine and sparkle to your dishes and glassware.  I checked out many reviews of their product as well as their website, which states that Lemi Shine is "Made with real fruit acids, natural citrus oils, and fragrance. Phosphate free."  Hmm, seems like this is one possible solution to the cloudy glassware...

So I wondered how Lemi Shine works?  Does it add back in some other nasty chemical?  I decided to get a little wetter, I mean better information on the "fruit acids" ingredient.  Ah ha!  A timely show on cable about staging your home for sales gave me a clue to work with!  They used a packet of lemonade mix to clean the dishwasher, because a sparkly dishwasher makes buyers smile.   And then a lightbulb went off (don't worry not a CFL, just brain energy was expended)!  In the past, I'd cleaned the inside of my dishwasher with Tang when it got a yucky film on the tub.

I checked the labels of these two, and the common ingredient?  Citric acid!   Although Lemi Shine doesn't list citric acid specifically, I'd be willing to bet that the secret ingredient, aka "fruit acid" is in fact citric acid.    Delving deeper into the kitchen, I learned that citric acid was originally extracted from lemons, limes, grapefruits...CITRUS fruits (citric...citrus).  Now citric acid is produced commercially by a fermentation process; the mold Aspergillus niger ferments a carbohydrate to make citric acid.  Get out your magnifying glass, put on your lab coat, or your apron and check the labels on your foods.  You'll be surprised when you read the fine print and see how citric acid is a common additive to prevent foods from browning, add tang to drinks and sweets, to preserve, and stabilize foods. 

Who knew how handy chemistry would be?  I mean I like sparkly things just as much as the next girl...(diamonds are a girl's best friend...but again I digress).  Seriously,  I do like my glassware to be sparkly clean, but not at the expense of the aquatic critters.  Now, thanks to science, and chemistry, I think I've found a compromise!  Add some citric acid in the form of lemonade mix, Tang, or Lemi Shine, to the main wash section, and your regular dishwasher detergent to the pre-wash, and smile with me when your glassware is shiny once again :)

Sources: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/greenhouse/post/2010/06/16-states-ban-phosphate-laden-dishwasher-soap/1
http://www.appliance.net/2010/states-ban-phosphate-laden-dishwasher-soap-1988
http://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/blogs/when-green-isnt-good-enough-the-phosphate-issue
http://www.helium.com/items/2046686-dishes-are-not-clean-how-to-make-your-dishwasher-work-phosphate-free-dishwashing-detergent 
http://www.envirocontech.com/products/Learn-More-about-Lemi-Shine.html
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa082403a.htm
http://www.understandingfoodadditives.org/pages/Ch2p9-1.htm

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Please join me at my newest blog,
"A la Carte Green".   
http://alacartegreen.blogspot.com/  

"A la Carte Green” is about making green choices on a daily basis, in a manner that works for you.  It's about trying and choosing greener options "a la carte" because there is no one size fits all solution. Not everyone can walk to work or have solar panels, but we can choose to bring waste-free lunches, or to dry our clothes in the sunshine.  You get the picture.  Small “A la Carte Green” choices made by each person will have positive impacts.  Which green options will you choose?