The World celebrates Earth day on April 22nd. Think of today as the New Year's Day for our planet and consider making some "resolutions" to make Earth, our home, a priority.  Taking baby steps might assure that you can and should make the effort!  Here are a few minor changes you can make in your everyday life to reduce waste in your home.

• Use reusable grocery bags instead of plastic ones.

• Recycle paper products like cereal boxes, newspaper and junk mail.

• Buy a thermos for your daily coffee and forego the café’s cup.

Plus, there are some household products we all buy regularly, which are fairly inexpensive and are far less harsh on the planet than some of the other cleaning products on the market.  Make this spring cleaning season a little earth friendly by checking out these simple household staples!

Vinegar is a great Universal Elixir:

• Clean your iron by filling its reservoir with vinegar and then steam a soft cloth.  Repeat process with water to finish.

• Clean your dishwasher by pouring a cup of vinegar where the detergent should be, then run the cycle.  Repeat once-a-month.

• Chrome and Stainless Steel can be de-spotted and shined by wiping it with full strength vinegar

• Remove furniture rings with equal parts of vinegar and olive oil and rub with the grain.

• Clothes will rinse better if a cup of vinegar is added to the final rinse.

Hydrogen Peroxide is not just for disinfecting or cleaning cuts:

• Disinfect countertops and cutting boards.  Put a little on a dish rag and rub down to kill any bacteria and keep your kitchen smelling fresh.

• Mix 50% Hydrogen Peroxide and 50% Water to clean bathtubs, sinks and Toilets.

• Pour a little over your toothbrush after every use.

• Mix 1 oz in 1 quart of water and water your plants.  It adds oxygen to the soil and helps roots grow.

• Some have even lightly combed their hair with Hydrogen Peroxide for some sun-kissed highlights.