No Title 1982

Supplement to “Conservation Culture at Ecovillage”

Residents of Berea’s Ecovillage are directed to avoid using bleach-based chemical cleaners or anti-bacterial soaps, since these harm the beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that clean the wastewater in the village’s Ecological Machine. Instead, residents are encouraged to make their own green cleaners. Read here for some recipes for easy green cleaners from Elaine Adams, Berea’s Ecovillage coordinator.

General purpose cleaner
In a clean, 16-oz. trigger spray bottle, mix 2 tablespoons vinegar with 1 teaspoon borax. Fill the rest of the bottle with very hot water. Shake until the borax is dissolved. Add 2 tablespoons liquid detergent and 10-15 drops essential oil.

Floor cleaner
In mop bucket, combine 1 gallon water, 1/4 cup vinegar, and 3 to 4 drops liquid detergent.

Glass cleaner
Mix 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 drop liquid detergent, and several drops essential oil.

Drain cleaner
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Let fizz for several minutes. Pour 6 cups boiling water down the drain. Repeat if necessary.

To read the Kentucky Living February 2009 feature that goes along with this supplement, go to Conservation Culture at Berea’s Ecovillage