Handout

Daniel's class came to our house the other day.  I wanted to show them our composter, the push mower, the clothesline (which allowed us to talk about where electricity comes from, peak oil, energy conservation), how I make my own laundry detergent, etc.  We also made ice cream and I made fresh bread to share.  The kids also got various samplers from the garden - spinach, lettuce and rhubarb as well as some old sunflower seeds from an old sunflower head.  They had no idea what a sunflower looked like when it was old and dried - one thought maybe it was an armadillo.

And we read a great book called "One Small Place in a Tree".  Actually, I found a great website with all sorts of environmental books for children:  http://www.childsake.com/

The kids were great.  They asked good questions, behaved very well, and gave me a group hug after we were all done.

They also asked for a handout with websites and the recipes for the ice cream and the laundry detergent.  So I thought I'd share it with you:

Solid (no bottle) shampoo bars:
http://www.basin.com/ (American)

The Environmental Toothbrush:
http://environmentaltoothbrush.com.au/
Glass Dharma (glass straws)
http://www.glassdharma.com

Planet Box stainless steel lunch boxes for kids
http://www.planetbox.com/
If you’re looking for advice on reducing your plastic consumption, please visit: 
http://www.myplasticfreelife.com/


Ice Cream Recipe (Philadelphia style)

2 cups whipping cream
1 cup milk
1/3 to ½ cup honey
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
dash salt

combine ingredients and freeze as per ice cream maker instructions – yes, unfortunately, you need an ice cream maker.

Laundry Soap Recipe

1 bar Sunlight soap – grated on the small side of your grater
2 cups Borax
2 cups Washing Soda

Combine all ingredients well.  Use about ¼ cup per load – pre-dissolve in hot water.  Use less of the soap if you find deposits on your clothes. 

Remember, the dryer is the appliance that draws the most electricity (and therefore costs the most).  In the summer, a clothesline is a great option … and your clothes will smell great.



*If any of you are interested, I put quite a bit of environmental stuff on my blog at:

Well, you're here, so you know my blog address.

That was it.  I plan on adding to the handout and providing it at other events I am involved in.  Why not share the information.  If you'd like to borrow the list, feel free - but add my blog address back to the bottom, please.

Have a great day.






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