Nature’s Green RemedyHelping Find Balance Between Man & Nature

Is this mild? .. Ouch!

We’ve all likely done it, run out the door on a hot summer’s day after forgetting to anoint all exposed skin areas with our favorite sunscreen or other means of sunburn prevention.  In a few hours we start to notice several of the exposed areas feel warm and tight then later … wham, the full effects of the sunburn hit home!

Fortunately most of us have a number of nature’s green remedies (plus a few other items) readily available around the home to help alleviate the pain and inflammation.

Green Home Sunburn Remedies from the Kitchen

• Take a chilly bath or shower for several minutes. Try not to use soap or only use mild ones if you must then rinse off and do not use a washcloth finally patting yourself dry with a soft towel;
• Add ½ to 1 cup oatmeal to the cooled bathwater rather than bath oils.  You can also use Aveeno powder (oatmeal-based) found in my drug stores.  Air dry your body to let the effects of the soothing oatmeal linger (baking soda is another alternative);
• Use honey as a salve by coating the burned area to promote healing;
• Take a couple of washed potatoes, cut into small pieces, add to your blender then process until they take on a liquid or pasty form (if pasty, add water to liquefy), pat the sunburned patches with the liquid then allow to dry before rinsing with cool water; and
• Soak a washcloth in cool water then apply to burned areas as a cool compress.

Home Sunburn Remedy Selections from the Bathroom Medicine Chest

• Apply a skin moisturizer after bathing to help with dryness and pain (chilling the moisturizer before use can help add relief);
• Use pure Aloe Vera gel (98% or greater) which helps increase blood flow then lower pain and inflammation;
• Sometimes cream or spray topical anesthetics can help if used correctly (be sure to use as directed and check ingredients to insure safety and minimize health issues);
• Use an over the counter pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen (preferred) or acetaminophen (if the first two are problematic for you) to lower both pain and inflammation.

Each of these remedies should help you tolerate the pain and discomfort brought on by mild cases of sunburn. Remember, however, to take the proper actions to prevent future issues the next time you head out for some fun in the Sun!

Note that these remedies are primarily for small areas and minor sunburn cases.  If the burn area is extensive (whole back for instance), if you experience fever/achiness, or the burn develops blisters or forms a light brown crust, seek medical advice immediately.

As we slide along getting ready to make the transition from Spring to Summer, another warmer weather issue soon re-appears and springs to life trying to steal some of the fun from the season …. Pesky Insects!

Most of us will experience many encounters with those little pesky insects popping out of borrows in the yard or the dark and protected cracks and crevices around our homes.

Everything from ants parading across the counters or picnic tables to different types of beetles invading our gardens, flying insects (flies, stinging varieties, moths, mosquitoes) buzzing about and roaches just being completely gross!  They are definitely more than a little irritating …

They’ll soon be attempting to join in and ruin many a summer party or picnic unless you bring out the heavy artillery ….

So rather than reaching for the Raid or other popular, chemically-laden, off-the-shelf variety pesticide, here are a few home-brewed natural remedies that are definitely more in tune as you are living your green lifestyle …

General Purpose Insect Spray Mixture:

Here is a great all purpose spice natural remedy mixture that is a very effective insect spray you can by combining and mixing:

• 1 to 2 Tablespoons Plant-based soap;
• 1 Tablespoon (or a clove or two) Garlic;
• 1 small onion
• 1 Tablespoon of cayenne or hot chili pepper (chopped or powder); &
• 1 quart very warm water.

Mix ingredients together and allow brew for several days.

Filter fluid through cloth or coffee filter into spray bottle and you are ready to go (or should I say the pests will be ready to go!).  And don’t just throw the spice mash away; mix it into the topsoil around some of your various planting!

Here is a video from “The Produce Garden” You Tube video site (full of helpful tips for anyone trying to live a simpler life close to nature) with a slight variation of the above natural remedy receipt:

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A couple of suggestions for those pesky little, hard exoskeleton black or red ants:

Natural Remedy Ant Repellant – place a line of dried peppermint leaves (or dilute peppermint spirits*), 50/50 mix of vinegar/water; chili powder, black pepper or cream of tartar in front of their entry point(s) to keep ants from re-entering area.

*Note – peppermint spirits (an essential oil) can be harmful to cats!

Natural Remedy Ant Exterminator – Mix equal parts of fine-grained sugar (or sometimes grease) with Borax** then place in area when ants enter or congregate.  The ants are attracted by the sugar and carry the mix back to the next where the poisonous Borax** does its deadly deed.

**Note – Borax is poisonous and potentially lethal to people and pets (as little as a few tablespoons can be very dangerous to deadly) so only use in isolated areas where people (especially children) and pets can not access!

I have also tried pouring a pot of boiling water down the opening to ant hills with some success (mixing it with a plant-based cleaning product like Shaklee H2 helps!)

Using Cedar as a Natural Remedy for Moth Control

Moths are another pest that are both irritating when  buzzing around lights in the evening but are more of an issue when they get into closets and make their homes in various articles of clothing.  The simplest way address moths in the clothes are to add cedar blocks or chips (in cloth bags) in amongst the various garments as a natural remedy.

Rhubarb Leaves and Beetles

Another useful tip when dealing with beetles is to make a pesticide brew by steeping several chopped rhubarb leaves in a few quarts of boiling water followed by straining into spray bottle.  Another note of caution is warranted here since rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid which is poisonous to humans and animals.

Diatomaceous Earth and Hard Exoskeleton Critters

One last tip to consider when dealing with hard-bodied pests (ants, roaches, beetles), get some food-grade diatomaceous earth (a soft, chalk-like) sedimentary rock material) and sprinkle the powder around the pest’s pathways. The silica in the powder abrades through the hard exoskeleton penetrating the body cavity and desiccating (drying-out) the pest!

I admit, not the some of these prettiest of natural remedies but often effective ones …

Yes folks, it’s that time of year again and time for “Fun in the Sun”.

So as you continue living your green lifestyle and frolic in the Sun here are five skin protection tips to help keep those Summer outings as happy and care-free as possible.

During the next few months, much of our non-working lives centers around activities lead us outsides where the Sun’s warming and sometimes harmful rays shine upon us. Activities range from extended fishing expeditions (my favorite), boating, holding picnics, days at the beach and even tasks around the house like painting, yard work, gardening and so on …

Though the natural warmth often feels especially grand at the end of a long cold winter, they also place us at risk to a variety of skin problems including formation of leathery and wrinkly skin, unsightly skin spots, and in the worst case …. skin cancer.  Another related issue I sometimes encounter is vision issues due to excessive glare, particularly when on the water.

As you are planning your outdoor activities, consider the following tips to help keep your time frolicking in the Sun both fun (even if mowing) and safe:

1. Wear the appropriate clothing.  Although it may sound counter-intuitive, sometimes proper clothing includes long-sleeved shorts and pants;
2. Try and plan you day to avoid being out in the direct sun between the hours of 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  This is the time of day when the sun is highest in the sky and it’s rays are most intense.  If out for a day of fishing or boating, use your boat’s Bimini top or invest in one (especially if this is a frequent Summer pastime for you);
3. Use sunblocks that are truly effective and have a low health risk associated with them such as Badger Sunblocks or the Alba Sun Care line available online at Drugstore.com;
4. Apply the sunblock to all exposed skin at an absolute minimum and don’t forget your ears, neck and even parts of your face.  If you don’t have much hair on the top of your head, apply the block and wear a hat for added protection;
5. Re-apply sunblock frequently and though you can use the instructions on the label as a guide, remember that your activities might have lead to contact with clothing thereby removing the block.

Always remember to check your skin after each outing making note of areas looking different than normal.  If you do find areas of abnormal appearance be sure and check with your doctor for safety sake.

So remember these five skin protection tips to help keep those Summer outings as happy and care-free as possible as you keep living your green lifestyle.

This article is the third segment in the three-part “green living” and traveling series covering sightseeing, dining and your green living lifestyle on vacation.

Maintaining Your Green Living Lifestyle as You Sightsee and Dine

You’ve settled in and now you are ready to let the fun begin!

And how do you have fun when off traveling on vacation?

Head out to see the local sights …

Head down to the local beach or watering hole and catch the atmosphere ….

Dine in some of the areas best known establishments and partake in local fare …

So after you head out for a day of food and fun, here are a few more tips to help you keep up with your green living lifestyle:

• Whenever possible, minimize personal vehicle travel (walk, bike, use public transportation) when heading out for your day of fun in the Sun;
• Only take those brochures you actually need when stopping at an information booth and make an effort to recycle them when you are done.
• Always carry a trash bag with you and never LITTER .
• Buy recyclable products for your trip and recycle them when done with them!
• Always try and dine at “eat-in” restaurants and hotels since they use washable and reusable materials and cut down on waste disposal of plastic and paper goods.
• Only take the quantity of condiments, plastic-ware and napkins that you need when wasting from carry-out diners.
• Take reusable utensils, plates, cups, bowls, etc. on picnics and other outings to reduce the amount of waste generated. Always clean-up after your party before leaving the area.

And remember when traveling during the summer it’s to time to get away from the normal daily grind but doesn’t mean there has to be a reduction in your green lifestyle.

Using any combination of the seven tips above once out having fun in the Sun (or at night for that matter) will definitely allow you to keep living your green lifestyle.

This article is the second segment in the three-part “green living” and traveling series covering lodging and your green living lifestyle.

Maintaining Your Green Living Lifestyle at Your Destination Lodging

Once you have reached at your destination and checked into your lodging facilities, there are several more tips you can use to insure you are living as green as possible while away from home!  In today’s world, more and more lodging facilities have waste reduction and energy conservation programs.

Even during the preparation phase you should be checking facilities meeting your requirements for these programs as well. If your selected facility doesn’t have a program, you could always suggest one

After you’ve checked in consider these seven green living lifestyle tips as you get settled in for your stay:

• Be an active participant in the hotel/motel or other facility’s recycling program.  If they do not have a program, ask where the closet recycling facility is and remember to suggest the facility start one;
• Remember to turn off all electrical devices (TVs, radios, lights, chargers!) and heating/cooling system (or at least adjust it to conserve energy) when leaving the unit for extended periods of time.
• Make appropriate use of curtains and blind systems to help keep the room cool during the heat of the day or warmer at night by drawing them closed.
• If you are staying in the same unit for a week or more, work with the facility to reduce the frequency of changing linens to once every few days rather than once per day.  We used this practice last summer when renting a cabin with housekeeping for several weeks while vacationing in New England.  The extra privacy was nice and the proprietor appreciated the cost savings!
• Recycle any unwanted periodical reading material (pamphlets, newspapers, magazines).
• Take opened containers of shampoo, soaps and other useable complimentary items with you when departing but remember to leave the un-opened items behind for the next guest.
• Use the electronic check-out system (usually available through the communications or media system) to reduce the need to generate excess paper.

A Real Green Hotel

And remember when traveling during the summer it’s to time to get away from the normal daily grind but doesn’t mean there has to be a reduction in your green lifestyle.  Using any combination of the seven tips above once you arrive at your lodging facility will definitely allow you to keep living your green lifestyle.

Summer is rapidly approaching and so is a new season of increased travels and long-awaited vacations.  At a time when most traveling vacationers are out for a little rest and relaxation, they also tend to be less environmentally conscious creating greater amounts of waste than they normally do.

Does traveling really mean you have to abandon your efforts to maintain your green lifestyle?  Absolutely not keep on living green!

This article is the first in a three-part “green living” and traveling series being added to the Nature’s Green Remedy blog-site in the near future.

Green Living Traveling Preparations

So before you hit the train, plane or automobile, consider these tips as you get ready to embark on your travels:

• When preparing for a road trip, inspect your vehicle to be sure you are really ready to “hit the road” in the most fuel efficient way possible:
  • Take the vehicle in for an oil change and lubrication;
  • Check tire condition, wheel alignment and tire inflation; and
  • Wash/wax the vehicle (clean vehicles drive better!
• If you subscribe to a home newspaper delivery service, be sure to notify the publisher/delivery person of your departure or donate it to a neighbor in your absence;
• Remember to bring your own camera (digital if possible) on the trip to avoid purchasing multiple disposable versions.  If using a traditional film camera, use film rolls with a greater number of exposures (24 or 36) rather than the smaller 12 exposure rolls to save on waste materials.
• When heading out on the road, prepare sandwiches, snacks and drinks in bulk to keep in a cooler therefore cutting down on wrapper and container waste.
• If traveling by train, plane, bus or boat use electronic tickets (e-tickets) which not only generate less waste but also are far easier to replace.
• As each year passes, more and more car rental agencies are including high efficiency or alternative fuel vehicles in their fleets.  Make an effort to rent these eco-friendly vehicles whenever possible.
• Always try and book lodging accommodations in close proximity to planned outings to minimize vehicle use when feasible.

Much traveling occurring during the summer is related to time away from the daily grind but doesn’t mean there has to be a reduction in your green lifestyle.  Using any combination of the tips above when preparing to travel will definitely allow you to keep your personal “green living” standards.

And when you stop to think about your green living traveling preparations, they only reflect minimal changes to most people’s normal routines when getting ready to travel!

With spring in full bloom and summer rapidly approaching, many of the “green living” folks amongst us venture down to the nearest water body to do a little fishing and in my case bass fishing.

Although I still consider myself a journeyman when it comes to green living and maintaining a green lifestyle, I have been using most of the following green fishing tips for decades.

Here are a few helpful green tips to make all of our fishing trips more enjoyable and help keep the aquatic environment closer to its natural state:

• Be conscious of your trash and pickup after yourself;
  • Cleanup all used packaging material, tangled fishing line, and spent tackle.  Recycle materials (fishing line, tackle, etc.) whenever possible.  Today, fishing line recycling stations are popping up all over the place.  Be sure to take advantage of them!
• When catching your own bait, only take what you need;
  • Native minnows (chubs, shiners, etc.), worms, leeches, crayfish are often harvested by fisherman before each trip.  In some areas, excess fishing pressure may be straining bait as well as fish populations.  Only take the amount of bait actually needed for a given trip.
• When buying bait, do not release non-native bait species into the environment;
  • Many dealers across the country sell bait species not native to their area. You should never release non-native species into local waters or you risk altering the ecosystem with a more dominant species.
• When packing up at the end of the day, check all equipment (boats, trailers, etc.) for aquatic plants or other species and remove to minimize spread of invasive species;
  • The spread of aquatic plant species such as hydrilla, Eurasian watermilfoil, or animal species like Asian carp or zebra mussels into US waters has been a growing problem for a few decades.  The organisms are often unintentionally spread by fisherman (especially boaters) when those species get trapped on equipment and are introduced to new waters on the next trip.  Check and clean all equipment before leaving the area.
• Use terminal tackle (sinkers, hooks) non-toxic and degradable materials;
  • Lead sinkers have been linked to poisoning issues in waterfowl and shorebirds.  Use non-toxic weights such as steel or tungsten to prevent future poisonings.
  • Though stainless steel hooks sound like a great investment they don’t rust in tackle boxes, the also don’t corrode when lodged in released fish as regular hooks do.  Avoid using stainless steel hooks to prevent long term damage to released fish.
• Respect the size and quantity limits established by governing fisheries agency and harvest fish you will actually use;
  • Size and quantity limits exist to maintain balance in each fishery.  Even though exceeding the limits is a violation of the law, it also upsets the balance of the system often hurting populations in the long run.
  • Only take (harvest) the fish you’ll actually use.  There is nothing more maddening (nor enraging to anti-fishing activists) then to see rotting fish at the waters edge.
    • I remember one time when a local fisherman caught a stringer of five bass all over five pounds then tied it to a tree on private land just to be a show-off.  The property used to be the only access point to that particular body of water for local residents. When the caretaker for this track of Audubon Society land reported the incident to the regional office, they gated the road into the property and prohibited all future access.  People can be so self-centered and stupid at times.
• Tread lightly on sensitive shoreline environments.
  • These are delicate environments that are easily damaged when people either walk, drag equipment or drive across them.  This is another example often touted by anti-fishing activists when making their case to ban fishing in certain areas.

Making the appropriate choices to integrate a green lifestyle into your life as a fisherman is more than just environmentally smart; it will help preserve this precious resource as well as our privilege to enjoy it.