Winning tips from our readers

Congratulations to last months winners of the eco fabulous book Drive Like a Woman, Shop Like a Man.  Below are the three favourite eco tips chosen by the GreenMe team.  We would also like to thank everyone who submitted a tip.

To be in with a chance to win a copy of 101 tips which will not only help save you money but also the planet. Email us your top green tip

Tip 1

submitted by Harry Toye, Co Meath

Wash without Water – Polish without Pollution.

Thinking of washing your car?

Think for a moment about all the water you’re wasting: A standard garden hose spews roughly 10 gallons of water per minute, adding up to between 80 and 140 gallons per wash (National Geographic).

This could also be an opportunity to Save Energy – Reduce CO2:
To supply every thousand cubic metres of water, approximately 500Kwh of energy is used, and wastewater disposal uses about another 400Kwh, which means about 400kg of CO2 is being emitted.

The Solution?  Save Water and Stop Pollution in one go!

Latest technology has seen the arrival of several waterless car wash products that Clean, Polish, Wax and Seal your car, without using any water at all!

But beware of the dreaded “Green Washers”. Ensure that your cleaning products do not contain Solvents, Petroleum distillates, Acids, Silicones or a host of other chemicals harmful to humans, animals or plant life. Those types can contribute to the pollution of our groundwater, rivers and lakes.

So check first then enjoy treating your four-wheeled, pride and joy without feeling guilty!

Tip 2

submitted by Sharon Conroy, Kilcolgan, Co. Galway

Soda crystals

A kilogram of soda crystals cost 91c in Dunnes Stores.  Soda Crystals are basically sodium carbonate and it’s strong, so do wear rubber gloves when using them.  You should not use this on aluminium or a varnished surface as it may strip them.

Put a small amount into a basin of hot water, put on your marigolds and use on any sink or ceramic surface for a  glimmering glow.

Also great on cookers, grease is instantly dissolved and guaranteed to get your cooker hood shining.

If you have really soiled clothes you can also add 50g to your clothes detergent when washing, and if you pour the crystals down your drains it will clean them.  Apparently if you sprinkle on moss on paths and patios, then sprinkle water on top and leave for a day, it also dissolves the moss.

Tip 3

submitted by Margaret Mc Gettigan, Dunfanaghy

Weed killing the eco friendly way

Boiling water

Instead of using really nasty chemicals to rid your garden of harmful weeds try using boiling water. This is particularly effective for use on weeds in the expansion joints on driveways and paths.

Vinegar

Neat white vinegar is good as an alternative broad leaf weed killer. Vinegar is most effective when applied on a sunny day.

Salt

A strong saline (salt) solution can be used on gravel driveways and where weeds have sprung up between cracks or joints in pavements. You shouldn’t use this in open areas close to other plants are close by as repeated applications can cause the salt to leach over a wider area..

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is also highly effective in killing weeds of all types and it will break down very quickly.

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