EcoBlog

Alternatives to toxic cleaning products

By kitkreuger. Tuesday, 7. November 2006, 01:14:03

I've been trying to find alternatives to toxic cleaning products.
Here's what I've found today:

Detergent and soap: Fresh water and a lot of elbow grease
Bleach: Hydrogen peroxide
Scouring powders: Baking soda or salt
Floor cleaner: Half cup of white vinegar in 2 litres of water
Window cleaner: 1 cup of white vinegar in 1 litre warm water
Varnish cleaner: Wipe with ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup water solution
Head cleaner: Brush with baking soda
Shower cleaner: Wet surface, use scouring cloth with baking soda
Aluminium cleaner: Use 2 tablespoons cream of tartar in 1 litre of water
Chrome cleaner/ polish: Apple cider vinegar to clean, baby oil to polish
Fiberglass stain remover: Baking soda paste
Drain Opener: Disassemble and replace; avoid toxic products
Mildew Remover: Paste of equal parts lemon juice and salt
Wood polish: Use 3 parts olive oil and 1 part white wine vinegar; almond or olive oil (interior unvarnished wood only)

Source: http://www.thegreenblue.org.uk/youandyourboat/howto.asp

Three languages to be coofficial in Brazilian Amazon

By kitkreuger. Monday, 6. November 2006, 23:49:10

brazil, indigenous languages

Since November 1st 2006 a new law determines three coofficial languages in
São Gabriel da Cachoeira, 858 km from Manaus (capital of the Amazon state). These are: heengatu, baniwa and tucano. Portuguese is still the official language. This municipality has the highest share of indigenous population in the country: 73,31% out of its 29,9 thousand inhabitants, according IBGE (the national geographic and statistics institute). The usage of these languages will be mandatory in all public repartitions, schools, banks, churches, commerce, advertisements and judiciary system and media.

Click on "read more" for the news in portuguese.

How green is your boating?

By kitkreuger. Monday, 6. November 2006, 23:20:58

the green blue, boating, environmental impact

I've stumbled upon this website today, it seems to be quite an interesting source about recreational boating and its interaction with environment. It's called The Green Blue. It's the result of a new environmental awareness initiative by the British Marine Federation and the Royal Yachting Association. They even receive applications from M.Sc., Ph.D. and final year students.
Check out their website:http://www.thegreenblue.org.uk/sciencematters/student.asp