AngieRINGLER

To say Angie Ringler is eco-minded would be an understatement.

Throughout her adult life, the Eustis resident has washed and re-used plastic Ziploc bags and even composted organic matter from her kitchen, including fruit and vegetable scraps.

“I also solar cook my food because it does not require gas, electricity or fi re,” she says. “And I strive to eat as organic as possible.”

Angie also makes natural household cleaning products. Simply put, she was tired of store-bought products irritating her skin.

“I’m a redhead, so my skin is already extremely sensitive,” she says. “Whenever I used products from a store, I would feel itchy and my skin would break out in rashes and little white bumps.”

Having experienced much less skin irritation with her own product, Angie felt she could make a far-reaching impact. A personal fi nancial analyst, she decided to permanently leave the world of fi nance behind in 2009 to launch Tangie LLC, a company that sells household cleaning products that do not contain petroleum-based chemicals.

“The downturn in the economy also played a part in my decision,” she says, “but I felt it was time to follow my passion. Not only could I help others with skin problems, but also do my part in improving the environment.”

The fi rst product she launched was an all-natural laundry detergent. Now, she also sells odor remover mist sprays, all-purpose cleaners that leave windows and mirrors streak free, laundry soap that’s both detergent and fabric softener, and a heavy-duty bathroom cleaner that eliminates soap scum, stains, mold and mildew.

Her products are made of high-grade essential oils, soap nuts, yucca root powder, baking soda and salt. “One guy uses my all-purpose cleaner to clean the brake on his bike. Another lady uses the cleaner to clean out her ferret cage. She said the cage used to stink so bad that she could no longer keep it in the living room. But since she began using my cleaner it no longer stinks.”

In 2015, Angie hopes to launch a gardener’s hand soap and a specialized shampoo for short- and long-haired dogs. “When you clean your floor with a petroleum-based product it gets on a pet’s pad and fur and they end up ingesting it because they clean themselves. I have peace of mind knowing I’m not putting myself, my pets or my family at harm.”

If she has her way, Angie will soon fi nd herself out of a job.

“I would be ecstatic going out of business tomorrow knowing everyone made their own cleaning products naturally,” she says. “It is important to leave this planet better than we found it.”

ANGIE’S OTHER D-I-Y PROJECTS

In addition to making natural household cleaners, she’s adamant about maintaining organization in her home.

ANGIE RECENTLY PURCHASED a red silicone drawer mat organizing system for her kitchen. She no longer has to aimlessly dig to locate the peeler, grater and ice cream scooper. “You can make crevices in areas of the mat where you want specific items to go,” she says.

ANGIE REPLACED A PICTURE IN AN OLD FRAME with a multi-colored beach blanket she uses as her own personal project board to post reminders about certain tasks needing to be completed. She writes down each task in a colored column — the specific color indicates whether the task is a home project, a business project, or something personal. “I write down things that do not have to be necessarily completed within the next few days,” she says. “But the project board reminds me that certain things need to be done eventually.”

ANGIE USES A WHITEBOARD AS A FOUR-MONTH CALENDAR. Shaded grid lines allow her to see what’s coming up in the next few days and weeks. “I’m a very visual person, so having a huge wall planner is very beneficial to me. It’s also great for my husband because he knows where I am going to be at all times, and he can make plans according to my schedule. It has provided us with a whole new level of communication.”

ANGIE’S HUSBAND RECENTLY EXPANDED HER BEDROOM CLOSET. Having a walk-in closet allows her to neatly organize her clothing items and footwear. That’s extremely important considering she has 30 pairs of shoes. “Having an expanded closet helps me be more organized. Now, I can walk right into the closet and instantly decide what I’m going to wear for a particular day.”