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Cody Enterprise • Thursday, May 14, 2015
Harnessing power of sun Stone Soup Studios uses solar energy to provide heat By BUZZY HASSRICK Special to the Enterprise In its 12 years of operation, the solar arrangement that provides heat and electricity at Stone Soup Studios has encountered few problems. “This system has been almost flawless,” co-owner Elijah Cobb said. The active and passive elements include – from roof to basement – solar panels, insulated walls, double-pane windows, heat-absorbing front hallway and a stainless steel, 750-gallon water tank. The tank is the core of the heating operation, served by thermostats and yards of copper pipe. Even in mid-winter, with temperatures hovering at minus-20 degrees, the system will warm the building if the sky is clear, Cobb said. If the water isn’t hot enough, co-owner Linda Raynolds said, there is a backup electric system. She added that the setup capitalizes on a state resource. “We live in Wyoming, and we have sun,” Raynolds said. “Most days we have sun.”
A joint venture
When the sculptor and photographer lived in a remote, rustic cabin about 20 years ago, Raynolds said Cobb harnessed the sun’s energy to provide light for his dark room. “When the sun was out, all he needed was a light bulb and a solar panel,” she recalled. “One of the beauties of the thing is … it works.” In time, the remote location proved problematic for their careers, so they decided to relocate and chose Cody as an appropriate fit. “This is an artistic community,” Raynolds said. “As artists, we felt this was a good place to live.” After establishing their creative spaces off East Sheridan, they found nearby property where they could fulfill their vision, a studio complex that capitalized on sun power. She worked on the design with her brother-in-law, architect Alex Blackmer of Fort Collins, Colo., who builds off-grid and tie-in homes. “He and I sat down with a beer and a paper napkin,” Raynolds said. Later she fashioned a little mockup to express her ideas. “I made a small clay model for Alex,” she said. “I’m a sculptor – that’s how I communicate.”
photo by RAYMOND HILLEGAS
Artist Linda Raynolds of Stone Soup Studios helped design the energy efficient building along with Elijah Cobb.
The building was designed to be energy-efficient. Elijah Cobb, Stone Soup Studios In the past she’d participated in group studios and appreciated the synergy of working with other artists, “but they were horrible spaces” such as basements, garrets and abandoned warehouses. “They’re not inspiring spaces unless you’re into urban grunge,” she said. “Architecture affects the human spirit.” Fundamental to group studios, in her words, are beautiful and inspiring spaces for artists, “instead of laboring in a dungeon.” The setting
is equally important, so Raynolds and Cobb selected a site with trees, deer, birds, canals and sometimes horses. “It’s such a beautiful piece of property for artistic inspiration. It’s such a nice place to work,” Raynolds said. When the lot became available, she determined, “We could do this cool thing,” which Cobb describes as an “art-business incubator.”
The solar system
“The building was designed to be energy-efficient,” Cobb said. The exterior structure comprises concrete poured between two layers of foam-insulation interspersed with rebar, which not only provides weather protection, but also serves as a sound barrier, he explained. “This is really quiet,” Cobb said of the interior. The building is oriented eastwest to create a southern exposure and capture solar power through tall windows. The sun’s rays strike and heat the dark, cement floor of the long, front hallway and also the dark, back, masonry wall. The roof overhang was precisely designed to let the winter sun into the building and block the summer sun, Cobb said. Alternating windows along the front and also in the five studios can be opened for crossventilation. On the roof is an array of 12
solar panels to warm the water for the heating system. Copper pipes run between the water tank in the basement and the panels. Two thermostats or “smart boxes,” as Cobb called them, regulate the flow. If the panels are 20 degrees or warmer than the tank’s water, the boxes activate pumps that send the water onto the roof to be heated. “The water only goes up if it’s hotter up there,” Cobb said. When the pumps stop, the water flows into the tank, in a so-called “drain-back system,” Cobb said. That means, if there’s a problem, “we don’t have anything to freeze up there.” He noted that the water is pure. Each room contains a thermostat and radiator, which contains a copper coil and fan. Included with the radiator is an electric heat system for backup.
Please see SOLAR, page C-2
Youth garden taking shape on Mountain View
photo by JEANETTE JOHNSON
The keyhole garden begins to take shape with the help of (from left) Nikki Andrews, Donna Blaylock, Hudson Oelschlager, Luca Swindler, Samuel Dallas and Cathy Dallas.
By JEANETTE JOHNSON Staff writer Chips were flying, dirt was on the move, goats basked in the sun and youth learned life lessons. Hugelkulturs were under construction – a typical Saturday for youth garden enthusiasts, emphasis on youth. Hugelkulturs – gardening without irrigation or fertilization, is good for anyplace from backyards to deserts. It’s turning rotted wood into buried treasure to grow vegetables. What once looked overrun became organized, ready to turn the large plot into an area for home-grown food. Like the plants and seeds, Young Hugelers Earthworks Growing Initiative is growing by heaps and mounds. J.R. Megee and Nikki Andrews are heading up the non-profit community youth garden. The idea germinated as the duo talked about starting a hugelkultur. Goats are happy to clean the irrigation ditch, accepting petting as payment. “We’re going to be as organic as we can possibly be,” Andrews said. Materials began to appear in February. Megee’s property at 2619 Mountain View Avenue began to take on a new life as logs and limbs became fodder for compost. When wood breaks down, it aerates and fertilizes plants. As decomposition continues, it releases
nutrients and stays warm, Andrews explained. It’s also a way to heat greenhouses and extend the growing season. They want to make it available to all schools. “We’re teaching kids how to feed themselves,” she said. Participants in the venture could be standing in a lunch line, see items and tell their peers they helped grow the food, she said. “As kids get better growing habits, they can educate their parents,” she said. It’s learning a habit that will last a lifetime. The goals are simple: •Create a safe, positive environment for youth of Park County and outlying areas. •Create a space for teachers and parents to educate youth. •Grow produce to sell to the school and farmers’ markets or donate it to charitable organizations. It goes beyond making seeds grow. The green thumbs will learn about charitable donations such as providing food for Meals on Wheels, Andrews said. The young farmers also will take items to the farmers’ market. The keyhole gardens – think of a pie with a slice removed – are filled with compost from leaves, trees and manure to aid in the process. “Growing stuff should be fun and extremely rewarding,” she said. “There’s a lot of pride involved.” Please see GARDEN, page C-4
C-2 - Cody Enterprise - Thursday, May 14, 2015
Go green
This power consumption/generation chart represents a good day at Stone Soup Studios. On April 4, 18.2 kilowatts was generated and 12.9 kilowatts was used. The red is all electric consumption and the green is electric generated by the building. A relatively small amount of generation is enough to make a surplus. During this time shown on the graph no energy was used for heat.
SOLAR
(from page C-1)
Even on cold days as long as it’s sunny, “We can get through the night,” Cobb said. “That’s why Wyoming should be the energy state. We have great solar. I would love to have solar be a part of the energy equation.” For electricity, “Sunny Boy” is the name of the gadget in the basement that converts the solar voltaic power to alternating current. In April, Cobb reported, the system produced a surplus.
Operational analysis
Last winter, when the temperature plunged to minus20, some snow and ice accumulated under one the solar voltaic panels. “We had a panel that fried,” Cobb said. Other than that, the system has functioned without problems. Raynolds said that the original costs are somewhat higher than traditional systems. The initial investment was $8 per kilowatt, while the same-sized solar-voltaic system today would run $3 per kilowatt, Cobb said. He
attributed the lower cost to increased competition, less wasteful and higher quality of products. “Things have gotten cheaper and more efficient,” he noted. The investment was estimated to pay off in six to seven years, Cobb said. Raynolds added that calculating payback depends on electric rates. Rising rates and falling costs shorten the payback. “We’re very happy with the system,” she said. It was designed by Cre-
ative Energies of Lander. Raynolds also praised the builder, John McGee of Cody, chosen because he’d been involved with solar projects in the past. “He was a highly reliable, careful and meticulous contractor,” she said. “I knew that he’d be thrilled to build a major solar building.” Raynolds also acknowledged the city’s support, saying the council and staff were “receptive, helpful and excited about the project.” The system meets 70-85
percent of the heating demand, Cobb estimates. The solar-voltaic panels, two sets of 10 each, generate between a third and a half of the annual electricity usage. “At this time of year we produce all of our electricity,” he noted. “Our objective is not to be a net generator of electricity, but to cover most of our use,” Raynolds added. “And that’s what it does.”
photo by RAYMOND HILLEGAS
Heliotrope Thermal Delta-T controllers help control the circulating pumps in the solar hot water system at Stone Soup Studios.
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That’s why Wyoming should be the energy state. We have great solar. I would love to have solar be a part of the energy equation. Elijah Cobb, Stone Soup Studios
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Cody Enterprise - Thursday, May 14, 2015 - C-3
Go green
Don’t throw used items away, donate them Habitat ReStore, Store on Bent take donations
The ReStore in Powell will recycle your old electronics and appliances for a minimal fee. For more information call (307) 2547005. DVDs and VHS. It is located at 223 N. Bent and opened in 2013. “A lot from both stores is being repurposed and upcycled, which is quite fun,” she said. “It’s taking something with a previous life and giving it a new life as something else.” Mountain Spirit Habitat helps repurpose items as well by donating them to other community groups. They provide pillowcases to the Soroptimists group in Powell to make dignity dresses for young girls in Asia. They also provide layettes for mothers in Park County who can’t afford baby clothes. At the ReStore they accept e-waste electronics such as televisions, computers, monitors, keyboards, answering machines and phones, and recycle them through a reclamation center where the items are stripped for reusable components and recyclable materials. Cost to recycle is $5 to $10. “If it’s something we can sell in the store, we’ll do that for no fee,” Clifton said. Metals and non-working appliances can be recycled as well. Because new regulations require the fluids be drained
before the metal can be recycled, there is a $35 disposal fee for appliances. ReStore supervisor Ron Cooper is responsible for the recycling program and he works with partners including Collective Recyclers in Laurel, Wyoming Steel Recyclers in Cody and Powell Valley Recyclers. Mountain Spirit Habitat can even recycle some clothing that can’t be resold, sending it to be shredded and turned into a pulp. Other things they can’t sell in their stores are put online on sites such as eBay and Etsy. “We sell things that won’t do well here and are easily shipped,” she said. Money earned at the stores goes to provide additional funding to support Mountain Spirit Habitat’s house-building and home-restoration goals. Donations can be dropped off at either store or you can call the donation hotline (307) 254-4849. The donation coordinator makes a schedule and a box truck will pick up the items. “The truck runs a minimum of three days a week and more if there’s the demand,” Clifton said. If you don’t have items to drop off, you can still donate by purchasing Spirit Mountain Bucks. A $20 Spirit Mountain Buck costs $15. That donation goes straight to their housing projects. Both the ReStore and Habitat’s Shop on Bent are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information go to mshfh.org.
(From left) Celena Shaffer, Gabe Riveira, Mary Higgins and Ron Cooper will help you find the best construction or remodeling supplies for your project.
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It keeps things from being thrown away and we resell it at a lower cost. Camara Clifton, executive director
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The Store on Bent’s staff includes (from left) Sara Evrard, Marla Skelton, Connie Stringari and Valerie Harvey.
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More canned tuna is consumed in the United States than in any other country in the world. Unfortunately, the vast majority of tuna sold in the American market fails to meet fundamental sustainability standards, according to Greenpeace’s 2015 Canned Tuna shopping guide, their first-ever U.S. canned tuna ranking. The ranking looked at 14 well-known U.S. national and private label supermarket brands to evaluate their sourcing policies and practices – including whether the fishing method used to catch their tuna harms other marine life, whether they avoid shark finning and whether they can trace their products back to the sea. In addition, it examined how equitable and socially responsible are the brands. The ranking concluded that most brands do not have adequate measures in place to address sustainability and human welfare and labor issues. “Consumers should know that many canned tuna brands are contributing to ocean destruction at an alarming rate,” says Greenpeace Seafood Markets Lead Graham Forbes. “However, the silver lining here is that other companies are
TO POWELL
By AMBER PEABODY Special sections editor Habitat Humanity stores are a good deal for you, the community and the environment. Mountain Spirit Habitat for Humanity has two stores in Powell where you can donate your used items. “We’re the largest recycler in the Big Horn Basin,” executive director Camara Clifton said. “It keeps things from being thrown away, and we resell it at a lower cost.” Located at 509 Gateway Drive, the ReStore is a homeimprovement outlet, selling new and gently used construction, remodeling and decorating supplies to the community at discounted prices. Opened in 2011, donated materials are sold to the public at 25-75 percent off the retail price. Accepted items include: •Appliances •Architectural items •Bath fixtures •Cabinets and countertops •Electrical supplies •Flooring •Hardware •HVAC • Insulation •Landscaping •Lighting fixtures •Lumber •Plumbing •Paint •Tools “We live in a disposable culture,” Clifton said. “We want people to think about giving new life elsewhere to things that are no longer useful to them.” Habitat’s Shop On Bent is a retail store dedicated to the sale of used men’s and women’s and children’s clothing, household items, old china and silverware, baby items, small kitchen appliances, used books, pictures and picture frames, and used CDs,
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C-4 - Cody Enterprise - Thursday, May 14, 2015
Go green
photos by JEANETTE JOHNSON
Construction of a keyhole garden has brother and sister Luca and Raney Swindler, Nikki Andrews, Hudson Oelschlager, Donna Blaylock, Joann Wall, and son and mother Samuel and Cathy Dallas eager to see the results.
Blanche the “Wild Child” of the goat population waits patiently for some human attention.
GARDEN
Cutting, chipping, digging and planting brought people of all ages to the Hugelkultur site earlier this month. Sarah Andre (from left) and Lexi Blaylock watch as Cathy Dallas puts a log in place.
A recent group drew youth from 3 to 16, working side-by-side to get the garden started. Passersby ogled, turned around, stopped, got out and were soon signed up to help. “Anybody who stopped and talked got excited along with us,” Andrews said. Another goal is for the acre to be “owned” by the youth of Park County who participate in and benefit from the project. It’s a place for teachers to schedule a field trip: science abounds, art ideas crop up, and they can dig into the history of hugelkultur or even the evolution of a tomato plant. “We will be doing our best
(from page C-1)
to be as far off the grid as possible,” Andrews said. “We would like it to be as sustainable as possible. Something like this will last 15-20 years before it needs to be maintained again.” Several businesses and residents have volunteered equipment and sweat equity including: • We l d o n a n d D o n n a Althoff. •Larry Jones. •Iverson Sanitation – porta-potty. •High Country Roofing – dump trailer. •Swindler family – wood chipper. •McClure Custom Builders. •Kim Neiters – backhoe. •The late Ike Christo-
pherson – backhoe transport. “This is an overwhelmingly happy place,” Andrews said. “It’s important for kids to recognize it’s OK to march to the beat of your own drum as long as it’s productive and positive.” The goats caught Hudson Oelschlager’s eye. After hearing about hugelkultur, the 13-yearold was hooked. “I really like it,” he said. “It’s different from the farming my cousins in Illinois do.” Everyone’s eager to get the word out. “The best thing is when people park and come talk to us,” volunteer Myron Hoebelheinrich said.
Three ways your technology can help you go green These days, there’s no reason why you can’t be both techsavvy and an environmentalist. More gadgets and technical appliances are trending green, and now is the perfect time to learn how you can adopt some of these innovations in your life. To reduce your family’s overall impact on the environment, consider this lineup of eco-friendly technologies:
Green Apps
There are hundreds of apps designed to help you make earth-friendly lifestyle changes – from PaperKarma, an app which helps you stop the flow of junk mail to your home, to the Green Gumshoe, which facilitates the reporting of environmental incidents to the correct authorities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a good resource for finding and locating the best green apps. What’s more, they offer developer tools for those wishing to make their own green apps using EPA data.
Lamp-Free Projector
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The EPA is a good resource for finding the best green apps. Technology
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If your home, school or business could use a green makeover, an easy place to start is by replacing an outdated projector with something more energy efficient. For example, Casio’s LampFree projectors consume 1/3 less power per unit than traditional lamp-based projectors by using a Laser & LED Hybrid Light Source. Guided by Intelligent Brightness Control, you can conserve power up to 50 percent because the projectors automatically adjust brightness to suit the room. For every 6,000 hours of use, that amounts to approximately $800 dollars saved compared to a traditional lampbased projector. In addition, Casio’s portfolio of projectors, including its
SLIM series, takes environmental consciousness a step further by eliminating harmful mercury bulbs from the equation.
Solar Chargers
You may rely on multiple devices to get you through the day, from your mobile phone to your tablet to your laptop. It’s easy to keep these items running without draining electricity, even when you’re on the go. Solar chargers come in all shapes and sizes these days – clam shell, tree branches, foldable – you can even buy a backpack or laptop case equipped with a solar panel. With so many manufacturers greening their offerings, consider taking stock of your tech gear and making ecofriendly swaps. (StatePoint)
More gadgets and technical appliances are trending green.
Cody Enterprise - Thursday, May 14, 2015 - C-5
Go green
LED lights will save rec center energy
Cody Middle School seventh-graders (from left) Gus Mahieu, Duncan McCloud, Ethan Johnston, Hunter Hays, Duncan Radakovich, Josh Wilson and Dusty Freedman clean up trash along East Sheridan Avenue near the softball fields.
Students helping keep Cody clean
© 2015 Rocky Mountain Power
wattsmart is registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
By AMBER PEABODY Special sections editor Cody Middle and High School students did their part to keep Cody clean by picking up trash earlier this month. The community clean-up was part of the Cody chamber’s Park and Pancakes celebration, which celebrated the opening of Yellowstone Park. “I thought it would be a cool way for the students to get involved and help get Cody ready for our big summer season,” chamber director Scott Balyo said. “Principals Tim Foley and Bart Bailey were very supportive.” Foley said it took the idea back to his teachers at CMS and the P.E. department “picked it up and ran with it.” “Some teachers have tried to do it in the past, but this gives us a little more structure,” Foley said. “We hope to do this on a more
ongoing basis.” He said it also gave students a chance to be part of their community. “It’s about stewardship and we all have a part to play, Foley said.” The middle school students picked up trash near the East Sheridan softball fields, Beacon Hill Road and around the school. “I thought it was good because we can help pick a bunch up,” sixth-grader Nic Talich said. “I didn’t think there would be that much stuff, but we filled a couple bags.” CHS students spent time cleaning areas near the school, as well as the Greybull Hill, West Strip near the rodeo grounds and Big Horn Avenue from Eastside School heading toward Powell. “It’s a kickoff to the tourist season,” CHS principal Bart Bailey said. “It’s awesome to get involved and be part of that.”
J.J. Sample (left) and Dusty Friedman bag trash with teacher Maggie Kirkham.
By AMBER PEABODY Special sections editor In order to reduce costs and increase energy savings, the rec center is replacing its current incandescent lights with LED lights. LEDs have a lifespan of up to 60,000 hours compared to 1,500 hours for incandescent bulbs. They are extremely energy efficient and consume up to 90 percent less power than incandescent bulbs. Since LEDs use only a fraction of the energy of an incandescent light bulb, there is a dramatic decrease in power costs. Also, money and energy is saved in maintenance and replacement costs due to the long LED lifespan. “We’ll save an average of $35,000 per year,” said Rick Manchester, director of parks, recreation and public facilities. The rec center recently had a LED light installed in the gym and in the conference room as a test. “They’re putting out the same amount of light or more than the lights we had and are using less energy to do that,” public facilities supervisor Mike Fink said.
As the demand for electricity goes up, so does the need for energy efficiency. You can be wattsmart® by installing LED lights, using a smart strip to turn off electronics when they are not in use and by setting your programmable thermostat no lower than 78 in the summer and no higher than 68 in the winter. Find more energy-saving answers at wattsmart.com.
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They’re putting out the same amount of light or more than the lights we had and are using less energy to do that. Mike Fink, Public facilities supervisor
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To make the switch, the entire light fixture must be replaced, not just the bulbs, leading to a total cost of about $100,000. “It should pay for itself in three years,” Manchester said. Fink said replacement of all light fixtures should begin near the end of this month and will take about four to six weeks to complete. “There will be little or no impact to patrons coming into the facility,” he said.
C-6 - Cody Enterprise - Thursday, May 14, 2015
Go green
Are your spring cleaning products safe? Do you know what ingredients are in the cleaning products you buy? Probably not, as there are no federal governmental regulations requiring companies to disclose their contents. But harsh chemicals can take their toll on the indoor air quality of your home, are harmful to the environment and may irritate eyes and skin. So how can you learn more about the cleaning products you plan to purchase? Luckily, certain retailers are making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions. For example, in 2011 national chain Whole Foods Market introduced the Eco-Scale Rating System, which are the first household cleaner standards offered by a retailer. This season, don’t just spring clean your home; take stock of your cleaners and clean up your entire act. By opting for green cleaning products, you can help make your home a safer, healthier place. Here’s how: •Do an audit: Take a look at the cleaning products you currently own. Just because a brand or product is well known does not make it a healthy option. A quick Internet search can reveal the safety attributes of a product’s ingredients – so long as the manufacturer has chosen to disclose ingredients. Toss anything problematic and make a shopping list of what you
need to replace. •Full disclosure: Avoid cleaning products that don’t disclose what ingredients they use. Look for brands that make it easy for you to know what ingredients are being used in the product you’re purchasing. •Be informed: Know what ingredients to avoid entirely. Harsh ingredients like formaldehyde and chlorine can still be found in cleaning products today. Don’t know where to start? Take a look at the list of more than 40 ingredients that aren’t allowed in Whole Foods Market’s cleaning products, including chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates and triclosan. •Lock-up: No matter the contents of your cleaners, it’s good practice to keep them stored in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet. Young children and pets should not be able to access your cleaning products supply. •Do it yourself: A quick and easy way to know exactly what’s in your cleaning products is to make them yourself. Luckily, only a few inexpensive ingredients are needed to make your own all-purpose cleaner. Simply mix one part water with one part vinegar, add a few drops of your favorite pure essential oil, and you have an all-purpose spray. Baking soda is another great cleaner that has a mild scrubbing power and helps combat odors.
Companies are not required to disclose the ingredients in their cleaning products. Don’t have the time to make your own cleaner? The EcoScale Rating system evaluates products for environmental
impact, safety, efficacy, source, labeling and animal testing. Visit wholefoods,market.com/ ecoscale to learn more.
If you’re using conventional cleaning supplies, you may be exposing your family to harmful ingredients. By learning more
about the products you use, you can green your spring cleaning, for a healthier home. (StatePoint)
Common items can be used to make natural cleaners There are many inexpensive, easy-to-use natural alternatives which can safely be used in place of commercial household products. Here is a list of common, environmentally safe products which can be used alone or in combination for a wealth of household applications. •Baking Soda – cleans, deodorizes, softens water, scours. •Soap – unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps which contain petroleum distillates. •Lemon – one of the strongest food-acids, effective against most household bacteria. •Borax – (sodium borate) cleans, deodorizes, disinfects, softens water, cleans wallpaper, painted walls and floors. •White Vinegar – cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some stains and wax build-up. •Washing Soda – or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate, a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall, tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes. Do not use on aluminum.
•Cornstarch – can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs. •Citrus Solvent – cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some stains. (Citrus solvent may cause skin, lung or eye irritations for people with multiple chemical sensitivities.) Here are some formulas for safe, alternative home care products: •All-Purpose Cleaner – Mix 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda (or 2 teaspoons borax) into 1/2 gallon (2 liters) water. Store and keep. Use for removal of water deposit stains on shower stall panels, bathroom chrome fixtures, windows, bathroom mirrors and more. •Dishwasher Soap – Mix equal parts of borax and washing soda, but increase the washing soda if your water is hard. •Laundry Detergent – Mix 1 cup Ivory soap (or Fels Naptha soap), 1/2 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. Use 1 tbsp for light loads; 2 tbsp for heavy loads.. •Window Cleaner – Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 quart warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Only use the black and white newspapers, not the col-
WE CARE
ored ones. Don’t clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it. The All-Purpose Cleaner also works well on windows •Floor Cleaner and Polish – Vinyl and linoleum: mix 1 cup vinegar and a few drops of baby oil in 1 gallon warm water. For tough jobs, add 1/4 cup borox. Use sparingly on lineoleum. Wood: apply a thin coat of 1:1
vegetable oil and vinegar and rub in well. Painted wood: mix 1 teaspoon washing soda into 1 gallon hot water. Brick and stone tiles: mix 1 cup white vinegar in 1 gallon water; rinse with clear water. Most floor surfaces can be easily cleaned using a solution of vinegar and water. For dampmopping wood floors: mix equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and water. Add 15 drops of pure peppermint oil; shake to mix. •Toilet Bowl Cleaner – Mix
1/4 cup baking soda and 1 cup vinegar, pour into basin and let it set for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse. A mixture of borax (2 parts) and lemon juice (one part) will also work. •Tub and Tile Cleaner: For simple cleaning, rub in baking soda with a damp sponge and rinse with fresh water. For tougher jobs, wipe surfaces with vinegar first and follow with baking soda as a scouring powder. (Vinegar can break down tile grout, so use sparingly.)
•Disinfectant: Mix 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 cups hot water. For stronger cleaning power add 1/4 teaspoon liquid castile soap. Wipe on with dampened cloth or use non-aerosol spray bottle. (This is not an antibacterial formula. The average kitchen or bathroom does not require antibacterial cleaners.) To disinfect kitchen sponges, put them in the dishwasher when running a load. For more forumulas go to eartheasy.com.
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