Green and Beyond is going farther than reduce, reuse and recycle.  It is making choices that promote health and well being for the earth and all its inhabitants today and for tomorrow.  Using natural alternatives to replace chemically laden commercial products is easier and less costly than you may think.

I am a believer in DIY.  I find am more grateful and mindful of its purpose when I have made it myself.

The benefits outweigh the time involved.  When you make something yourself you know exactly what  ingredients are in it.  I am careful to avoid any substances or chemicals that carry any health risks to people, pets or the environment.   Check out what is in the products you are using by accessing the data base at Environmental Working Group.

 AND ,   DIY almost always saves me money.

                                                                          “Harmful or fatal if swallowed.”       

                 “Causes severe burns on contact.”              

                                                                                                                        “Use only in a well-ventilated areas.”     

Commercial cleansers may be effective at cleaning dirt and stains, but many are dangerous. These labels are warnings. Take them seriously. The threat is real — both to you and to your children’s health. These cleaners also put toxins into the environment.  You can recognize the truth of this from personal experience.  Have you ever reacted to cleansers with a rash, gag reflex, nose stinging, or feeling sick after?   It is time to replace toxic cleaners with safe alternatives.  Following are some homemade mixes I have come up with and use.  They are effective and inexpensive.

This is the list of all my household cleaners;

• Thieves Cleaner by Young Living,  highly concentrated and will go a long way, this is by far my very favorite cleaning product that I use for almost everything.  
• Young Living Essential Oils, 
• Baking soda,
• White Vinegar,
• Borax,
• Washing Soap,
• Kosher Salt,
• Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Unscented Soap
• (I use Citric Acid in my dishwasher recipe)

All DIY recipes posted are personally used and have the Bourne Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

A quick spray and wipe after class keeps the mat fresh and clean.

Non-toxic Yoga Mat Cleaner

In a 4 oz. spray bottle fill bottle to about ½ with Witch Hazel, add 12-18 drops of Young Living Lavender Essential Oil or other favorite oil.  I like to use Purification and Thieves blends by Young Living.   Shake well and then top the bottle off with purified water.  Shake well before using each time.