Top 5 Greener Kitchen Tips

By Danielle Downs

1. Green Clean2. CompostBreak the crayons into small pieces and add to the paraffin. If the crayons are added first before the wax is melted, the color makes it difficult to see if all of the paraffin is liquefied.Melt the paraffin wax over medium heat in a double boiler or a coffee can in a pan of water. Use three-quarters of a pound for a somewhat smaller candle or use all four squares for a larger candle. Once the water begins to boil, it will take 10 or 15 minutes for the paraffin to melt.~ Scented Candles ~This is the process that gives you ice globes. You can get different sizes of globes if you use different sizes of balloons. I personally tried something else, as well - I used rings from canning jars to make base to stand the globes on. Then you have to place a candle in each ice globe and that's how you realize one of the greatest Christmas decorating ideas. As we live in a cold climate, I put many globes in the yard on our steps and line our driveway. The candles are easily lit and the globe protects them from going out.This seems like a no-brainer, but putting your recycle bin in a conspicuous location will help keep recyclables out of the trash. Check with your city or county waste management to be certain of what can get recycled. Many areas now offer curb-side programs for plastics, glossy magazines and junk mail, and even Styrofoam (#6 plastic). If your bin fills up fast, ask the city for a second one. They are usually happy to drop one off during the next week�s collection.Use a pair of tongs (a scissors works, too), and dip the string into the paraffin. Dipping the string will ensure that it is coated with paraffin since the ice cubes may prevent some sections from coming in contact with the liquid wax. Hold the string so that it is in the middle of the carton and fill the carton with ice cubes. Pour the hot paraffin over the ice cubes.3. RecycleTrim the top part of the carton off so that what remains is about six inches high.Make your own non-toxic cleaners with simple ingredients you already have. Baking soda is a great gentle scrub that helps remove grease and dried on particles. White vinegar helps remove streaks from chrome, stainless steel, and glass surfaces. Lemon juice will leave your kitchen smelling fresh and whiten stains. Salt is great for killing bacteria. Choose natural sponges or grow your own loofa to scour your counter tops.Cut the string so that it is six inches long. (To make a wick that lasts longer, try braiding three pieces of string together.)Making the globe is not a difficult task - all you have to do is fill balloons with water and put them in your freezer. The balloons freeze from the outside in. It is important to regularly check that they do not freeze all the way through. After you see there is ice around the inside of the balloon you should pop it and drain the water out of the centre of the balloon. You might have to chop a hole in the top in some cases.

For more ways to green your kitchen, take to Going Green Today EcoQuiz!

Author: Scott Ankeny