To Kiss The Earth ....

With everything I purchase, I am aware of packaging, and the potential garbage that will end up in the landfills. If items are in plastic bags (as in frozen goods), do they have ziplocks so I can wash and re-use them. If they are in plastic containers, will I re-use those? If not, I aim for glass, for at least that will break down. Non-glossy boxes can be used in layering compost piles. When possible, I purchase in bulk, using my own re-usable containers and bringing my own re-used twist ties to indicate the codes. My bags are discarded feed bags sewn into shopping bags.

As Rumi says: There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the Earth. It begins with taking an honest evaluation of your habits, lifestyle and purchases. Very few things in life can be in our control. This is an area where you do have choices. Start simple. Changes must come gently so that habits can be created.

Our septic is in our yard, and I am very conscious of every single thing that goes down my drains and into my soil. ~For cleaning, all you really need: Vinegar & water, or Baking Soda with a little water to make a paste, or Liquid Castile Soap ~~~~~ ~Glasstop stove: Make a paste made of baking soda & water. You can also use Castile soap. Just squirt, then scrub with a hot, wet cloth. For really tough marks, a razor blade and water. -Toilet: Squirt in some Castile soap, let it soak for at least 30 minutes. Scrub. Repeat if necessary. It leaves a shine. Bath/Shower: Either baking soda or Castile soap Removing labels: If soaking in water doesn’t work, then make a paste out of baking soda and coconut oil. I use my fingers to spread it over the label area. Leave it for at least 24 hours. For some items, I use a heat gun to get the ‘first’ layer off, then use the paste to get the remaining glue. Always leave it on for 24 hours. (note: you can also use the baking soda/coconut oil paste as a face wash) Water build up (ie; in teapot): Soak in white vinegar & water.

Household Cleaners

Imagine what would happen if your garbage could not leave your property. It would completely change your priorities.

Make your own .... Soap: Hot processed soap only needs to set for two days. I make an utterly simple and nurturing soap with avocado oil, coconut oil & olive oil. No dyes, no essential oils. Just pure, silky soft for super sensitive skin. Hand Sanitizer: Using just witch hazel, distilled water, aloe vera and any essential oil you prefer, this makes a natural and non-harmful way to disinfect your hands. It also can make good deoderant or bug spray :) Massage/Pain salves: There are endless ways to create your own salves. I infuse herbs into coconut oil in a crockpot on warm for 24 hours. Strain and store until ready. I use the infused coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax, shea and cocoa butter, and essential oils. Computer Screen/Eye glass cleaner: 50/50 of distilled water and Isopropyl alcohol. Spray onto a cloth and wipe.

... Be Creative :)

“The poetry of the earth is never dead.” ― John Keats

The creation of a thousand forests is in one Acorn. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Photos by Lynn Morgan For all who are finding their way ..

Speaking Through Poetry