Sustainable Cleaning and Cooking Tips

Sustainably Sadie

Sustainable Cleaning and Cooking Tips

I don’t know about you, but this lack of winter weather has me thinking spring.  I see flies coming out of winter hibernation, hear birds chirping, and it makes me think of spring cleaning.  Some people love to clean, for most it’s a chore.  It was my first job out of college, cleaning at Merry Maids in Missoula.  If you’re one of those who like to clean, consider starting a small business venture…there is a growing need in our aging community and the pay is lucrative…I heard professional crews in Bozeman make $45 an hour! 

I have some environmental and pocket book friendly cleaning tips.  The three main cleaning products I keep around are bleach, white distilled vinegar and baking soda.  I dilute the bleach in a spray bottle for sanitization purposes; I mix the vinegar in a spray bottle with water, approx 1:1.  The vinegar is great for cleaning counter tops, bathrooms, mirrors and windows, anything really.  For scrubbing action, I sprinkle baking soda in basins, toilet and tub then spray the vinegar over the top.  That same bubbling action that our kids make happen with their volcano science projects occurs and the result is a fresh scent and clean surfaces.  For extra scrubbing action, sprinkle baking soda on sponge then rub on surfaces. 

A gallon of white vinegar is usually just a couple of bucks (watch out, it is more expensive during canning season when everyone is making pickles), and the same with baking soda.  There are many natural cleaning products on the market, but for my money that spray bottle of vinegar is just as effective.  Some tough cleaning jobs require chemicals, but considering the damaging effects to the environment and your family’s health, think about a healthier, cheaper alternative. 

An email was passed along to me touting the many beneficial uses of coffee filters; the email began with “1000 count coffee filters can be bought at the dollar store.”  Use filters instead of paper towel for cleaning surfaces and glass.  The filters could also be used as aromatic sachets for closet and clothes drawers or as herb sachet for flavoring soups, stews, broths, cooking.   Fill with dried flowers, herbs, or spices then tie closed with string (for your cooking use food quality, dye-free string). 

I’m sure you have awesome sustainable tips for cleaning and cooking.  Share tips, make suggestions,  or ask questions at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com.  Email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, call 531-1422. 

Twin Bits

Tom Agnetti, published artist, is teaching at The River’s Edge Gallery on Mondays and Tuesdays starting Jan, 9th.  Classes start after school and go until approx. 6 pm. Monday classes are for 4-8th graders and Tuesday is geared towards High School and adult students. The class is $5. All you need to get started is pencils and a pad or paper. Show up and leave when you want, pick Tom's brain to get your art on paper!!!  Check out The River’s Edge Gallery on Facebook.

Tom Agnetti is also the January artist for Deborah’s Art Wall at the Twin Bridges Public Library.  His reception will be Friday evening, January 27^th, 4:30 to 6 pm.

The Twin Bridges Public Library has new hours for Saturdays.  Beginning early January,

 the TBPL will be open 10 am to 3 pm Saturdays, 10 am to 6 pm Monday thru Friday. 

 Mark your calendars:  the TBPL is hosting a Memoir Writing Workshop, Sunday

 June 10, 1 to 5 pm taught by Michael Czarnecki.

Also on Facebook, the Twin Bridges Community Association.  Next regular meeting is schedule for 8:30 am, Friday, January 20 at The Old Hotel.    

The GRVCCA Annual membership meeting, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at The Philanthropy Building in Sheridan, Thursday February 16.

TBS Calendar:

Jan 18 - 20:  TBS semester tests

Friday Jan. 20:  Early out, 12:30 pm.  BB @ Harrison GBGB

Saturday Jan. 21:  Speech & Drama Divisionals @ Gardiner; BB w/ Gardiner @ Home, 2:30 pm GBGB; 2^nd – 5^th Grades, BB Practice in MP Gym, 9 am to 11 am, 2^nd – 5^th Girls play @ ½ time @ 7 pm Varsity Game.

No school Monday January 23. 

Tuesday Jan. 24:  2^nd – 5^th grade BB practice @ Lunch recess; JrHi BBB w/ Whitehall @ Home

Thurs. Jan. 26:  BB w/ West Yellowstone @ Home, GBGB 1:30 pm

Friday & Saturday Jan 27 – 28:  State Speech & Drama MSUB

Fri. Jan 27:  JrHi BBB w/ Shields & Townsend @ Home

Sat. Jan 28:  2^nd – 5^th Grade BB practice 9 am; BB w/ White Sulphur Springs @ Home, GBGB, 2:30 pm; 2^nd – 5^th Grade Boys play ½ time 7 pm varsity game

Mon. Jan. 30:  JrHi BBB @ Sheridan, 4 pm

Tues. Jan 31:  Science Fair; JrHi BBB & Boys C squad @ Ennis 4 pm;  College/ Financial Aid Night, MP gym & MT Room, 7 pm.

Let me know what I’m missing: email or call with your event information.