Toxins

Pour about a quarter cup of the mixed powder into the clogged drain, then pour two cups of boiling water into it. Let the mixture stand for about an hour, then run fresh water from the tap.

The classic recipes call for only corn starch or arrowroot powder, but if you have both, you can combine them to get 1/4 cup. Some people recommend lessening the amount of baking soda if skin irritation occurs

5-6 tablespoons coconut oil
1/8 cup arrowroot powder
1/8 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup baking soda
Several drops of essential oils (lavender, teatree, bergamot, or other fragrance)

Mix the powders together in a jar and slowly add the coconut oil until you have a stiff butter consistency and powders are mostly dissolved. It can help to soften the coconut oil gently in the microwave, mixing while soft, and then letting it firm up. Add a few drops of oil until it has the level of scent you enjoy. Although the coconut oil can liquify in the hot temperatures of summer, it typically stays firm throughout the year.

Free Sharps and Medical Waste Disposal

July 23, 2014 by Maya Butterfield

The County of Marin is sponsoring free disposal of sharps and medical waste at many locations. Safe disposal of medical waste reduces harmful chemicals in our water systems and soil, reduces the risk of accidental use, especially by children, and is a great way to keep your medicine cabinet safe and clutter-free.

For the most current guidelines and list of locations, click below, and then click on the arrow that says “Free Sharps and Medical Waste Drop-off Locations.”

[box border=”full”]http://www.marincounty.org/depts/cd/divisions/environmental-health-services/medical-waste[/box]

All Natural Scrubbing Cleanser

July 23, 2014 by Maya Butterfield

There’s no need to buy harsh toxic cleansers to have sparkling clean porcelain, stainless steel, ceramics (mugs, dishes, knobs and basins), grout and counters. Use the simple recipe below for an all-natural scrubbing cleanser:

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1 1/2 c baking soda (more or less as needed)
1/2 cup biodegradable liquid laundry detergent or soap.
10 drops of disinfecting natural oil, such as grapefruit seed, lavendar, or tea tree oils. If adding more than a total of 10 drops, increase the baking soda slightly to keep consistency.

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Mix wet ingredients first, then add baking soda slowly until it makes stiff peaks. If needed, add water to make the cleanser more fluid. Store in an airtight container. If the mixture dries out in storage, mix in small quantities of water until the right consistency is achieved.

Rub cleanser on surfaces with a clean sponge or damp rag. Rinse, then polish with a dry rag.

MSS Grants Fairfax Residents Free Hazardous Waste Pick-Up

July 23, 2013 by Sustainable Fairfax

As part of the new sanitary service contract, Marin Sanitary is offering Fairfax residents free curbside pickup of hazardous waste once per year. This is a great opportunity to coordinate with your neighbors and consolidate trips!

Materials Accepted

Bleach, Bleach Cleaners, Computer Monitors, Fertilizers, Fluorescent Bulbs, Fuels, Garden Sprays, Gopher Bait, Latex Paint, Lead Products, Mercury Products, Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Oil-based Paints, Paint, Pesticides, Photo Chemicals, Pool Chemicals, Propane, Rat Poisons, Shellacs, Solvents, Spray Cans, Stains, Televisions, Thinners, Waxes

Household Hazardous Waste Information is available 24 hours a day by calling 415-485-6806
Pickup days are Tuesday through Saturday. Please refer to the brochure below for accepted items:

Download the PDF here: Fairfax Hazardous Waste Pickup