YOUR GUIDE TO SPRING- GREENING
3 Eco-Friendly Home Swaps to Make When You Declutter It takes a special kind of person to enjoy spring- cleaning. For most of us, the satisfaction of a clean house does not quite outweigh the hours of scrubbing, sorting, and slogging through heaps of unnecessary stuff. If you are struggling to find the motivation to start your spring-cleaning, try flipping the paradigm: Instead of spring-cleaning, think of what you are doing as spring-greening, and make some eco-friendly swaps along the way. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 1. Swap your plastic spray bottles for bulk or DIY cleaning products. According to a Statista report, in 2019, the household cleaners market was worth more than $31 billion, and it is continuously growing. You can save money on cleaning supplies by taking the green route. When your current stock runs out, try buying bulk cleaners or making your own. Both options will save plastic because you can reuse your bottles, and they can help you avoid the harmful chemicals found in most cleaners. Visit UnderATinRoof.com and read the blog
3. In a medium bowl, whisk flour with baking powder and salt. In separate bowl, mix together 3 tbsp melted butter with cocoa until smooth. 4. In a food processor, combine 1 1/2 sticks softened butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla, and process until smooth. Then, add dry ingredients and pulse until combined. Finally, add cream and process until smooth. Transfer 1 cup batter to the bowl with cocoa mixture and stir until smooth. 5. Spoon half the remaining plain batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Spread the chocolate batter in the pan on top, then cover with the remaining plain batter. Using a butter knife, cut 5 swirls in the batter. 6. Bake for 25 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 325 F, and bake for 25 minutes more. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes longer or until toothpick comes out clean. 7. Let the pound cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then unmold and cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. 3. Say goodbye to paper towels. Paper towels are a mainstay in American homes, but do we really need them when a good old-fashioned rag can do the job? According to the Ocean Conservancy, 13 billion pounds of paper towels are tossed in the U.S. each year! This spring, quit paper towels and keep a stash of dish rags under the sink to do your dirty work. When you’re cleaning out your closet, you can even cut up old T-shirts and add them to your rag stash! If you’re brave, try giving up tissues, too — an old-school hanky does the trick. If you have made all three of these swaps, do not stop there! To continue your green journey, visit any of the blogs mentioned above and start browsing.
post “Zero Waste Cleaning Supplies + Recipes” to get started. 2. Explore alternative laundry detergents. If you are used to using a plastic jug of liquid laundry detergent, it is time to step out of your comfort zone. This spring, try exploring greener alternatives like plant- based bulk laundry powder (Molly’s Suds is an excellent source). Or, if you are feeling really adventurous, you can even try adding all- natural cleaners like soap nuts or English ivy to your laundry loads. For more on the former, search “soap nuts” on 1MillionWomen.com, and read up on ivy detergent at Permacrafters. com/ Eng l i s h - I v y - L aund r y - De t e r gen t .
CHOCOLATE MARBLE POUND CAKE
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Ingredients • Vegetable oil cooking spray • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, and 1 1/2 sticks butter, softened • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch process • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk • Powdered sugar, for dusting
ARIES BLOOM BUD FLOWERS
GROWTH LUCKY MELT PUDDLE
RAIN REBIRTH SPRING SPROUT
directions
1. Heat the oven to 350 F. 2. Spray an 8x4-inch loaf pan with
vegetable oil cooking spray and line with parchment paper. Spray paper.
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