2/3/14

High-tech workout clothes that wick away moisture from your body tend to retain a strong odor after a while. The reason? Since the fabric is designed to repel water, it repels water when you’re washing it. As natural body oils stick to the fabric, barriers are created that make the synthetic fabric almost impossible to get clean. The eco-trick to cleaning workout clothes is to soak them in cold water with one cup of white vinegar before tossing them in the washing machine. The acids in white vinegar will break down the oils and help penetrate the fibers of the clothes.

2/2/14

There are certified organic versions of almost all food products on the market today, and that includes brands found at your local liquor and wine shop. But unlike the health benefits of choosing organic wines (there are fewer sulfites in organic wine), there are no real health benefits in choosing organic spirits like tequila or vodka. When hard liquor is distilled, any trace pesticides or chemicals are removed. Plus, any health professional will remind you that drinking hard liquor -- organic or conventional -- should be done in moderation, anyway.

2/1/14

Many of us are in the habit of using reusable bags when we go grocery shopping. One way to help us remember to use them is to leave them in the trunk of the car. But as useful as that is in reminding us, it can actually hurt our health in the long run. The environment of a trunk can be the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow in your bags. Use them to hold fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and other food products, and you risk cross-contaminating your groceries. Instead, keep your bags in a cool, dry environment inside your home, and wash and dry them frequently to keep them clean and sterile.