I Don't Want to Drink Algae

Every year in mid-July our local tap water starts to taste like muddy lake water due to an over abundance of algae called algal bloom in the lake that our water comes from. It is not harmful for us to consume because the water is treated before we consume it. It is not treated before the plant and animal life living in the lake are exposed to it, however.

A lot of people do not realize that this algal bloom when they are overfed. By overfed, I mean from unnecessary chemicals that people use in their own homes. Bleach, phosphates and other household cleaners are chief among the culprits because the algae feed off of them. Phosphates, used as a water softening agent, have been phased out of laundry detergents for this reason, but it has not been enough to stop the problem. There are still phosphates in dishwasher detergents and many fertilizers.

Most don't think of the impact that regular household bleach and other anti-bacterial agents in soaps and household cleaners have on our waterways. Look at it this way: The way that average Americans use antibacterial products is like pouring massive doses penicillin into our water every day. Just as overuse of penicillin will cause the body to develop a yeast (fungal) infection, so will the overuse of antibacterial products cause a development of too much algae (fungus) in the water. This is not conducive to healthy plant and animal life in the lake any more than it is conducive to healthy flora in our bodies whenever we take too many antibiotics. It really is that simple.

We all need to be aware that what we do inside our homes and on our lawns has an impact beyond simply having a cleaning home and greener grass. I have replaced all of my commercial products with environmentally friendly ones, but every July it is driven home to me the importance of getting the word out to others when I smell that earthy smell in my tap water. I volunteer for my city's environmental task force. We go to schools and other groups and educate them on the dangers of this phenomenon. I hope that we are positively influencing people but then every summer I get a whiff of the tap water and I am disappointed that the problem hasn't gone away.

Of course it is not just household use of these products that is causing algal bloom, but also industrial use. The problem seems overwhelming to me when I think of how widespread the predicament is. That is when I realize I can only do what I can. I can't stop the whole phenomenon myself, but I can do my best to use non-harmful products myself and caution others to do the same. I have been very pleased with my choices. My family is also benefiting because they are no longer exposed to harmful chemicals inside our home and we are having an effect on the world beyond our front door. This is important to me and, I hope it will become important to everyone else as well. Together a huge difference can be made.

Recipe for a Clean Sink: No Nasty Chemicals or Mixing Involved

There is probably nothing nastier than a sink that has not had attention in a while. But, how do we get a sink clean and sparkly white without bleach, and other harsh chemicals? It is really more simple than you might think. Even a sink that has been 'cleaned' by one's less than diligent husband for about 2 months.

I intended to have some really great photos to show you each step of the process, etc. and I do have pictures, they just aren't in color! This is what happens when you find the missing camera in your 14 year old daughter's room and start snapping away before checking the settings on the device. *sigh* My life in a nutshell. Anyway, you still get the idea. I went to the trouble of taking the pictures, so now I am posting them!

On to the process. All you will need is baking soda, dish washing liquid, plain white vinegar and peroxide. I also used lemon essential oil, but that is optional.

1. Sprinkle the baking soda into the sink, along with a squirt or two of the dish washing liquid. Add a few drops of the essential oil too, if you want.
2. Scrub out the sink with a clean wet cloth.
3. Spray it all down with the vinegar; once it starts to bubble you can scrub some more if necessary. Hopefully you will not have to a huge amount of lime scale to scour out, but with a little elbow grease and the aid of an old toothbrush, even the most stubborn scale can be removed.
4. Rinse everything and wipe with a clean lint free cloth.
5. Spritz the sink and faucet with peroxide. This sanitizes the sink and brightens just like bleach.

The results are amazing and you can rest easy that you have not harmed the environment, nor potentially poisoned your family with noxious chemicals. It is just that easy.

My first blog post ever.

This is my first blog post. I am starting this blog because I enjoy writing. I also want a place that is just for me. I will be posting things about my life. The things that mean something to me, like my relationship with the Lord. It is an ever changing and evolving thing. It helps me to stay focused when I put my thoughts down on paper (well not exactly paper, but you get the idea). I am interested in environmental and sustainability issues. I will be posting things about that subject as well. I look forward to having this space be a little oasis for me, away from the craziness that is my life.