Day 256 of our Green Year: Steeping Differently

Layla loves tea, and months ago we went green by buying fair-trade tea and making dandelion tea when we have dandelions at our disposal.
Today, we are going green again by choosing not to buy tea bags, and instead buying loose tea leaves that we will put into a small steeping canister to make tea. Tea bags can create a lot of waste and they are only used briefly. By using reusable tea canisters, we can keep from using those tea bags, and instead use the loose tea leaves.

Not all companies are bad for their tea bags. Some companies have bio-degradable tea bags that break down when composted. These are great products but we thought it was better to just use the tea canister.

Once we are done with the tea leaves, we will put them in the compost so that they can be broken down over time and then reused as part of the soil to make our plants and garden grow high.

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Day 185 of our Green Year: Using Green Tea

Layla is a big fan of green tea, and I have been known to sample it on occasion when I am not feeling well. Green tea is well-known for its health benefits, and as a mild caffeine alternative to coffee, however it can also be used to refresh your home for you. As with many things we use on a regular basis, the uses go far beyond what we would typically think.

• If you sprinkle some dry green tea leaves on the carpet, then crush them lightly into it and let sit, they will refresh your carpet. After you let them sit for 10 minutes, vacuum them up and they will deodorize your vacuum cleaner as well.
• Instead of using no-scent cat litters, just put some green tea leaves into the kitty litter with baking soda and you will get rid of the smell. Green tea can also be used to deter fleas.
• Put some green tea in the pet's bed or on their pillow and it will help get rid of the pet odors. If you have gunpowder tea leaves, then you can give it to your dogs so they can roll around in it because they like the smell.
• Many people put baking soda in fridges to get rid of smells, but you can use green tea bags or leaves in a small bowl. These will re-absorb all the odors in your fridge within three days. After you take the bowl out three days later, you can sprinkle the leaves around ferns, roses and other plants.
• If you like to cook, as I do, and you are preparing fish or garlic, you can rub your hands with wet green tea leaves to get rid of the smell after you are done using those ingredients. You can also rub wet green tea leaves on your cutting board to get rid of smells.

So, there you have some cool tips with green tea leaves. We will be using these ideas in our own house and will let you know how they work.