The sun is out! Don’t waste it.
Here are four things sunshine can do for you — free of charge:
Whiten laundry
Sunshine is great for drying clothes and linens and getting rid of dust mites — and nothing smells as fresh as sun-dried sheets! But the sun is also great at bleaching. It works best when fabrics are wet. It can even take stains out of cloth diapers — just spot treat them with lemon juice while they’re still damp.
Clean pillows and comforters
Switched to wool eco-pillows? Never put them in your washing machine! Instead — air them (and your wool comforter) in direct sunlight.
On the other hand, never put natural rubber pillows in direct sunlight. Instead, follow manufacturers’ instructions — usually wash in cold water and hang to dry.
To eliminate odors from natural rubber AND wool pillows, sprinkle with baking soda before airing.
Bring out the butterflies
Sunny days are best for butterfly watching! Did you know butterflies are active from about 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.?Learn how to lure them to your yard or garden, then use a butterfly identification guide to find out who came to visit.
Provide Vitamin D
Canadians don’t get enough Vitamin D, which can make a substantial difference in cancer prevention and survival. Good news: There are plenty of days left for our 30-minutes-outside-for-30-days challenge! Check off activities like flying a kite, smelling flowers or getting dirty with our daily tips series.
What has the sun done for you lately?
Comment on this blog to win a David Suzuki T-shirt—100 per cent organic cotton and made in Canada!
Lindsay Coulter, a fellow Queen of Green
Written by Lindsay Coulter
David Suzuki’s Queen of Green answers your green living questions and offers tips and recipes to make your life easier on the environment. It’s all about green living made easy.
