Carson & Barnes Circus Demo

Yesterday, when I got off from work I participated in The Carson and Barnes Circus Demo. For those who don’t know what this is about, I’m an activist at heart and use my voice to speak up for those who can’t; from animals to the environment, women’s rights and abused neglected children. I’ve got a strong background in pet adoptions and have worked with abused and neglected kids at a long term care residential treatment center (RTC). One could say that I’m passionate about what I do, and one would be right…

Going back to the circus demo, I have to admit that this was one of the better ones I’ve been to. Small, with about 4 people showing up to use their voice, to show that they care and know, and are the change that they want to see in the world. In San Antonio, TX, a person holding up their sign is usually met with arguments more than a person stopping and asking about the why and the how.

Last night, the majority were positive responses and there were 2 negative responses; including a middle age man, overweight giving us the finger. Well what I would like to tell this man is, while we may not agree and if you want to insult us that is your choice. However, that shows your lack of maturity and please, do the gesture right!

It doesn’t matter if the group is large or small; when you use your voice to speak up for those that are abused (whatever cause) there is a sense of liberation. One leaves the peaceful demonstration or event more empowered and feeling like there is a difference being made. While I can’t keep elephants out of the circus yet, the more of the public that learn about what happens behind the scenes and stop going is a victory that continues. Someday, I hope that animals of all sorts are able to be free from the torture of electric prods and get to remain being animals; that they will no longer be exploited for entertainment, experiments, or robbed of their offspring. Until that day comes, I will continue to use my voice.

Getting to the clean of things....

In the process of helping Bruce move into the new place, I brought over my cleaning supplies to help clean his old place. He was impressed with the natural clean smell and how they worked. (He already was cleaning his floors with vinegar, so his carbon footprint is better then most, however his use of bleach and other products leaves much to desire.) So, here is my list of items that I've found works around 2 four legged furry babies and 2 nieces along with the rest of my family....

Method (I LOVE this company! Never tested on animals and biodegradable, plus they have a factory/plant here in America)
Restroom Cleaner: Tub-N-Tile Soap Scum and Stain Remover (Eucalyptus and Mint)
Cleaning the grout-2 parts hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water (wear gloves, may cause irritation. It will stain clothes)

Fridge: I use 10 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil in a spray bottle with 2 cup water. This keeps the fridge smelling fresh and cuts through any kind of grease, plus it helps with mold control. (Bruce was really impressed with this!)

Here is a recipe my friend Michelle and I use to make my laundry detergent:
1 cup soap flakes (I use olive oil soap-a little on the expensive side, but will last you!)
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup borax

Soap flakes can be made from grating your favorite pure vegetable soap with a cheese grater (use the smallest grate). Mix the ingredients together and store in a glass container. Use 1 Tablespoon per load (I use 1/2 a Tablespoon) and 2 for heavily soiled laundry, wash in cold or warm water. **For soft water: Use 1 cup soap flakes, 1/4 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup borax. **For hard water (What I had in San Antonio): Use 1 cup soap flakes, 1 cup washing soda and 1 cup borax. (Borax should not be ingested.
Gloves are recommended as washing soda may irritate skin after prolonged contact; not to be used with silks, woolens or vinyl.)

www.womenandenvironment.org

**Tip: Add 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar to rinse as a fabric softener.
**Tip: For whites: Use hydrogen peroxide instead of bleach. Soak your clothes for 30 minutes in the washer with 1/2 cup 20% peroxide, then launder as usual.
**Tip: I add 3 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil to the dogs bedding/blankets laundry for an extra fresh and it helps repels fleas.

For other articles of clothing I use Method Free and Clear laundry detergent.

For dusting and polishing wood furniture (and my wood hangers) Wood for Good from Method (it smells like almonds). There is also a wood floor cleaner that they sell, as well....

For mopping Squirt & Mop (no bucket is needed and smells like lemon and ginger) I feel that my dogs can walk on the floor and lick their paws without ingesting a toxic that will cause adverse health problems. They are often the first (along with children) to experience damage caused from toxic "cleaning" products.