Travis Grae

How are things at your farm? Are you still looking for an organic farm partner?

I’ve listened to about 80% of Paul’s podcasts, but have only heard quick or vague references about alternatives to cleaning products. So I was wondering if it would be possible to get more information about cleaning products.

What are some environmentally friendly and affordable cleaning products or recipes for cleaning products?

What are some more natural alternatives to bleach or other harsh chemicals?

How bad are some cleaning products such as bleach, comet, tilex, formula 409, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, dish soap, bar soap, fancy bath soaps / lotions, oxyclean, hand sanitizer, etc…? What are some of the effects on us or on the environment?

When / How can borax, cleaning soda, baking soda, vinegar, soap berries, or citrus…. Be used? How can they best be utilized and when/where are they most effective?

What if growing soap berries isn’t feasible (yet)? And buying soap berry products is WAY too expensive.

Where can recipes for cleaning supplies be found? Or instructions for alternative cleaning methods?

What did our great grandparents use to clean?

Hello all!

I have been listening to Paul’s podcasts, reading some of Paul’s articles and a few discussions on permies.com, but this is my first post.

This year I started my first garden – a 4’ x 8’ raised bed – which has not done very well. During my gardening research I discovered a term called “permaculture” which I initially brushed off. Then ran into it again, found Geoff Lawton videos, Paul’s articles and podcasts and now I’m hooked and hungry for more. I am still pretty low on Paul’s eco scale and still incredibly new to permaculture or even just gardening. But permaculture is the prick of truth and breath of fresh air that I desperately needed and I want to learn more and do more.

I am 31 years old. I currently live in Florida, but come from Wisconsin. I am involved with Civil Engineering and frequently have to deal with various “departments of making you sad” as Paul puts it and I try to make them happy. But I’d rather not talk too much of that since I am still entrenched in the corporate world.

And I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello.