Green Garden

Growing Great Flower Gardens

Thanks for joining me on my home website – this is where I post articles, pictures and run a free gardening newsletter to answer reader questions. There is a growing number of articles up here and I hope you find something of interest.

And while the old farm has been sold and the thousands of plants moved, the thought about coming down “where you ought to be” in the “valley of love and delight” still rings through my head. As it turns out, the old farm wasn’t just a place, it is a thought and a dream that I carry with me wherever I go and whatever I do.

( http://www.simplegiftsfarm.com/ )

Hydrogen peroxide tips :

Hydrogen peroxide - a greener alternative to chlorine bleach

Chlorine bleach is a chemical that most of us have in our homes. It's very handy for multiple applications including cleaning and disinfecting; but may not be all that earth friendly. A good alternative to consider is hydrogen peroxide.

Most of the debate about chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) stems from its ability to form more toxic byproducts such as dioxin, furans and other organochlorines when reacting with other elements.

Hydrogen Peroxide on the other hand, is simply water with an extra oxygen molecule (H2O2) and breaks down into oxygen and water. It's certainly kinder on the environment. H2O2 is produced by both animal and plant cells and is formed naturally in the environment by sunlight acting on water.

Many industrial bleaching operations, such as those used in the production of paper, are increasingly moving towards the use of hydrogen peroxide for a greener bleaching process. It's also the active ingredient in many "oxygen" bleaches and is used extensively for lightening hair.

Do be careful when purchasing and handling this substance as some commercially available "food grade" hydrogen peroxide is 35% pure, highly corrosive and can be toxic or fatal if ingested at that strength.

Hydrogen peroxide should be diluted down to 3% as a base for most applications. It's also readily available in 3% solution from your local pharmacy or drugstore; which is probably the preferable and safer way to buy it, especially if you can take your empty bottles back for exchange/refilling - that can help cut down the cost.

If you choose to dilute a 35% solution yourself, add the hydrogen peroxide to distilled water rather than the other way around and wear gloves, body and eye protection when doing so.

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