Holiday green cleaning tips

• Oven cleaner. You don’t have to use cleaners that also contaminate your holiday feast with chemicals. Simply sprinkle baking soda in the oven then spray lightly with water. Wait overnight, then remove the baking soda with a sponge.
• Silver polish. Using simple white toothpaste to get the job done. And for badly tarnished pieces, use baking soda and water.
• Furniture polish. In a spray bottle mix, 1/2 tsp veg. or olive oil and 1/4 cup white vinegar or lemon juice. Shake well and apply small amount to cloth.
• Air freshener. Many air fresheners contain dichlorobenzene, a chemical that is a central nervous system depressant, a powerful kidney and liver poison, and one of the chlorinated hydrocarbons that is long-lasting in the environment and is stored in body fat. Instead, simply simmer 2 cinnamon sticks, a few cloves and 8 cups of apple cider for several hours. Not only will your house smell wonderful, but you can serve the strained hot, mulled cider to guests.