Tips of the Month

What is Green Cleaning

What is Green Cleaning? Green cleaning is using methods and products designed to preserve human health and the environment. Store bought cleaners can be full of harsh chemicals. Homemade cleaners are just as effective and better for you. EASY DIY RECIPES Make these safe and effective cleaning formulas at home from just a few, inexpensive ingredients. SOFT SCRUBBER • ½ cup baking soda • Liquid soap

Helpful for scouring multiple surfaces such as sinks and toilet bowls. Mix ½ cub baking soda with enough (non-toxic) liquid detergent to create a creamy consistency. Make in small batches as needed. GLASS CLEANER • 1 cup vinegar • 3 cups water Mix ingredients, then apply a small amount to a cloth and wipe surfaces in need of revitalization.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER Spray cleaner: • ½ cup white vinegar • ¼ cup baking soda • ½ gallon water Mix and store in a spray bottle – spray on, wipe off, and let dry. Cream cleaner: • ½ tsp washing soda • ½ tsp liquid soap • Hot water Dissolve washing soda and soap in just enough water to reach a creamy consistency. Rinse surfaces with water and let dry.

LAUNDRY DETERGENT Liquid: • ¾ cup liquid castile soap • 1 cup washing soda Dissolve the washing soda in just enough hot water to cover it. Add in soap. Store and use 2-3 tablespoons per load. Powdered: • 1 bar castile soap grated • 3 cups washing soda Combine the ingredients in a processor until blended. Store, and use 2-3 tablespoons per load.

From the City's Committee for a Better Environment

Canine Greeting Etiquette (Part 2): Passing the Sniff Test

More tips when greeting a dog (after you get the ok to do so!):

Keep your body slightly turned to the side so that you are not facing the dog. Again, being face-to-face can signal aggressive intentions to a dog.
If you speak, use a calm, reassuring tone.
If the dog shows interest in you with a relaxed posture, easy tail wags (not all wagging is friendly), and perhaps looking at you with soft eyes, then you can slowly, calmly offer the dog your hand for an investigative sniff. Remind children or those unfamiliar with dogs not to offer out their hand, only to quickly snap it away. Again, it’s best to use calm and relaxed body movements and intentions.
Let the dog sniff your hand, if she/he wants to, and then gently pet the dog’s shoulder, neck or chest – do not pat the dog on the top of their head.
The dog will clearly let you know if she/he wants more interaction or if they are finished with you. Respect the dog’s wishes!
For dogs who may be deaf or blind, take extra care not to make sudden movements or sounds that might startle them.
If at any time during the interaction the dog backs away, stop what you are doing and remain neutral.
Never offer any treats to a dog unless you have asked permission of their person. Dogs may have allergies to certain ingredients or there may be other reasons a dog’s person does not want their dog to have treats. Don’t allow children to pick up sticks or rocks etc., to give (or throw) to a dog.

In summary, when you greet a dog, remember to watch their body language. Check in first with the dog’s person to make sure it’s okay to greet their dog. Then, if you keep calm, neutral, and respect the dog’s signals, you will pass the sniff test! Dogs who are not comfortable with strangers need to have their space. That said, continued positive socialisation with humans is vital to most dogs who enjoying meeting people. Young dogs especially need to learn to greet and interact positively with different people as part of their “education”. In our neighborhoods and wherever one may encounter dogs, we can all help make these interactions positive experiences for everyone!

From the City's Animal Welfare Committee. Part 1 was published in the April 2022 Municipal Scene (read it here).