If you would prefer a printed softbound version of When Vegans (Almost) Rule the World, you can pick one up for just $11.99 at Amazon. Kindle eBook coming soon! Available in either softbound or Kindle/Nook/etc. eBook at Amazon viviansharpe.com

DIY and Chemical-Free Spring Cleaning Spring is here, babies, and there is no time like the present to ditch the chemical-based, wasteful, and expensive cleaners and adopt a more natural, simple, and thrifty approach. Best, of course, is these are all made without any animal ingredients and without cruel animal testing. With fresh air moving through your home, you can send all that stale winter air vamoose with a great, top-to-bottom spring cleaning. Once you see how easy it is to make non-toxic, effective household cleaners, you won’t want to go back for store bought, and the fact that you can make them out of common, inexpensive household goods makes them all the better. Lemony-Fresh All-Purpose Cleaner This sunny cleaner may smell like a summer day but it packs a wallop as a disinfectant. It works well on most surfaces. This sucker fizzes up (remember those old volcano experiments in grade school?) so it’s best to combine in a large bowl first. 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar 2 T. baking soda Juice of 1/2 lemon 3 cups hot water Mix together all the above and pour into a large spray bottle, using a funnel to avoid spilling. Shake to dissolve the baking soda. For windows I haven’t found a window cleaner that works as well as this one. You have to try it to believe it. For counters Wood Use equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Afterwards, try this polish to get a gorgeous sheen on your wood counters and tables. Natural Wood Polish 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice Combine in a jar and, using a soft cloth, rub a small amount onto your wood surfaces, replenishing as you go. Dry with another cloth. Marble Dampen the surface with a spritzer bottle with water, sprinkle baking soda on top, wipe off with a clean, wet sponge. Dry with a towel. Floors Wood floors Try this. Carpet Cleaner Try this. Bathrooms Use the Lemony-Fresh All-Purpose Cleaner on the tub, shower, and sink. Toilet Fizzy Toilet Cleaner 1/2 cup baking soda 10 drop tea tree oil 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar Pour the baking soda and tea tree oil in the toilet. Pour the vinegar on top and brush as it fizzes. This is as fun as cleaning a toilet gets, I promise. © 2013, 2014, Vegan Street