PAGE 8 - April 22, 2009
THE NEWSCASTER-Earth Day Page
Make your own, non-toxic,
Celebrate the beauty of the Earth &
Earth-friendly cleaning supplies beyond Meteorite display at Homosassa
By Newscaster Editor Deborah Russell
magnetic due to native iron content, nickle-
Not only are natural, non-toxic cleaners earth-friendly, they are also friendly to pets
iron from China’s Nantan Meteorite, Gibeon,
and children. About 10% of calls to U.S. poisen control centers, about a quarter-million calls
For a short time, science buffs will
Great Namba Land in Namibia, and Canyon
be able to view hundreds of meteorites that
per year, are related to household cleaning products, and about two-thirds of these reports
Diablo in Meteor Crater Arizona. He has
have been found all over the world at Jewels
involve children under the age of 6, according to Worldwatch Institute.
several from Minsk in Belllorussiya, USSR;
& Diamonds, a Homosassa Jewelry store
These exposures could be eliminated by using non-toxic cleaning ingredients, many
“moldavite glass that exploded over
which is located on Suncoast Blvd. at
that most people already have in their homes. These ingredients include vinegar, liquid
Czechoslavakia, not of this universe,” tektite
Bradshaw St., just south of the Homosassa
detergent, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, borax (usually found in the laundry section of grocery
from moon debris, and many other pieces,
Springs Post Office. The last time owner Joe
stores), baking soda, washing soda (sodium carbonate), and tea tree and other essential oils.
both large and small.
Dawson set his collection on display was
Cleaners can be placed in spray bottles for easy use, and oil-based cleaners should be stored
Dawson
said,
surprisingly,
about 10 years ago. The collection can be
in glass jars. The name of the cleaner, along with its purpose. should be placed on the
meteorites are the number one item he sells
viewed on Tuesdays through Fridays from
container, using a label or masking tape.
over the internet via his website,
10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the exception of
Tea tree oil, a natural fungicide, can be added to any of the cleansers (listed above)
www.JewelsandDiamonds.com, and they
Fridays, when the collection can be viewed
to combat fungal problems. Other essential oils that can be added that are both fragrant and
come with Certificates of Authenticity. Being
until 6:00 p.m.
known for disinfecting include cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, grapefruit, lavender, lemon,
a certified master jeweler, Dawson has even
“I’ve been collecting, forever,” said
lemongrass, spruce and thyme.
set some of the more attractive and unusual
Dawson. “I’m eccentric; I collect unusual
Naturally acidic products, such as lemon juice and vinegar, will clean hard-water
meteorites into jewelry, mostly necklaces set
things.” Dawson has hundreds of meteorites,
scale, tarnish, and other alkaline substances, but should be followed with an alkaline cleaner,
in elaborate gold settings. One such piece is
some rare, and ranging in value from $25 to
a rare stony meteorite containing peridot
such as liquid detergent, to neutralize the acid.
$20,000, the largest and most expensive one
crystals.
Homemade cleansers should first be tested on an inconspicuous area before being
weighs about 110 lbs. and hails from Nantan,
A meteorite is a natural object (rock)
used, because although they are generally safe, it is always better to check before using.
China. Dawson also has meteorites from the
that originates within our galaxy and manages
Never combine any ingredients without first checking their compatibility.
largest single meteorite fall, the 1908 Tunguska
to survive an impact with the Earth’s surface.
event in an unpopulated area of western
If you don't care to bother with mixing your own cleaners, natural products can now
Most come from asteroids, a few come from
Siberia, where more than 23 tons of meteorites
be found in most stores that sell cleaning supplies. And you can always use the natural
comets, a few are believed to have come from
showered on the region. The largest meteorite
products in a pinch, when you're out of a cleaner and just happen to have the ingredients
4 Vesta; about 23 came from the moon and
found, to date, weighs about 60 tons and was
that are needed.
about 22 came from Mars.
discovered at Hoba in Namibia.
ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER RECIPES: (1)--1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and
Dawson has meteorites from
Continued on page 12 - Meteorites
1/2 gallon water. (2)--1/2 cup vinegar, 2 teaspoons borax and 1/2 gallon of water. (3)--1/2
Morocco in the Sahara that are slightly
teaspoon washing soda, a small amount of liquid soap and 2 cups of hot water. (4)--A few
Add more spice to your life with turmeric
drops of natural soap, 30 drops of tea tree essential oil and 2 cups of water. FURNITURE
POLISH RECIPES: (1)--1/4 cup vinegar and 3/4 cup olive oil. (2)--1/4 cup lemon juice and 1/2
Nutrient dense herbs and spices contain healthful properties that can enhance your
cup olive oil. (3)--1/2 tsp. olive oil and either 1/4 cup vinegar or 1/4 cup lemon juice. (4)--Add
overall well-being, antioxidants that can be as or more potent than those in many fruits and
4 to 5 drops of lemon oil to 1/2 cup warm water. TOILET CLEANER RECIPES: (1)--3 cups of
vegetables, enhancing your entire body, not just a particular area.
white vinegar and 10 drops of tea tree oil. (2)--1 cup borax with 1/2 cup of lemon juice or
An unusually potent herb that is known to enhance your overall health is turmeric. The
vinegar; allow to sit for several hours or overnight before using. (3)--1/4 cup lemon juice and
main healthful ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is known to help maintain healthy
1 cup vinegar. (4)--Sprinkle baking soda in the bowl and then add lemon juice or vinegar.
digestion, support healthy bones and joints, help maintain blood sugar and cholesterol
OVEN CLEANERS: (1)--Make a cleaning paste of 3/4 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup salt and 1/4
levels that are already within the normal range, promote overall eye health, promote healthy
cup water. (2)--Make a cleaning paste of 1 cup of baking soda and a small amount of soap and
liver function, maintain healthy cells by supporting against free radical damage, support a
water. (3)--Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with enough liquid detergent to give it the consistency
healthy neurological response to stress, and support the circulatory system.
of cake frosting for use on stubborn stains. (4)--Use baking soda on a damp sponge for
A.B.A.
scouring. WINDOW CLEANERS: (1)--Combine 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of liquid detergent with
3 tablespoons of vinegar and 2 cups of water. (2)--Combine from 2 teaspoons to 1 quart of
A/C & Heating,Inc.
vinegar with 1 quart of warm water.
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