Protect Environment While You Clean House

Ecologically conscious housekeepers might check out a new book, “Clean House, Clean Planet” by Karen Logan (Pocket Books, $12).

The opening chapter discusses “cleaning with those nasty chemicals,” while the bulk of the book is about “amazing alternatives.”

The value of this reference is that household items are used whenever possible. For example:

Club soda works as a window cleaner.

Use olive oil as a furniture polish.

There are suggestions for oven cleaner and silver polish as well as for clearing a clogged drain. While not all of the homemade solutions will work in all situations, at the least we’ll be more aware of the impact on the environment of using commercial cleaners for household chores.

Fix it yourself

Let’s get this out of the way first: Gender-specific how-to books annoy us just on principle. For example, a new book named “Renovating Woman” just might come in handy to a whole bunch of men, too. Lack of expertise in using chain saws and power drills pretty much crosses gender lines.

That said, there’s some merit to this book by Allegra Bennett ($22, Pocket Books). The chapters cover repair tips for plumbing, wiring, floors and doors, walls and ceilings and roofs. And while there is plenty of text, illustrations are lacking; notable in that many of us need to see a drawing or picture to visualize the repair.

If you are going to own just one home repair book, there are better ones; this is a good supplement, though.

Mark your calendars

The annual Friends of Manito Children’s Day at the Japanese Garden is May 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event includes a traditional carp raising ceremony at 1 p.m., a sand garden table, origami, calligraphy, a rolling rice bowl table where kids learn how to use chopsticks, and storytelling stations throughout the garden.

It’s free, and preregistration is suggested. Call 456-8038.

Step outside for more work

The following spring maintenance tips are courtesy of HouseMaster of America:

Check the outdoor infrastructure around your house for needed repairs - driveways, sidewalks, window wells, fences, retaining walls.

Trim bushes and trees.

Check for evidence of insect infestation.

Lubricate window channels, and clean and install screens.

Look over the roof for missing or loose shingles or shakes.

Repair winter damage to the sprinkler system.

Halogen’s a turnoff

Here’s another reason why you should think twice about halogen floor lamps: The hot-burning bulbs, already under attack for their role in dozens of residential fires, may be facing an even greater threat from the energy police, the Wall Street Journal says. Universities and some businesses have begun to ban the lamps or look for less power-hungry alternatives.

Peel away dirt

Sure, citrus-based cleaning products have a nice, eco-friendly smell and image. But that’s not the only reason why you should buy them, Orange Glo International says.

The maker of Orange Glo Wood Polish and Conditioner and Orange Clean Multi Purpose Cleaner says pure orange oil is one of the most powerful natural solvents on earth because it contains natural turpenes, compounds also found in turpentine and pine oil.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: BYLINE = Susan English Staff writer Wire services contributed to this report.