Pick up know-how for tackling diseases, pests and weeds.
Farm bill, farm marketing, agribusiness webinars, & farm policy.
Find tactics for healthy livestock and sound forages.
Scheduling and methods of irrigation.
Explore our Extension locations around the state.
Commercial row crop production in Arkansas.
Agriculture weed management resources.
Use virtual and real tools to improve critical calculations for farms and ranches.
Learn to ID forages and more.
Explore our research locations around the state.
Get the latest research results from our county agents.
Our programs include aquaculture, diagnostics, and energy conservation.
Keep our food, fiber and fuel supplies safe from disaster.
Private, Commercial & Non-commercial training and education.
Specialty crops including turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals.
Find educational resources and get youth engaged in agriculture.
Gaining garden smarts and sharing skills.
Creating beauty in and around the home.
Maintenance calendar, and best practices.
Coaxing the best produce from asparagus to zucchini.
What’s wrong with my plants? The clinic can help.
Featured trees, vines, shrubs and flowers.
Ask our experts plant, animal, or insect questions.
Enjoying the sweet fruits of your labor.
Herbs, native plants, & reference desk QA.
Growing together from youth to maturity.
Crapemyrtles, hydrangeas, hort glossary, and weed ID databases.
Get beekeeping, honey production, and class information.
Grow a pollinator-friendly garden.
Schedule these timely events on your gardening calendar.
Equipping individuals to lead organizations, communities, and regions.
Guiding communities and regions toward vibrant and sustainable futures.
Guiding entrepreneurs from concept to profit.
Position your business to compete for government contracts.
Find trends, opportunities and impacts.
Providing unbiased information to enable educated votes on critical issues.
Increase your knowledge of public issues & get involved.
Research-based connection to government and policy issues.
Support Arkansas local food initiatives.
Read about our efforts.
Preparing for and recovering from disasters.
Licensing for forestry and wildlife professionals.
Preserving water quality and quantity.
Cleaner air for healthier living.
Firewood & bioenergy resources.
Managing a complex forest ecosystem.
Read about nature across Arkansas and the U.S.
Learn to manage wildlife on your land.
Soil quality and its use here in Arkansas.
Learn to ID unwanted plant and animal visitors.
Timely updates from our specialists.
Eating right and staying healthy.
Ensuring safe meals.
Take charge of your well-being.
Cooking with Arkansas foods.
Making the most of your money.
Making sound choices for families and ourselves.
Nurturing our future.
Get tips for food, fitness, finance, and more!
Understanding aging and its effects.
Giving back to the community.
Managing safely when disaster strikes.
Listen to our latest episode!
Four Easy Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle Kitchen Hacks
Clark County Extension Service
Amy Simpson, HorticultureCindy Ham, 4-H and AgJoAnn Vann, Family & Consumer SciencesPhone: 870-246-2281Email: clark-arkadelphia@uada.edu
Follow us onFacebook
Instagram
JoAnn Vann
Once a month, I go around the house and refill all my storage containers and cleaning supplies. This month, I thought I would share some handy kitchen ideas that have improved our self-sufficiency, saved us money, and reduced the amount of non-biodegradable waste we produce in the kitchen.
1. Invest in reusable scrubbers
Ditch the disposable sponges and concerns over bacteria buildup by switching to a silicone scrubbing pad for general purpose and non-stick surfaces. A stainless-steel chainmail scrubber and a natural fiber brush (see photo above) for cleaning cast iron works great. Using these is also pocketbook friendly because they are long lasting and inexpensive. The chainmail I use on my cast iron is well over two years old now and still in perfect condition for a cost of less than $5. I recently added the $3 silicone scrubber (also pictured) but anticipate it will last several years before needing replacement.
2. Store in bulk using half gallon jar food storage
Keep food easy to access and fresh longer by storing bulk ingredients in half gallon canning jars like the ones storing pecans, almonds and granola pictured above. I purchase basic ingredients in bulk and refill by jars as needed eliminating a large amount of packaging waste and the decrease in foods going stale saves money as well. Interested in long-term food storage? Make plans to attend our Spring Self-Sufficient U Workshop on April 30th.
3. Make your own DIY dishwasher pods
Homemade dishwasher cubes (shown above) are the newest addition to my DIY cleaning lineup. These were easy to make, cheap, and work well in my electric dishwasher. I like that there isn’t a plastic package to dissolve or extra packaging from buying refills. Best of all, the ingredients are basics I keep in my green cleaning kit so no need to buy additional supplies. I make them up a month at a time and store them in a sealed jar to keep moisture from causing them to crumble. There are many recipes available on the web, like this DIY dishwasher detergent recipe which I used.
4. Use refillable dispensers
Switching to refillable containers (as shown above) and making at least some of your household cleaning products is a fantastic way to reduce dependence on the store supply chain, eliminate harsh chemicals and packaging waster, and save money. I love having an effective all-purpose cleaner for freshening up counter tops, tables, and appliances. My degreaser recipe takes science and puts it into practical application with oil dissolving oil. Add the all-purpose cleaner and degreaser to the hand-soap recipe I shared last time and you are well on your way to green cleaning! Ready to start your own “Green and Clean” homemade cleaning kit? Need recipes? Link to the full article on green cleaning. Please note: DIY green cleaners are not recommended for disinfecting against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 infection. Get the full list of EPA approved disinfectants.
Mix together in a spray bottle and shake well.
To use, spray surface and allow to sit for 5 minutes or longer to begin dissolving the buildup. Wipe clean. Remaining mixture is shelf-stable and can be saved for later use.
Alternative: Use warm water and at 1 tablespoon of lemon juice instead of essential oils. This mixture is not shelf stable so discard any leftovers.
Tip: For larger or smaller batches, mix in a 1:8 ratio of oil-based soap to water.
Related resources
Grow Your Own Groceries:Gardening from the Ground UP: Beekeeping - Apiculture in Arkansas Take the Hobby and Small Flock Poultry in Arkansas course Arkansas Food Freedom Act for homemade food salesArkansas Emergency Preparedness Food Preservation:
Podcasts: Around the Homestead Podcast: Beekeeping Basics Podcast