Bio-Enviro multi-purpose cleaners -- Thanks to our green month content in April, we've been hearing from a number of green businesses and one of the most interesting so far is New Jersey-based Bio-Enviro which makes a hypoallergenic, ecologically safe, biodegradable household cleaner that is repellent to pests.

So, while it's not a pesticide, using the cleaner will help keep the bugs away. You can buy three versions -- a light cleaning one designed for glass and other light duty; a general cleaning one for all-purpose clean-up; and a heavy-duty one that cuts grease. I've tried them and they work great on glass, bathroom floors (I'll save you the gory details on why this was necessary!), range tops and dog vomit.

So, they'll likely work on anything. They have a mildly minty scent and you can also buy a concentrated version that can be used to wash floors, to help boost your laundry results, etc. Because they don't have ammonia and ingredients like that, you can also use less of it because, for example, when doing windows, it doesn't start to evaporate like conventional window cleaners do. Owner Jim Miele has graciously offered a 10 percent discount to OnMilwaukee.com readers who order direct. Just use this coupon code when ordering: OM200810%. --Bobby Tanzilo

Teecycle.org -- The reasons to buy used and vintage clothing are growing exponentially. There's the cash-saving factor, the environmental factor, the ever-important hipster factor and there's a charity factor. Teecycle.org collects thrift store rarities and yard sale gems, posts pictures and clever little blurbs about them in a blog and sells each T-shirt for $7 (with a $3 shipping fee). The coolest part about the project is that $1 from each goes to the River Revitalization Foundation, which is working to revitalize the city's river trails and waterways. As founder Tim Cigelske says, "Reduce. Reuse. Teecycle." --Julie Lawrence

Denny's kids' menu -- I know, I know: This is a chain restaurant that has a mediocre reputation, but on a recent journey to the North Side to shop at Stein Garden and Gifts, we visited Denny's, 8001 W. Brown Deer Rd., on a whim. It had been years since we ate at a Denny's -- my last visit was during college and I went to the now-defunct Port Washington Road location to claim my free breakfast -- but this time we were pleasantly surprised by their space-themed kids' menu. No, it's not healthy food, but if you can put your organic sensibilities aside, there are some super fun eats available. My little guys loved the smiley alien pancakes ($2.79), featuring a pancake "face" and a sausage link and bacon strip for the "antennae." A few orange slices and a whipped cream smile completed this cosmic breakfast. Oh, and best of all? Their orange juice came in a rocket-shaped cup they got to take home. Blast off. --Molly Snyder Edler

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Posted by ech on May 29, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (report)

Well I too love the Tide pen, use caution- it can discolor colored fabrics. One example where it actually pays to "test an inconspicuous area" first. But for whites- it rocks!