Recycle Your Christmas

We all love our Christmas trees. Sometimes the hunt for the perfect specimen takes us into nature itself, trudging up the hills through rain or snow, where we can actually cut it down ourselves-a hands-on approach that's both invigorating and rewarding.

Other times, our chase takes us across town to a converted tree lot next to a Burger King.

But when the holidays are over and you've removed the garland, lights, and ornaments, how do you dispose of your tree in a manner that's also good for the environment?

By recycling it, of course.

Local city and town governments across the country offer services (probably free-of-charge) to dispose of your Christmas tree in an environmentally friendly way. The services assigned for tree pick-up can range from a city organization to a local Boy Scout troop, and the trees are often turned into mulch for a number of uses, like ground cover for neighborhood parks.

Learn about your area by visiting the web site Earth911.com, which helps locate recycling centers for everything from hazardous materials and paint to batteries and light bulbs-and, yes, even Christmas trees. Just enter your zip code for the services and locations available in your area.

Recycling isn't just for Christmas trees, though. There are plenty of opportunities to make your holiday season more eco-friendly.

Gift wrapping: After the tsunami of holiday gifts is opened, the pile of once-used wrapping paper left could sadden even the jolliest of elves. Much of it can be recycled, but the glossy, dye-filled gift-wrapping cannot be reused and must be dumped in the traditional garbage.

Here are some suggestions that might help you feel better when wrapping gifts:

* Buy recycled wrapping paper. That way you know it's OK to put in the good bin.
* Use newspaper. Are the Kings really that far back in the NBA standings? Put that sports section to good use by doubling it up as wrapping paper. Newspaper can also be composted when you're done.
* Boxed in. From shoeboxes to those tiny cereal boxes, these are great gift receptacles.
* Save the wrapping paper. My mom did this for years while I was growing up. But even with a gaggle of eager grandchildren shredding through the paper from gift to gift, she hasn't given up trying. What perseverance!
* Reusable bags. My wife and I have swapped out wrapping paper with our new tradition, the reusable bag. Our large stash of ChicoBags is perfect for birthdays and should be ideal for our Christmas cache, as well.

Holiday photo cards: Receiving a holiday photo card is a ritual that everyone likes. New faces, grown-up children and cute animals dressed up in fuzzy outfits help make a highly anticipated tradition. This year try something different by repurposing the holiday photo cards.

Use the photos from friends and loved ones this year for gifts for those same folks next year. Coasters, placemats, framed photo cards and calendars are just a few ideas.

With all of the pageantry and elements that go into Christmas, there are clear opportunities for easing up on Mother Nature.

Until next time, Happy Home Improving (and Merry Christmas)!

by : Sean A Murphy

Eco-Friendly Home Building Supplies

There are several home improvement measures that must be taken in order to prevent the deterioration that has been rusting our environment since countless decades. Home building supplies that are eco-friendly or are environmentally healthy and safe must be preferred over others. This is crucial factor that determines the overall welfare of our environment and the benefit of the global life.

In order to streamline the environment, one has to be considerate towards the environmentally friendly home building materials. There are various factors that must be taken into account before finalizing anything in particular. There are various green products or environmentally friendly products that range from eco-friendly material for construction to different sources of energy that can replace environmentally detrimental products. The eco-friendly product line is also termed as the green products. Due to global warming and other factors such as the depletion of energy resources all around the world, the energy crisis has become an imploring truth. The governments and other social welfare institutions are convinced about changing the way of planning out energy resources, etc.

There are various ways through which you can easily find the environmentally friendly methods of home building. You can replace the home flooring or other materials to environmentally friendlier materials or eco-friendly products. When you are thinking of replacing the wood flooring or carpeting you may want to consider products that are approved by FSC. Also you must demand from the manufacturer or distributors the eco-friendly products in all domains. Going to a nearby shop is also environmentally friendly. The more you stay considerate about these factors the more it will prove to be beneficial for the environment. So, dive in the race of eco-friendly home building materials and purchase something that is green friendly and adds to the environment in a positive way. The more you strive the more beneficial it will be for the environment.

by : Luke Patel

Green Environment Starts at Your Home

Green environment is being actively created in various places around the world. Most people around the world already knew the importance of green environment as well as benefits can be gained not only for human but also for all creatures who life on earth by giving more attention to increase the awareness of green environment. Many people think that creating a green environment is sometimes difficult and too complicated to be implemented; perhaps it is because they do not know in detail about the green environment. Almost every person of all ages can start doing little things to create a pleasant green environment. By starting the little things that come directly from the environment at home, at work, at school, or anywhere you can begin to support environmental preservation.

Various actions can be done to create a green environment, it may be a small action, but it can bring a very good effect to our environment. A simple example to mothers who are always shopping for household products in supermarkets, to give support for a green environment program, mothers can minimize the use of plastic bags, by carrying their own bag from the house when they need to go on shopping, or they can use paper bags, instead of plastic bags. As we all know that all the objects or goods made from the plastic will be very difficult to unravel and the process will be very complicated, and it takes years for the plastic to be able to be decomposed by soil. Therefore, it definitely will pollute the environment. Maybe some people think they can get rid of useless items that have a plastic material by burning it, but this does not help the green environment program because the effect of smokes from burning plastics will also have a negative impact on the environment. Another way to support green environment is to use various materials that can be recycled easily to reduce the amount of garbage that comes in various places.

Recently, many people are worried about some negative effect of human unresponsiveness towards green environment. Some example of the unpleasant conditions that begin to arise pursuant to unresponsiveness and unawareness towards the importance of green environment is the famous global warming problem. The direct impact is felt by many people in almost every corner around the world. An obvious evidence of environmental destruction on earth is with the increase of air temperature on earth, that makes the earth is getting hotter and some natural events that are very dangerous and bad for humans.

To have a green environment around your home will definitely give a very pleasant atmosphere, while also green environment will make our body become healthier because the air we breathe is fresher, healthier and cleaner especially from pollution. Green environment definitely helps to clean the air that has become polluted by car fumes, factories, cigarettes and the adverse effects of greenhouse gases. Today many families prefer to live in the suburbs because it would be good if you have a house with a green environment, and it also surrounded by trees that shady and of course with fresh air. If you want a house with a green and shady environment, it is advisable that you start to plant some shade trees that will beautify your home and good for the environment too.

The Natural Beauty of Living Roofs

The idea of using living materials for a roof is not a new one. Applying it to modern buildings, however, is relatively new. How is the ancient art of a living roof compatible with modern building methods? And why would anyone choose a living roof for his or her home?

The Living Roof - What Is It?
A living roof, also known as a green roof, can be constructed on an existing roof or incorporated into a new structure. It can be used on commercial or private buildings. A corrugated, aluminum sheet is placed on the roof, followed by a waterproof membrane. Some builders will then apply a sheet of foam and another waterproof membrane. Drains are incorporated into the design.
Over all of the weatherproofing layers, about 4 inches of soil is placed and various greenery is planted. Many green roof builders like to focus on native plants for their rooftop "garden."
So what are the main advantages and disadvantages of having a living roof? Read on to find out.

Advantages of a Living Roof
1. Less Reflective Heat - The sunlight and heat that are reflected off of urban buildings' roofs can greatly increase the temperature within a city. Green roofs eliminate the reflective factor, absorbing and utilizing the sun's light.
2. Insulation - Earth is a good insulator, and having four or more inches of it on your roof will keep your building cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
3. Protection - The soil and plants on a living roof protect the roof structure beneath from the elements, thus preventing the wear and tear (and the subsequent leaks) that can result from exposure to the weather.
4. Wildlife - Green roofs provide wildlife habitat, especially if native species are planted. Particularly in urban areas, living roofs can act as an oasis to wildlife.
5. Clean air - Plants clean the air, soaking up carbon dioxide and emitting oxygen. The air around your structure will be cleaner as a result, and the more living roofs that are planted, the cleaner the air over a wider area.
6. Absorption of rainwater - This helps control storm run-off, which can cause problems when it is excessive. It can also be a
7. Source of pollution.

Disadvantages of a Living Roof
1. Initial expense - Living roofs can be expensive to construct. Some of the cost can be offset, though, in the savings on heating and cooling, or if you grow your own food on the living roof.
2. Maintenance - Like a garden, a living roof will need some maintenance. It might need watering during a dry spell, or fertilizer may be necessary. Choosing native plant species will reduce the amount of maintenance.
3. Weight - Soil is heavy, and some roof structures cannot support it.
Living roofs are beautiful, green structures that combine the necessities of building with the beauty of a garden.

Household Toxins and Autism

The rise in autism cases has many people concerned, especially as a definite cause for the disorder is elusive. The Centers for Disease Control reports that 1 in 150 children (more boys than girls) born today will develop autism. The rise in autism since the early 1990s is epidemic in proportion, but thankfully, there are some insights as to what triggers this disorder. Toxins in general are implicated in autism, and now environmental factors are coming under scrutiny. Specifically, household items such as cleaners are potential culprits.
In the Womb
A recent study analyzed the blood and urine of nine women across several states who were in their second trimesters of pregnancy. The study revealed 13 toxins present in the systems of these women, including Bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorinated compounds, mercury, and phthalates. What are these toxins, and where are they found?
1. BPAs are used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic and food can lining. It acts as an artificial form of estrogen in the body, and its potential to adversely affect fetal development is documented. BPAs wreak hormonal havoc in adults' bodies as well, decreasing the production of sperm in males and causing changes in behavior.
2. Perfluorinated compounds are used to make non-stick cookware and stain-resistant products, such as you might have had sprayed on your furniture or carpet. Perfluorinated compounds are a potential carcinogen in people and cause tumors in laboratory animals. It is not too much of a stretch to consider that these compounds could affect brain development.
3. Mercury is known to affect brain development and to harm cognitive function. Every woman in the above study had mercury in her blood. Household items that contain mercury include household batteries, fluorescent lights, thermometers, paint residues, and thermostats.
4. Phthalates are implicated in reproductive problems and asthma, and interestingly, asthma and autism often occur together. Pthalates are fragrance carriers and are used in shampoos, cosmetics, and other beauty products.
Of course, exposure to these common toxins does not cease after birth. The poisoning may begin then, but it continues as the baby grows up in a household where such items are common.

Other Toxins
1. Pet shampoos have been found to be used twice as often in families with autistic children. Pet shampoos contain organophosphates or pyrethroids.
2. Antibacterial soaps contain ingredients that may affect the human immune system, and autoimmune disorders are associated with autism (the immune system turns inward and attacks the body, causing inflammation and other symptoms).
3. Pesticides have known neurological effects and are found on everything from produce to lawns.
4. Household cleaners emit vapors that are known to be toxic, to the point that some doctors warn their pregnant patients not to use them to clean the house during pregnancy. These cleaners - festooned with "Keep Out of the Reach of Children" warnings - contain carcinogens, neurotoxins, and endocrine disrupters (which means they can affect human hormones).
5. Perhaps if we began to take those warnings seriously and kept such products completely out of our homes, we could lower our children's risk for developing autism.

Green Redecorating On a Budget

You may think that keeping your redecorating efforts eco-friendly will break your budget. While it's true that some green items can cost more, there are ways to engage in environmentally-friendly redecorating and still stay within a budget. Here are some ideas,
1. Paint
Do you get headaches or respiratory irritation when painting a room? That is probably due to the toxic substances in the paint, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for paint that is VOC-free - many major paint manufacturers have VOC-free versions of their paints. While it does cost a bit more, it is high-quality paint that tends to cover better, so you will likely only need one coat. That can actually end up being cheaper than getting many gallons of conventional paint.

Painting a room can mean a lot of disposable accoutrements such as plastic drop cloths and paint trays. Consider biodegradable drop cloths, which are comparable to plastic and sell for under $ 4. An even cheaper option is to use an old sheet you already have. It can be washed and re-used for your next painting project.

If you use disposable paint trays and rollers, look for those that are biodegradable or made from recycled materials.

2. Flooring
If you have synthetic wall-to-wall carpet, rip it up and expose the flooring beneath. If it's hardwood, it can be restored with minimal effort. If it is not hardwood, or if you just want to put down more carpet, consider modular carpet tiles. These are inexpensive and can be laid down by the homeowner without the use of toxic adhesives or chemicals. They are also manufactured with non-toxic dyes and recycled materials. When they are worn out or you just want a change, they can be returned to the manufacturer for recycling.

3. Appliances
Perhaps you are wanting to redecorate your kitchen and you are considering buying new appliances. If they are still in good working order, you can actually get appliance paints to give them a fresh, new look. (The same is true for bathroom tiles.) If you do purchase new appliances, look for those with the energy-star for optimum efficiency.

4. Furniture and Accessories
Here is where you can really save money and be environmentally friendly. Shop at antique and second-hand stores and purchase inexpensive furniture and accessories such as lamps, vases, etc. Some of these items need to be restored, or can be given a new look by simply spraying them with white spray paint.

Don't forget your own attic, garage, closet, etc. for these items. Perhaps you have an old end table that you could re-paint, or a basket hidden away that could be used to hold magazines. Re-use bottles and jars as candle holders and flower vases.

Redecorating probably means that you are throwing out some things - old carpet, appliances, etc. Rather than hauling these to the landfill, find out if they can be donated to charitable organizations for refurbishing. Remember to report any eco-friendly changes you make to your home on your income tax return.

Nettle Tea – A Health Tonic

Nettles, specifically stinging nettles (Urtica dioica), have all kinds of health benefits. Here are some healthful properties of nettles, and a recipe for making your own nettle tea.

Nutritional Profile of Nettle Tea

First of all, nettles are high in vitamins and minerals, including iron, chlorophyll, calcium, magnesium, silicon, zinc, potassium and phosphorus. They contain significant amounts of vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, as well as riboflavin (B2) and thiamine (B1). Nettles also have folic acid and amino acids.

Here are some benefit of Nettle tea,

1.         Body Cleanser

Nettle tea stimulates the elimination of wastes from the body, making it a good choice for detoxification. It seems to have expelling action in various body systems, including the digestive and urinary systems. It has been used as a treatment for kidney stones and intestinal worms. Nettle tea acts to expel mucus from the lungs and nasal passages, making it a good choice for allergies and sinus congestion.

2.         Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral

Nettle has been used to eliminate bacterial and viral infections from the body, and is ideal for respiratory infection accompanied by congestion.

3.         Allergies

Nettles are often the treatment of choice among herbalists for clients who suffer from allergies. The vitamin C and zinc content in nettles may account for their ability to soothe allergy symptoms, as well as their anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and expectorant properties. 

4.         Diabetes

Nettle has been shown to decrease blood sugar and glycemic levels, and can be of great help to those who suffer from this chronic disease.

5.         Women's Health

Nettle tea is traditionally used to stop post-partum bleeding, and any internal bleeding. It is also said to promote milk production after childbirth.

6.         Bones

There have been personal testimonies of people whose arthritis, rheumatism, and osteoperosis were reversed or eliminated by consuming nettle tea.

Preparation of Nettle Tea

If you are harvesting nettles from the wild (and it is a common "weed"), wear gloves because of the sting. The tiny stinging hairs, though, will disappear when the leaves are dried or cooked. Choose young shoots whenever possible. You can also purchase dried nettle from your local health food store or online.

You can use a combination of dried root or aerial parts (stems and leaves) in your tea, but if you are harvesting nettle from the wild, cut it rather than pulling it up by the roots to preserve the plant. That way, you can harvest it several times a season, year after year. If you are using fresh nettle in your tea, wear gloves to chop it.

Simply pour 1 cup of boiling water over 4-5 teaspoons of dried (or 2-3 tablespoons of fresh) nettle. Steep it for 5-8 minutes. It is not the tastiest tea in the world, so you may want to add some lemon juice (it will turn the tea a pinkish color) and sweeten it with raw honey or stevia. You can also blend it with more palatable herbs, such as peppermint, lemon balm, or stevia leaves. 

How to Make Packaging Greener

“Green” Leather Shoes – An Explanation

Leather may be a natural material for shoes, but that does not necessarily mean it is eco-friendly. Commercial leather tanning - the process by which perishable animal skins are converted into non-perishable leather - involves a complicated, 15-step chemical process resulting in large amounts of polluted water.

The tanning process often uses petroleum products, and leather tanning factories also make heavy use of diesel fuel to run their equipment. In addition, many large shoe corporations employ workers overseas in factories with bad working conditions.

Some of the chemicals used in leather tanning are sulfides, sulfates, chlorides, chromium, and other heavy metals. Workers exposed to these chemicals can develop health problems as a result. In countries where leather tanning is big business, the environmental impact is becoming serious.

Of course, synthetic leather and other artificial shoe materials are not necessarily eco-friendly, either. A balance can be found in "green" leather.

What Is "Green" Leather?

This is a kind of leather processed by eco-friendly methods. Interestingly, scientists have discovered a way that manufacturers can actually reverse the 15-step tanning process, thus reducing the use of chemicals and the amount of waste water. In fact, the reversed tanning process reduces the number of steps as well.

Other companies use eco-friendly tanning methods that make use of natural plant extracts - specifically, extracts from the Mimosa tree - in place of the toxic chemicals of conventional tanning. The Mimosa trees are farmed by sustainable methods, and the extraction process is also sustainable. To make the leather soft, these green companies use vegetable products and waxes.

The leather industry is beginning to move toward clean energy and sustainable tanning methods. Recently, a green leather manufacturing company opened in Vietnam. This factory will be using wind turbines, hot water heated by solar energy, and a hydraulic waste-water system to conserve water.

What to Look For When Shopping for Green Shoes

When you go shopping for green leather shoes, you may find some confusing terminology such as :

1.        Vegan shoes are never made with leather or any animal product, so if the shoes you are considering are labeled "vegan," they are not actual leather.

2.    Eco-friendly leather is leather that has been processed by sustainable, environmentally-friendly methods.

3.    Organic shoes are made from organic materials which may or may not be leather, or only partially made from leather.

The key is to look for those shoes that claim to be both genuine leather (whole or in part) and eco-friendly. It is also a good idea to do your research and find the names of companies who engage in sustainable leather processing practices.

Nature – The Ultimate Playground for Kids

Every year parents spend hundreds if not, thousands of dollars on toys and activities for their kids. While many of things are great for keeping young minds and bodies active, many of them are unnecessary. Sure kids need structured play, but they also need “free” plan and this is easy to do when the world’s largest playground is right outside your back door. Why not let them play outside?

Every toy, book, and TV show that comes out has been designed and redesigned several times in order to make it educational and entertaining for children.  The great thing about nature is that, while being entertaining and stimulating to the imagination, it’s also educational. Nature can teach children the basics of science, economics, and creativity.

 

It’s cheap. Depending on where you live, exploring nature is usually pretty inexpensive, if not free. It may mean going out in your backyard, local park, or perhaps going to the local nature center or state park (which usually have low cost fees or memberships). This way, you don’t have to pay for expensive toys, jungle gyms, or memberships to expensive entertainment centers, but you still get the benefit of stimulating and educational play.

It makes them think. Lately there’s been a trend in education towards inquiry based learning. Researchers have found that if students explore and experiment to figure out answers on their own, they’re going to learn better, and retain more information. It also helps them develop skills to be able to learn things on their own later. What better environment to learn things than out in nature.  There are lessons for kids of all ages to discover about the world around them.

 

It may help the world. Everyone these days is trying to be more green and more environmentally conscious. What better way to help do your part than to get your children interested in their own planet than right now when they’re young and impressionable? What might be a fun time for them now, might be a future hobby, career, or world saving invention.

 

It’s fun. While it’s easy to forget, childhood isn’t just for learning about how to be an adult, it’s also about having fun. Nature gives kids a chance to use their imagination and be free to just be kids.

While unstructured play outside is great for kids, you can also find a lot of places offering structured classes and learning sessions for kids that focus on the natural world. Check your local park, zoo, or museum. There’s a good chance they have classes you can sign up for, and since many of these places are not for profit, they’re usually affordable as well as informative.

 

Across the world, there are millions of dollars being spent to help promote sending your kids outside to learn from nature.  That’s because spending time in the outside world is so important for developing minds. It can also be a great escape for you as well.

10 Eco-Friendly Gardening Tips

Taking care of your lawn and garden is just as important as taking care of your roof in terms of resale. An attractive landscape can increase the value of your home and add curb appeal. Maintaining your lawn and garden properly can save money and time. Eco-friendly, or "green landscaping” habits can help the environment and decrease the amount of hazardous chemicals around your home. Did you know that the average suburban lawn uses six times the hazardous chemicals per acre as conventional farming does? Learn how to avoid chemical use below.

Tip 1 : 

Water Efficiently Water during strategically planned times only. The best time to water is between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Watering in the afternoon is inefficient since water is lost due to evaporation and wind. The second-best time to water is between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Running an irrigation system excessively can waste a lot of water. Just one hour can use up to 250 gallons of water.

Tip 2 : 

Install an Irrigation System Consider the installation of a sprinkler or irrigation system for your lawn. Irrigation systems work well at targeting only the specific areas of your lawn that need to be watered, thus cutting back on unnecessary watering of uplanted areas. Irrigation systems are available with a timer option, which helps homeowners avoid overwatering by turning off the system at predetermined times. Make sure to check the weather forecast and turn off the timer when rain is predicted.

Tip 3 : 

Go Organic Say goodbye to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There are many top-quality organic and natural weed killers. Additionally, organic compost can be used.

Tip 4 : 

Make Your Own Compost Make your own compost to use in your garden. Compost can be used as a fertilizer, serving as an excellent alternative to chemical-based fertilizers. Making your own compost involves mixing browns (such as dead leaves, branches or twigs, greens (such as grass clippings, vegetable waste, fruit scraps and coffee grounds) and water in a compost bin.

Tip 5 : 

Mulch Garden mulch can enhance the look of your garden and help keep it healthy. Spreading mulch in your garden can also save time by decreasing the need for watering, applying herbicides and pulling weeds.

Tip 6 : 

Drought-Tolerant Plants The technique of using drought-tolerant plants, known as xeriscaping will significantly help reduce water usage in your garden.

Tip 7 : 

Native Plants Planting native plants will cut down on the need for water and fertilizer. For example, if you live in Arizona, don't plant high water plants such as bluegrass or clover.

Tip 8 : 

Make Your Own Planters Making your own planters is a great way to reuse empty containers. Rinse out plastic containers (cottage cheese, yogurt and dessert whip containers are just the right size), fill them with dirt, add a plant and you have a great new planter. Not only is this eco-friendly, it's also inexpensive.

Tip 9 : 

Harvest Rainwater Harvesting rainwater means collecting and storing rainwater to be used for your lawn or garden. This is a simple way to conserve water and help your garden bloom.

Tip 10 : 

Hang Birdfeeders and Nesting Boxes Birdfeeders and nesting boxes attract birds to your garden. Birds are a great benefit to gardens as they eat unwanted pests, such as snails and slugs. Instead of using pesticide against these little bugs, simply invite the birds in and they'll take care of the pests naturally.

written by : Marcy Tate

Useful Tips About Roof and Terrace Gardening

A roof garden is a type of garden situated on a roof of a building. Ever since, humans have developed a fondness to growing plants on top of structures. Aside from the decorative benefits, these roof plantings actually provide temperature control, food, and habitats for wildlife, along with recreational opportunities and architectural enhancement. In certain cities, due to the lack of gardening areas, many resort to roof gardens.

This type of garden can be on top of building, taking care of its own waste and water supply. With hydroponics, and other methods, you are able to expand the numerous possibilities of gardening on roof tops. A good way to accomplish this is by reducing the tremendous weight or soil needed. This is why planting in containers are prevalent in these gardens. Pots may be too heavy for the roof and cause ceilings to leak.

Living in small-sized apartments should not hinder you from having a garden. You can have vertical gardening or square foot gardening. Vertical gardening is planting with the use of your living walls. It uses lesser space than the traditional square foot gardening method.

Before starting, it is important to till, weed, and eliminate any pests. Also recycle by composting. In fact, for small apartments, having a Bokashi type of compost system is far more practical as compared to conventional composting. The safest type of compost is the manure derived from vegetarian animals.

In this busy world, most people find solace from nature. If you are too tired to take strolls in the park and you cannot go to nature trails all the time, having a garden at home, specifically in your terrace is the best solution to this dilemma. Hence, terrace gardening is a kind of indoor gardening that entails taking care of indoor plants.

Follow some tips in roof gardening. Your roof needs to be strong enough to carry the garden's weight. Also check for an efficient drainage system. And lastly, make sure there are no water leaks.

For terrace gardening, keep proportional the shrubs, lawns, small trees and ground covers. You can also enliven your garden corner with rocks and other naturalistic designs.

After this, you need to choose the kinds of plants you want. Fiber-rooted plants are better than tap-rooted plants. This is because tap-rooted plants can grow into the building and harm the structure.

For the soil, get the type that will not exert pressure onto your building. Peat moss and soil rite are good options. Since these are a bit expensive, you can mix it with manure and garden earth.

To arrange your drainage system, it is imperative that you do your roof garden construction. You can uniformly lay 2-inch to 4-inch burnt bricks on your terrace. This type of bricks is the best because the normal ones eventually turn into mud and consequently collapse the drainage system. A good alternative are corrugated sheets which needs to be placed on 3 inch distances, making the water freely flow onto the drain.

On top of these bricks, you need to place a net lawn. This prevents your soil from getting into the bricks. If your garden is a bit large, you need to have a drain constructed in several places. You should also place some pipes along several areas that would lead to the main holes. Make sure that these pipes are not visible. Keep in hidden beneath the lawn.

Lastly, place the soil mixture you prepared into the pot or any container. These gardens will beautify your home, and also promote a healthier environment.

written : by David Urmann

How To Build A Roof Garden

The concept of a roof garden is not a new one. In fact, it is centuries old!. If you live in an urban area, your dreams of having a garden may be difficult to achieve. Not so, if you consider a roof garden. More and more communities are encouraging their residents to plant roof gardens. The environmental and psychological benefits are numerous. Not only is gardening a calming and relaxing activity, which can reduce stress related illnesses, it also has great benefits for the environment. Building a rood garden on your home or apartment building decrease storm water runoff, reduce fire risks, help decrease heating and cooling costs and can protect your roof from the effects of ultra-violet light and frost.

There are three types of roof gardens and the three types related to the amount of maintenance they require, the depth of soil and the type of plants they will support. They are:

Extensive living roofs

These are easy to maintain and use little soil. Extensive living roofs are lightweight and lend themselves well for use on sheds, garages and small extensions. As they tend to be harsh environment, suitable plants are ones that are found on cliffs or other harsh environments. While this type of roofs gardens are the easiest to maintain, they also have the least visual appeal.

Semi-extensive living roofs

These garden roofs are more decorative as they have deeper soils which can support a greater variety of plants. However, the increased soil depth makes these types of roof garden more heavy, so a sound structure is require to support them. They combine the relatively low maintenance of extensive living roofs with a more appealing appearance.

Intensive living roofs

These are full-fledged gardens and require large and strong support structures.

One of the main considerations when planning a roof garden is the roof itself. While flat roofs lend themselves the best to roof gardens, it is also possible to green pitched, barreled and domed roofs. An easy access to the roof is also important as I am sure you would not be able to enjoy your roof garden as much if you have to climb a ladder every time you want to look at it. The roof must able be able to support heavy loads. Wet soil can weight about eighty pounds per square foot.

Make sure you install a waterproof membrane to avoid ending up with a wet ceiling. The two most commonly used materials are thermoplastic sheeting or rubberized asphalt. As I am certain that you will not want to dig up your garden to replace the membrane every few years, make sure you select a product that is extremely durable. The next layer should be a filter sheet that will allow the moisture to drain off the roof while ensure that the fine material do not escape. Next comes the moisture blanket which will ensure that an extensive live roof garden has enough moisture to support life. Commercial ones can be purchased however it is also possible to use cardboard or old blankets to the same effect.

The following layer will be a drainage layer. Similar to the moisture blanket, it will help retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away. They are usually made of plastic or geotextile materials. The top layer will be the soils and substrates. These should be lightweight and freedraining yet retain moisture. One such option is an aggregates mixed with light sub-soild such as crushed porous brick or limestone chippings. Finally come the seeds and plants. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination and the environment. Happy gardening!

written by : Yannick Picard

Building a Eco-Friendly Home - The Benefits of Going Green

As more and more homeowners become aware about protecting our environment and the green building concept, builders, designers and architects are now incorporating green elements in every home that is built. With the advancement in technology and the emergence of modern building concepts, homeowners can now integrate these green elements without sacrificing the overall appeal of their dream homes.

Despite the heightened interest by various sectors about the green building concept, many homeowners still don't have a clear understanding of what constitutes a green home and how such type of structures are built. An environmentally friendly home has beneficial effects on the health and overall well-being of your family. It is also a financially sound option.

A Healthy Home

A green home makes use of building materials that are toxin-free. This ensures that you and your family are free from harmful pollutants that are normally present inside traditional homes. Common ailments such as asthma and cancer are caused by pollutants and toxins that are normally present inside our homes. The more common toxin-free materials include natural linoleum made from linseed oil and jute, strawboard made from wheat and insulating material made from recycled paper, old denim and even soybeans.

A Cost-Efficient Home

The cost in maintaining a green home is equal to or even cheaper than a standard home. You initial cost may be high, but the savings that you will generate in the long run is more than enough to offset your initial investment. You will save about 40% on your monthly electric bill and 50% on your water consumption. Green homes are relatively more durable than standard homes. This translates to lesser repairs and maintenance. The value of the green homes is much higher than their counterpart standard home and the demand for eco-friendly homes is steadily increasing.

An Environment Friendly Home

The cooling and heating of homes account to about 20% of total energy use of typical household. Add to that the energy requirements of household appliances, other electronic equipment and lighting, and you will see why homes are considered as the segment that consumes a lot of energy. On the other hand, green homes consumer 40% less energy compared to standard homes.

There are now green homes that are able to reduce their dependence on conventional sources of energy with their added capability to generate their own energy through alternative sources such as the biomass, geothermal, wind and of course, the sun.

Green home has highly efficient bathing and plumbing fixtures. They also adopt landscaping design that is drought-tolerant. Environmentally friendly homes also make uses of irrigation systems with advanced water-conserving features. These combined elements cuts water consumption by as much as 50%.

Fewer natural resources are used in the construction of the green home. This alone is a major boost in our campaign to save our natural resources. A greater portion of the materials used in building are recycled materials. In fact, there are homes that are built from salvaged materials derived from demolished building. Green homes also make use of renewable materials such as agri-fibers, soybeans, hemp and bamboo. Finally, when you build a green home, the construction waste generated is reduced by as high as 90%. This is a great relief to our environment if we consider that about 2 tons of waste is generated in constructing a standard home with a total floor area of 2,500 square feet.


written by : Laurel R. Lindsay  

Four Advantages of Vertical Blinds

Earlier people use curtains and drapes to cover their windows but now window blinds are becoming very popular among the homeowners. And the reason of selecting window blinds is that they are very easy to clean and maintain. You can find many blind cleaners in the market but the best technique of cleaning your blinds is ultrasonic blind cleaning. Another reason of using blinds is that you can find much different type of window blinds such as roller blinds, office blinds, blackout blinds, vertical blinds and motorized blinds. But among all these blinds vertical blinds is very popular among the homeowners. You can find that the demand of vertical blinds is increasing day by day. And there are many good reasons of selecting vertical blinds. 

Vertical blinds allow more money in your pocket

By installing vertical blinds you can save lot of your money. As we all know that installing vertical blinds is very easy and if you want then you can install these blinds by yourself also and in this way you can save your installation fees.

Vertical blinds can reduce the amount you spend on electricity also. As we all know that rays of sun penetrate through the windows and heat up your home. So if you will cover your window with vertical blinds you can block most of the rays. And this will help you to keep your home cool and you can save your electricity bill by air conditioning. And you can also save money in winters. Generally in winters when you keep your room warm with heater the heat dissipates through the windows. But by using blinds you can insulate your room and minimize it.

Vertical blinds protect your furniture

Vertical blinds also protect your furniture. Generally the sun rays deteriorate your furniture and weaken its structures. But by using blinds you can block the rays and can protect your furniture from damages and fading.

Vertical blinds protects your skin

Another benefit of using vertical blinds is that it is not only good for your home but it is also good for your health. As we all know that sunlight contains UV. Hence by blocking the sunlight you are blocking the UV rays from entering your home and you safe you're eyes, other body parts and your skin which can be exposed to it.

Vertical blinds have so many options

The main advantage of using vertical blinds is that you can find host of choices in color, material, design, style, texture and sizes. So you can easily select according to your choice and décor of your home. But always remember that if you want a fancy interiors and your budget is also low then you can buy fabric vertical blinds. These are the perfect option for people who have tight budget.

Hence if you want to decorate your home and want to enhance the beauty of your home then you can install vertical blinds. Always remember that it is the best idea to install vertical blinds in your home.




written by : Riky Martin  

Look For Green Apartments and Help the Environment

Have you heard the term "green living"? You probably have. It seems like that term is everywhere lately. Anytime you turn on a television, computer or radio you hear or see it. We hear about carbon footprints and the need to conserve everything to protect the environment.

If you live in the country, this may be easier for you than living in the city. In the country, you may have access to well water and things of that nature. When living in the city however, those things are not possible. If you live in an apartment building, you may be even more concerned about clean and green living. What can you do to reduce your carbon footprint?

The first thing that you can do is to scout out a green apartment. They are popping up all over and are gaining popularity in places like New York City and Staten Island. Staten Island green apartments can be found to have superior insulation to conserve energy. They will also have water conserving shower heads, washing machines, toilets and dishwashers. They will more than likely have been painted with low to no VOC paint. There will be receptacles for recycling. Some of these buildings are even equipped with solar panels on the rooftops to promote clean energy production.

In your own apartment, you can make a difference too. Make sure that you always keep your doors and windows closed when the air conditioner or heater is on to conserve energy. When you run a load of dishes in the dishwasher or a load of clothes in the washing machine, make sure that the load is a full one to conserve both energy and water. Recycle all you can and use reusable shopping bags instead of the paper or plastic ones at the grocery stores.

written by : Christina Cole 

All About Green IT

The energy that is available to us through renewable and non-renewable resources is shrinking. There will come a day where those resources are no longer available to us. This is why we must think ahead and take an active approach to this problem. The answer is using the Earth for energy. Not by taking its renewable and non-renewable resources, but we should use the Earth for its natural powers such as wind. Methods like wind power save people on energy costs, and it also saves the Earth's resources. That is why green IT is becoming more and more popular as time goes on.

So, what is green IT? The term refers to environmental computing. Basically, it is the disposal of computer, servers, as well as the manufacturing of computers, servers, monitors, and many other technological devices. The disposal of these products is done much more efficiently. The disposal process is also very friendly to the environment. Since saving the environment is become more and more popular, so has this process. People of the world are becoming more aware of the effect that greenhouse gasses have had on the environment. Global warming has become a big issue, and that is why it is our responsibility to start becoming more environmentally friendly in every way possible.

One of the biggest attractions to using green IT is its energy savings. Using green energy will cost you so much less than using other kinds of energy. Green energy is also much more efficient. Did you know that around 30%-60% of the electricity that is used in server rooms is completely wasted? That wasted electricity becomes very costly over time, and that is not good for business. With the right moves, your company will not have to worry about wasting this kind of energy or spending so much money on energy.

Energy costs can put a damper on a business. Running a business is very costly to start with, and sometimes energy can even be more expensive than paying the employees. This is why it is very important to consider green IT. This technology is growing and extremely effective at helping the environment. The use of green energy is rising in developed countries around the world, and even in non-developed countries as well. It is coming and it is going to stay. It is time to start saving money and taking advantage of this new kind of technology right now.

written by : Cheow Yu Yuan

The Benefits of Solar Water System

Aside from the energy involved in heating the air in the house, one of the biggest energy (and financial) expenses is heating the water available in your home. This is why solar water systems are becoming more and more popular, and less expensive. In the majority of environments, you can get about eighty-five percent of your hot water needs from solar energy. 

You don’t even have to find a completely solar heating system to find benefits from solar water systems, there are hybrid systems available too that will reduce utility heating by up to twenty-five percent. There are generally two types of systems used in residences for solar water systems, active and passive.

With active systems, which may also be called compact systems, use a pump to circulate the fluid and get heat distributed throughout when the temperature reaches a set amount. These generally perform better than passive systems, but are more complicated to install and maintain. These are more expensive systems, and the pump does rely on conventional electricity to work.

Passive systems have a water container and a solar energy collector mounted on the same chassis. These rely on heat pipes to transfer heater from one container to the next. There are different types of passive solar water systems but they are suited to different climates. If you are going to invest in one of these, ensure that you account for the worst type of weather in your home area, and purchase or set up a design that can accommodate this. For example, open loop passive systems which are made of metal are not at all designed for cooler climates. In chilly weather the pipes might freeze and damage the panels. There are closed loop passive systems that work to counter this problem, but in colder climates you want to choose panels with vacuum tube collectors to maximize your heat retention.

There are a lot of different plans available, and also small do it yourself kits available to construct and install and start your own solar water system. These kits reduce implementation costs by the amount of installation, which can significantly reduce your original investment. Always ensure that you are purchasing from a reliable source, and if you have questions about the installation, ask before going ahead. There are some things you might be able to manage without instructions, but a solar water system isn’t one of them, if you are not particularly handy, this can cause costly damage to your home, and even costlier repairs to your water heating system, so exercise caution. This type of installation requires some plumbing knowledge, and possibly additional setup on the roof of your home.

Projections show that a solar water system will pay for itself within ten years. Less if you do it yourself or buy an easy to install kit. In these times people are looking for energy renewable solutions, so the market value of your home increases as you install more energy efficient devices.

written by : Jakob Jelling

Solar Energy for Your Own Home

Rising costs of electricity, threat to the environment, and a threatening picture of running out of power supply have forced us to make innovation to the way we live. Thus many have turn to using renewable earth energy in the form of solar and wind power supply. While these upgrades can be somewhat expensive to make initially, it can save you a lot of money in the long run.

By turning to these energy sources instead of your conventional ones, you can literally live off the grid! 

Much like other technology, it can only get cheaper each year as the novelty pass and more and more have access to it. Although the hefty initial price tag of $15,000 can put a lot of people off, it is definitely a wise investment in the long run. Think about it, instead of paying your power company $200 a month, you're saving $200 a month by using your very own power supply! 

This investment will eventually pay itself off in a couple of year time! After it has pay itself off, it'll literally cost you nothing and in some cases, excess power generated from yourself can even be sold off to the power company for some profit! 

Before you run off and get one installed in your own home, consider these following factors first. Firstly, take into account of seasonal changes. The summer months are generally where you will be spending the most electricity every month.

Therefore in order to get the most out of your energy system, you'll want to take this into account and find one that can last you through the hottest months of the year. Run an analysis check on your previous usage and your spending pattern in order to determine the best one to install in your house.

These earth energies are the cleanest and the safest form of energy that is widely available for the public today.

Not to mention that you'll be reaping the benefit of switching early, instead of paying your power company every month you'll be living off the grid, and the cost of installing will eventually pay off itself down the road.

written by : Alan Nickles