Medium steps

Here are some more Earth Day tips. These tips are a little more involved but have more of an impact on the environment.

-reduce the amount of meat that you eat. Instead of eating a chicken breast for dinner eat half of one and add a side salad. Have one dinner per week (or more) that are meatless.

-When you do buy new clothing consider looking into bamboo fabrics. Cotton uses a lot of water and pesticides to grow.

-install a low flow shower head. If you put in one that has a "pause" button then you can turn the water down while you shampoo and soap up.

-If you have a garden or yard install a rain barrel. (Check local codes to make sure it is allowed)

-Learn to deal with weeds in your yard. All the pesticides you use end up in the ground water. In the middle of the summer allow your grass to dry out a little. If you must water then water early in the morning to decrease evaporation.

-buy from ecologically responsable companies. Simple, simply green and 7th generation are some of my faves.

-Compost. There are several methods of outdoor composting and vermicomposting. We have an indoor naturemill composter and love it! http://www.naturemill.com/

-unplug items that you do not use everyday. Anything with a little light that indicated it is on uses power even when not in use

-if you have old appliances look into purchasing new energy star appliances

-get a home energy audit. They can tell you what changes to make in order to make your home more energy efficient

-keep your lawnmower, snowblower etc. in good condition. Machines that are dirty and not working well use more gas to run.

-plan activities ouside. The more time you spend in nature the more you will want to protect it

Earth Day

With Earth Day coming up this week I decided to add some "green tips" There are different levels that people are willing to do in terms of an eco friendly lifestyle.

Here are some baby steps to take. They have a small impact on the environment but are the easiest steps to start with.

-cook meals at home. Fast food meals produce a lot of garbage (paper
cups,wrappers etc.) Cooking at home is also cheaper and healthier.

-take lunch to work in reusable containers

-stop junk mail https://www.dmachoice.org/dma/member/regist.action

-identify areas in your life that you would like to make changes. (in terms of impact on the environment) Start with just one and see how many changes you can make.

-ask youself if you need to wash every item of clothing after wearing it just once. If you have a job where you do not get very dirty you can wear pants and shirts more than once.

-Does everything you buy need to be brand new? Look into buying used items at Good-will, garage sales and on-line.

-borrow items from the library instead of buying them. Libraries have more than just books these days.

These are just a few ideas. More added later in the week.

Busy Saturday!

Today we mulched the ivy and apple trees. Then we planted 3 lilafc bushes and some strawberry plants. After that I watered. Later today I am planning on planting morning glory seeds and doing more weeding. For lunch we grilled burgers outside and sat on the patio.

Celestial treasury

Here is my celestial treasury http://www.etsy.com/treasury/2424b47be248ca4be602bc00

Busy Saturday

Today we bought 3 lilac bushes, 2 apple trees and 2 raspberry bushes. I was hoping to buy a plum tree but maybe next time. We planted the apple trees and raspberry bushes. Tomorrow we will plant the lilac bushes and some bee balm. Hopefully the weather cooperates.

Longest week ever!

This has been a long week! The weather has been bad and my mood has been worse. I really hope that the weekend will be nice so I can spend sometime outside. Being outside seems to make me feel better.

Sales on etsy have also been slow. I have been posting on other sites in the hopes that sales will increase. We shall see what happens. I am in another treasury this week http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=124808

Garden treasury

Here is a garden treasury that I created. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=123504

Gardeny goodness

The weather warmed up and I finally had some time to work outside. I trimmed back all the dead plants that I left over the winter. My theory was that by leaving the dead plant up over the winter the roots would have a little more insulation against the cold. also any seeds left the critters could eat and they could make a nest in the plant over the winter. Not sure how sound that theory is.
The bee balm is starting to come up and the irises are poking up. The crocuses has been up for a few weeks. They are so cute!

Hammermann.etsy.com has a unique shop with garden markers. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43838876

There are makers for lots of different plants and herbs. Customs orders are also available.