2. Set your mower deck higher: set it at its highest setting (or at lease higher than you do now. Don’t bag..leave the clippings where they fall. You save on fertilizer and your lawn will look better. Clippings don’t cause thatch, fertilizer does.

3. Make your own weed killer: vinegar, salt and dish soap, evidently boiling water kills weeds, and gin dish soap and vinegar. Evidently the vinegar kills the weed, salt keeps it from growing back, and soap sticks to the weed so the first two things can work. Amounts vary from recipe to recipe (or is it a formulation…again I digress) and do not appear to be very important. As the salt sticks around for a bit, you need to wait a little before replanting. [Didn't someone sale fields in the bible or something?]

4. Get your tools at yard sales and use hand tools. Never pay retail. Good tools last forever. Power tools use gas, stink, pollute your yard and the world at large, and leave you smelling like gasoline after you are done. Oh yeah, they are expensive too.

5. Compost. Make your own dirt. Don’t buy a bin, you don’t need one. Dig a hole. Make a pile. If you just pile up everything that was once once alive [and not an animal] that is left over from your kitchen, you will have compost in six to nine months. If you follow the rules and mix your compose and turn it, you can have some super dirt in two to three months.

6. Make your own mulch. Shred your leaves with you lawn mower. Contact a tree service and ask for chipped branches. You may get them for free since you will save the company the dumping fee. Be prepared though, it doesn’t look as nice as bought mulch but it works great on your garden and saves money. You may also consider stones or pebbles, the initial outlay is higher but they don’t have to be replaced. A truck load of local stone costs less than you think.

7. Divide plants, share seedlings, ask you neighbors. Talk to you neighbors and see if they have any plants that need dividing. Join a garden club or plant exchange. Look for sale by garden clubs and botanical gardens.

8. Watering. Get a rain barrel. You don’t need some expensive system. Contact your water department or look for recycled plastic barrels. Use soaker hoses in your beds and garden; you will use much less water. Water deeply once or twice per week. Daily, short watering make for shallow roots and unhealthy plants.

9. Grow Vegetables and Herbs. The saving will take to be realized but you can save a lot of money growing your own food. The savings will only increase over time. Especially if you follow the above tips. See my previous post for a calculator on gardening savings.

10. Cancel your cable and get outside in your yard.

John C. Shelton is a recovering attorney, husband, father of two, and newbie blogger. After 15 years in the wilderness (lawyers, on whole are a cranky lot) he is looking for health, happiness, and satisfaction. He started baking his own bread and gardening somewhat late in life.

DaddyBakesBread [http://www.daddybakesbread.com/?page_id=11] Click it….Click it…you want to click it.

Be sure to check out MY GARDENING BLOG [http://www.gardening.daddybakesbread.com].

Author: John C Shelton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Now is a great time to get into the habit of watering efficiently in your garden.

A simple way to water garden plants more efficiently is to use a soaker hose. Rather than spray water up into the air, it delivers water directly to the ground. It’s slow, of course, but you lose much less water to evaporation. You turn the water on a very low setting, so even though it takes more time to water the plants you’re using less water. Just set a timer so you don’t forget what you’re doing.

Another step you may be able to take is to catch rain water. Some states have very strict rules about rain water capture, so you have to do research to ensure that your rain barrel system is legal. But if you can legally capture the water, it’s a wonderful way to keep watering your garden.

It’s also a good idea to look at garden plants that are right for the climate in your area. You don’t want a garden that needs tons of water if you live in an area that is prone to droughts or water restrictions. Know the planting zone you live in and pay attention to that when you buy seeds and plants. And don’t ignore any local issues that may make it wise to be still more cautious with your garden.

Mulching the soil around your plants also allows you to water less. The mulch will help slow evaporation, so once again you can save water.

If you’re planting a food garden, there’s only so much you can do about water use. There aren’t many people who can successfully plan a xeriscape vegetable garden. You’re probably going to need to use water to get a good harvest.

But if it’s more decorative, take a good look at native plants. Look at drought resistant plants if you live where that’s likely to be a problem. Really think about what’s going into your soil.

This kind of planning is a help in decreasing how much water you use for the more decorative parts of your garden. Plants whose water needs are more in line with what comes naturally to the area will thrive with much less effort on your part. You can find beautiful native plants in most areas.

Don’t give up entirely on gardening if you have the space just because you want to save water. Gardening is a wonderful way to keep in touch with nature and to help children to really appreciate nature. You can maintain a lovely garden and be wise in your water use.

Stephanie Foster blogs at http://www.greensahm.com/ about raising an eco friendly family. Learn about the benefits of gardening with your kids at her site.

Author: Stephanie Foster
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Established more than 20 years ago, the Rainforest Alliance is present in more than 60 countries in which it helps organisations and companies learn and adopt new strategies in the utilisation of forest resources.

The project helped develop the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that provides certification for companies who follow sustainable development standards. Certified groups receive the Rainforest Alliance Certified(TM) seal, which ensures consumers that products come from legal sources that minimise negative impacts on the world’s rainforests. More than 1,600 partners are certified using standards set by the FSC.

The Rainforest Alliance Project works because of the group’s extensive and global knowledge and experience working with all forest types. Guided by a team of experts that include local people who know the ground situation in their region, the project is able to assess each situation independently and competently.

Each case is analysed to ensure that forest products were harvested using sustainable methods, and that they do not originate from illegal sources or trading. If it finds that a company’s forest products are coming from illegal sources, they can help in connecting the company find new suppliers that meet FSC standards. The project works with both companies and suppliers providing preparation and support in acquiring FSC certification.

The organisation takes pride in its transparent approach and its reputation is well established. The project will help partner companies and organisation communicate their support of sustainable forestry development through use of press releases, promotional materials and other public communications. Through association with the Rainforest Alliance, companies and organisations will benefit from the goodwill generated by their efforts to protect the environment.

Also, through invitation-only workshops, training courses and other networking opportunities, partner companies and organisations will have many opportunities to interact with other groups interested in sustainable forestry development.

By working with companies and suppliers, the project’s experts have helped in developing models for the sustainable management of crops like bananas, coffee and tea. They have also helped develop standards for sustainable tourism in rainforest areas that protect the local environment and help reduce emission of greenhouse gases. Farms that follow the standards of the project are included in the Sustainable Agriculture Network (SAN) with members located across the globe.

The Rainforest Alliance is a leader in the work of protecting the world’s rainforests, and companies and suppliers will benefit by utilising their knowledge, experience and reputation through partnership and FSC certification. The organisation has been working since 1987 in its efforts to conserve the world’s biodiversity and to promote business and land use practices that help in meeting this goal.

This article is written by Hugh McInnes, about the sustainable forestry developments by the Rainforest Alliance organisation in order to protect our rainforest from depletion.

Author: Hugh McInnes
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Solar panel, solar power

If you were to teach your kids how turning off the lights in their room when they are out is important. Explain to them that electricity actually uses a lot of energy and makes the Earth hot. Remember to use simple words as I have here and not overcomplicated words so that they can understand. The next part in helping to teach global warming for kids is to help remind them what a difference they are making by turning off their lights in their room and how you are doing it too.

Remember to repeat your teaching, best by example, as repeated teaching makes memory and good habits are base on memory. So what they remember, they will practice and do. I believe this method of teaching global warming for kids to be productive and fruitful.

The next thing you can teach them as was with lights can be on the other appliances in the house. You could start with refrigerator. It should be simple enough to explain to them how refrigerator also uses electricity in their light bulbs. Then you could go on to explain how electricity is used in refrigerator to keep it cold. So leaving the light bulbs on when the fridge is open causes the refrigerator to become less cold and for it to be colder the refrigerator will expand more electricity for this. Thus like the explanation on how light uses electricity, it is the same for refrigerator. As electricity takes up a lot of energy this makes the Earth hot. Remember when teaching global warming for kids to understand, you have to use simple words they already know.

Another helpful topic on teaching global warming for kids by example would be about water usage. Teach them how turning off the tap water while brushing their teeth helps save water. Explain to them how it takes up a lot of energy to bring in water into the house as energy is used to make the water clean and warm. The increase of energy usage will makes the Earth hotter. You should do the same for yourself by turning off the water when brushing your teeth as you want to be a role model for the kids.

Other household related habit that is suitable for teaching global warming for kids can is learning about recycling. Try to teach your kids to recycle all the tin cans, glass bottles and paper waste that are no longer needed. Explain to them how recycling actually helps save energy and this helps make Earth cooler.

If you are interested in teaching global warming for kids to help make Earth cooler, there is still another thing or two you could teach them that they could do. If you have the time, place and you understand gardening, you could plant some trees. Then you could teach them how to do it too and have them help plant trees as well. It is possible for them to find this exciting and enjoyable especially if they are not strongly rooted in any hobby yet. You may then explain to them how trees help eat up all the stinky and black smokes that make our mother Earth hot.

If it is practical, have them walk or ride a bike if they are headed to a destination nearby. If you happen to be wanting to go to a place close by, you could walk or ride your bike with them there instead of taking your family car. Remember, cars puff out smokes that make the Earth hotter. You may also like to teach your kids how taking buses and trains help reduce the contribution of smokes that makes Earth hot.

Get more information and materials to teach your kids at Global Warming For Kids

Author: James Marny
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Because kitchens are typically high-traffic areas of the home, it’s important that they are as green as possible. There are many ways in which a kitchen can be made environmentally friendly.

Below, you will find five quick steps to get started.

1. Conserve water

• To avoid wasting water and to lower your water bill, consider a water-saving kitchen faucet.
• Brands like Kohler offer eco-friendly products such as Touchless entertainment faucets, which have 1.5 gpm aerators that offer water savings over traditional 2.2 gpm faucets.

2. Create a kitchen composter

• Using a plastic bin (or wooden box), paper shreddings and red worms, keep a compost in your kitchen to collect leftovers such as bread, pasta, vegetables and fruits.
• The results can be used to fertilize your garden.

3. When remodeling, use countertops and flooring made from recycled materials

• Some retailers offer products made from reused materials.
• Recycled glass countertops, plastic solid-surface countertops and bamboo flooring are just three of many options.
• Contact a local retailer to find out what options are available in your area.

4. Install energy-efficient lighting

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are an easy way to reduce energy usage.
• CFLs use 76 percent less energy than other lighting options, and they can be found at any home improvement store.

5. Use Energy Star appliances

• When purchasing a new fridge, dishwasher or stove, consider going with Energy Star.
• Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that offers products that save on energy consumption and lower your monthly bills.

Jennifer Griffin is a writer for http://GreeningDetroit.com, an online directory of green products and services. She writes various news articles pertaining to green events happening in the metro Detroit region. She also writes for the Green Grassroots Blog, in which she writes about people, companies and organizations in Michigan that are “going green.” Jennifer is currently pursuing a degree in Journalism and English from Wayne State University, and she is also a contributing writer for WSU’s student newspaper, The South End.

Author: Jennifer H Griffin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Right Plant, Right Place Choosing native plant material is an eco-friendly way to minimize water consumption as well as long-term maintenance. Plants should be grouped according to sun/shade requirements. Be aware of areas around your property where drainage alters normal watering levels.

Adding Compost

Compost is nutrient-rich and will break down harmful organisms within the soil. The compost will retain moisture levels around your plants and within existing soil. Compost can be created with the leaf and stem waste from your landscape and then can be used to retain the water. This is a great way to make your landscape truly renewable.

Drip Irrigation/Hand Watering/Harvesting rain in barrels

Drip irrigation systems are an effective way to provide accurate watering at a slow rate for new plant material, raised beds, and edible gardens. Drip irrigation systems can apply 1-4 gallons of water per hour, providing uniform soil saturation. Water use is also minimized when watering your garden/lawn by hand. You should have a spray nozzle that evenly distributes water throughout your garden/lawn. Watering levels should be adjusted according to the plant or grass type. Another way to minimize on water consumption is to collect new rainfall in barrels. You can apply the stored water to smaller gardens or install a more advanced system for lawn care.

Mulch

Use of mulch helps slow water evaporation and is proven to minimize water consumption. Too much mulch should be avoided. Three inches should be the maximum depth for spreading mulch around plants. Water-wise mulches include: pine straw, pine bark, chipped or shredded hardwood. Organic mulches used in edible gardens include: peat moss, seaweed, sawdust, dry composted manure, bark chips, and straw.

Garden supplies such as rain barrels, drip irrigation devices/systems, hand-controlled spray nozzles, and other products may be found at your local garden and nursery center.

Charlie Allen
BS Horticultural Science, NC State University
MBA, Business Administration, Methodist University
Operations Manager
Green Biz Nursery and Landscaping, Inc
http://www.greenbiznursery.com

Author: Charlie Allen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There are many tips available which can make organic gardening practices easier and there are numerous benefits associated with the practice as well. Organic fertilizers are the best to be used for the vegetables growing in the garden. They release nutrients slowly so that nutrients last for a longer period of time. Rain water is chemical free and gardeners can collect rain water in barrels to use in the garden. There are many different types of rain barrels available which are made of recycled plastics and reused food drums. Storing rain water can be very beneficial for the garden during dry seasons.

Green pots can be used to plant vegetables and flowers where space is limited. This method is known as container gardening and do not require excessive organic material as they are being closed. Green pots are made out of natural elements and will make a great feature for gardening. To take care of the growth of vegetables, gardeners can use organic gardening supplies and organic disease control methods. Moreover, if the garden gets infested, it is best to use biological control or natural control methods such as introducing natural predators into the garden that will destroy invaders without causing any harm to the vegetables.

Moreover, there are many advantages of doing organic gardening. It allows the connection between nature and mankind to become stronger and enables humans to take advantage of healthy fruits and vegetables. Organic uses natural compost and does not encourage use of chemical fertilizers. This means that humans are able to protect the environment from further degradation and protect wildlife as well. There is no risk associated with organic gardening for humans and animals.

Organic gardening offers humans to do something for the nature and the future generation. It also allows humans to feed their children healthy food without the influence of chemicals and toxins. Moreover, these practices allow people to grow food much cheaper than those grown with the use of chemicals. Fertilizers and pesticides are generally made of toxins which are hazardous to the environments as well as to the health of humans. Organic makes people do something for the environment, for themselves, for their kids and for the future generation.

Connor R. Sullivan read recently of a Northern Kentucky pest control [http://www.aceexterminating.com/service_residential.html] problem which is causing damage to area homes. He heard there was a Cincinnati pest control [http://www.aceexterminating.com/] problem in certain neighborhoods.

Author: Connor R Sullivan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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We all know what we need to do – just go out and water the plants regularly, maybe once or twice a day when it is hot, but therein lies the problem, life just gets in the way.

We have all heard about irrigation, but isn’t it complicated? Hundreds of little bits, a need for an outside tap, an unsightly hosepipe and a huge water bill?

There is an easier way.

The WaterWand irrigation kit uses sunshine to power your irrigation – no wires, no dangerous electricity/water mixes.

It uses rainwater from your water barrel. No hosepipe bans, no nasty surprises in your water bill.

The WaterWand solar pump is completely automatic. It waters every 3 hours through the day, whether you are there or not. It waters slowly, with drip or seep hose irrigation, so that water goes exactly where you want it. Water has time to soak in rather than run off. Compost or soil does not have time to dry out. It waters more when it is sunny and your plants need extra.

Soluble fertiliser (about a quarter normal strength) can be added to your water barrel so your plants get fed as they are watered. They grow and flower better.

But most important of all the WaterWand is so simple to set up that almost anyone can do it with tools that almost everyone has.

How to do it

Position pump

The solar irrigation pump needs to be positioned so that it is facing in the sunniest direction and is not shaded. If your water barrel is in a shady position it is okay to position the pump some distance away. Ideally the pump should be just a little higher than the high water mark in the rain barrel, but if needs be can be up to 6′ (2m) higher. It can be hung from a nail, hook or similar.

Dripper irrigation

Follow the link at the bottom to see a schematic.

Start with the most distant pot or basket from the pump. Screw a drip nozzle into the delivery tube. Screw it right in or it will leak. Put a stake onto the tube about an inch (3cm) back from the dripper. Stake into your pot or basket so it drips near the middle. Route the tube back to the next container, concealing it as you go and if necessary clipping into place. When you have got back to where the irrigation needs to branch, cut the tube. It’s safest to use scissors. Screw another dripper in the end and hold in the desired position over the pot/basket, then follow the tube back to where it needs to connect to the first piece. Cut the tube. Screw a tee into the first piece of tube, then screw the second piece of tube to the tee. When you have done this attach the stake and fix in position. Repeat until all your pots or baskets are connected up.

If your plants are grouped connect up the plants in each group, then connect the groups using sub mains. (the tube is all the same – a sub main is simply a tube leading to a group of drippers.

You should have one open end left on your tube – take this back to the WaterWand pump. Cut the tube clean and square (a sharp knife is needed) leaving enough slack so that when connected it will not be bent sideways or pull against the pump connection. Push it onto the connector marked O.

Now drill a hole in the top edge of your water barrel – above the high water mark but low enough for the lid to fit on. You can drill the hole in the lid but this will make lid removal more awkward.

Thread tube through the hole and push the filter on the end. Adjust the tube so the filter hangs 5 -10cm above the bottom of the barrel as in schematic. Take the other end back to the pump and fit in the same manner as the outlet tube.

Pump operation

A new pump may run for some time when it is first turned on. Ideally water should be directed back to the barrel until it stops for the first time. Then turn the pump to maximum and connect to the outlet tube. The pump will start up at 3 hour intervals from when it is first turned on. If it applies too much water, turn it down. Repeat until you are happy with the application rate. Remember as plants grow the pump may need to be turned up.

How much water is the right amount?

Hanging baskets should drip a little after the afternoon watering. Pots should also drain a little. You should be monitoring the driest basket or pot. As long as containers are free draining, excess water will escape.

Where to use it

Anywhere under the sun that needs automatic watering and maybe feeding too.

Care and maintenance

Ensure your water barrel and water are clean before you start watering.

Clean the solar panel with a damp cloth if it gets dirty.

Change the battery annually, especially before you go away.

Ensure your water barrel is full before you go away.

Keep the WaterWand pump inside during the winter, away from severe frost.

Do check regularly that the water application rate is correct.

Limitations

The pump is designed for small-scale use.

5 – 6 large hanging baskets

20 10 litre pots

Maximum height above water barrel 15′ (4.5m). It will pump higher, but you get less water.

Normal flow rate 130ml/min. 50m of tubing will reduce this by about 10%. Keep tube lengths as short as practical.

George H Evans has been a gardener for all his life and a professional horticulturalist for most of it. Since August 2008 he has been developing solar irrigation kits specifically for small scale garden projects.

Author: George H Evans
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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During a typical rainy season, most communities see an average rainfall of 30 inches. For a 2,000 square foot home, that means approximately 37,000 gallons of water will run off the roof and down the storm drain. To counter this lost opportunity, a San Anselmo company, California Rainwater Conservation Systems, LLC is selling super-sized rain barrels. “The beauty of these 200 and 300 gallon barrels is that they are completely self-sufficient systems,” says company president Andrew Vance. “During a storm, the system can also redirect water to other spots on a homeowner’s property by connecting the overflow valve to a regular garden hose. This process of sinking water at its origin helps replenish the aquifer through filtration which, ecologically, is a far better option than sending run-off through flood-prone drainage systems.”

Rain storage systems draw a comparison to an insurance policy for landscaping. During uncertain times such as the present state drought, residents can bank water to use later on. In extreme conditions such as the 80′s drought, many remember choosing which plants were expendable and which ones received their recycled bath or dish water.

More frequently, extreme conservation measures are on the drawing board for many California cities. Just this past week, an emergency water conservation plan was presented in San Diego that would create a property-by-property water budget for residential customers. The East Bay water district has also called on residents to make significant (19%) reductions in water use or incur considerably higher water bills. In Palo Alto, Santa Cruz and Santa Monica, a rebate program for rain barrels encourages customers to conserve by creating value around their water use and ultimately, behavioral modifications.

Whatever the forecast for this winter’s rainfall, water conservation is here to stay and rain harvesting is a measurable tool in this effort. What’s missing? Two words, awareness and initiative. The idea is there, the technology is there, but the initiative is missing in both individual homeowners and public entities. More education on the matter is needed. Rebates for homeowners who want to put in rainwater storage systems are needed. Above all, awareness is needed. Awareness that there is a problem and awareness that there is a solution.

Next community rain barrel distribution day: Sunday, November 23rd, 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. 1601 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax Ca. For more information go to: [http://www.Calrainwater.com] (permission to use photos from website)

Patti Vance is the founder of California Rainwater Conservation Systems, LLC and is an accredited member of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association. She also serves as a board member for the Environmental Education Council of Marin. Website: [http://www.Calrainwater.com]

Author: Patti Vance
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The fact of the matter is that runoff is a resource. One recent study shows that if rainwater runoff were saved and managed it could cut the demand for treated water nationally by 50%! Another way of looking at it: in the summer months as much as half of the average household water use is for irrigation. Homes and green grass are so much a part of the American psyche that in many places it is illegal to allow lawns to turn brown for lack of proper watering. Homes without shrubs? In many places that is unthinkable. Golf courses without water? No way. And yet we plan to get rid of extra rainwater, even spending big bucks on storm water systems to get rid of it fast.

So strong is the mindset about runoff as a problem and not a resource that urban storm water systems are designed to GET RID OF THE WATER. Given the expense of storm water systems, each system has a capacity that is limited, making it possible to accurately predict at what point the storm water system will reach capacity and flooding will begin to occur. In other words, ordinary rains can be handled (by getting rid of the runoff). Exceptionally heavy rains will cause flooding because it is too expensive to carry away all the water.

It may be some time before the powers that be change this approach to storm water management but each one of us could change our own approach to runoff. We could and should imitate our forefathers who believed in rain barrels out of necessity. When there were as yet no water lines, garden hoses or water treatment plants there were rain barrels to catch water from rooftops: lo and behold, a mindset that runoff water was a precious resource! That rain barrel water was used for washing and for irrigation. On a much larger scale, runoff was also viewed as a way to replenish wells and create lakes, ponds and reservoirs. Our supply of electricity and water for irrigation was vastly increased by management of runoff as a resource.

Everybody wants to save energy but thinks of water as cheap. We will pay $1.00 or more for a quart of bottled water. That’s not cheap! Neither is treated drinking water. The water bill might be low. But it does not show the energy costs incurred to provide that water. The water needed electricity in order to be pumped from somewhere into the holding reservoir. Then it had to be pumped to and through the treatment plant where electricity was required to turn and run everything that turns and runs. Then it needed to be pumped to each home, then pumped from each home to a waste water treatment site unless the wastewater was treated on site where electricity is also almost always required.

Runoff water is rain. Rain is beautiful. It is the source of most of our usable water. Rain and runoff are free. We would do well as individuals and as communities to appreciate the gift for what it is and rethink approaches to runoff.

Losoncy is the president of Clean Up America, Inc.. His company markets Eloos, a new type of waterless evaporative sanitation systems. For more information go to http://www.eloo.ws

Author: Lawrence Losoncy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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