Composting:

How to Bond with Your Plants through Food Scrap Composting

Last modified on 2010-05-10 05:58:51 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Who would’ve thought that other than singing and conversing with your plants that composting would be another great way to solidify that wonderful human-plant relationship? Not only is composting a terrific way to add needed nutrients to prolong the life of your plants and garden, it’s also a fun way to bond with and get involved with your plants.

Like feeding and caring for your child or pet, composting for your plants is an ideal process to jumpstart your plant’s life. Composting is much easier than you think as long as you’re committed to the process. Even if you’re the type of person who’s always on the go and doesn’t really have a lot of time, all you really need is just food scraps to add to your plants’ soil. Granted that this is a simple premise, not every single food waste can be composted. No-no’s like dairy products, bones, meats and fats can’t be composted. Not only that, they won’t decompose properly, smell real icky after a day and attract unwanted visitors like rodents.

Scraps like fruit rinds, vegetables, crushed eggshells, and even coffee grounds are terrific for composting. Coffee grounds especially act as activators (they generate heat) because of the high amount of nitrogen that they turn up. The aforementioned goodies act as a buffet for itty bitty microbes, making the composting process quick, easy and effortless. (Disclaimer: by quick I mean anywhere from three to eight months).

After you’ve gathered up your food scraps and have placed them in your compost bin or directly into your soil and burying them (the latter method is probably best for composting in the garden), we play the waiting game. Yes, it takes a while, but patience is a virtue. After a few months, you’ll have a wonderful pile of rich compost ready to add to your garden or house plants. Simply mix in your newly made batch of compost to your soil and your plants and garden will thank you with wonderfully blooming flowers, healthy and deliciously yummy fruits and vegetables, and a long lifespan that both you and your plants will truly appreciate.

For a wide selection in chipper shredders and lawn sweepers, be sure to stop by Composters.com.

Author: Vicki Duong
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Compost Tea Time

Last modified on 2010-05-12 12:25:16 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Why hello! I see you’ve made it just in time for our daily four o’clock tea appointment. I’m especially excited over today’s tea selection, it’s a homemade concoction that has been in the family for many, many generations and I’m proud to be sharing it with you. No, no, it’s not our usual black tea and milk, nor is it the spicy orange and cinnamon that we had the other week, this tea is different. My dear friend, allow me to introduce to you the wonderfully nutritious and rich compost tea!

Why are you making that face? No, no, we will not be drinking it! No I haven’t lost my mind! This is very special to me; allow me to explain to you why…

I took note yesterday that you complimented me on my fine vegetable garden, which is, of course the finest in all of this side of Southampton. Anyhow, my secret to having such a fine and award-winning garden lies in my commitment to providing nutritious compost and compost tea for the garden. What is compost tea, you ask? Well, simply put, compost tea is the liquid run-off that results from the vegetables, food scraps and plants themselves, mixed with water. After I harvested this tea, I would then dilute it with a bit of water, pour it into a spray bottle and refresh my vegetables with this wonderful liquid fertilizer. Some gardeners like to call this tea “liquid gold,” even though it sounds a bit crude. However, this tea is like gold for my vegetable garden; it is the reason why they’re so healthy and free of fungi.

Avid gardeners such as myself are fond of this special tea. I would not recommend anyone drinking it, per se, but I do strongly advise any passionate gardener to utilize this naturally organic resource for their garden. And now that I’ve finished offering you my explanation of my fondness for compost tea, would you like to take some home with you for your garden? No? Oh well, quite alright, let us settle down and enjoy a nice spot of tea…

For a wide selection in chipper shredder and lawn sweepers, be sure to stop by Composters.com.

Author: Vicki Duong
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Biodegradable Utensils Make for Great Composting

Last modified on 2010-05-11 06:00:36 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Summer’s just around the corner and you know what that means – barbeques, family gatherings, picnics, beach parties, and even more barbeques! This is the time of year that all your good dishware and silverware stay in their cupboards and drawers and you utilize nothing but disposable plates and cutlery. But did you ever consider how much waste that adds up at all the landfills? So many plastic utensils end up piling up landfills and aren’t being recycled, because who would even think to recycle that? A better alternative that does the job and is good for the environment that’s now catching on in the market is biodegradable cutlery.

Made from corn starch and other biodegradable “plastic” fillers, eco-friendly utensils are on the rise in popularity. Contrary to belief, they will not fall apart on you if you use them in hot items like soups, and they will not break if you use them in cold foods or desserts like ice cream. Biodegradable utensils work like their normal plastic counterparts; the only difference is that they won’t pile up in landfills and can even be used in your compost bins.

For the avid gardener who likes to compost, these eco-friendly utensils can be highly beneficial to your garden. After you’re done using these utensils, toss them into your compost bin or heap instead of the trash can. In most cases, the packaging that the utensils come in is also biodegradable, which means you can add that into your compost bin, too.

Since they’re made out of corn starch and other eco-friendly materials, these biodegradable utensils will not harm your compost heap, adding to your nutrient-rich compost. Do keep in mind that if you plan to toss these utensils into your compost bin that it can take anywhere from six to 18 months for them to fully decompose.

So the next time you’re planning your big summer barbeque or food outing, consider using the eco-friendly alternative versus the regular plastic ware. Not only would you be reducing waste at landfills and giving back to the earth’s soil, you’ll feel good knowing that you’re doing your part to protect the earth while enjoying the barbeque.

For a wide selection in chipper shredders and lawn sweepers, be sure to stop by Composters.com.

Author: Vicki Duong
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Recycling:  reduce, reuse, recycle:

Be Green – Save Green

Last modified on 2010-04-20 14:49:35 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

In the current economic climate, it seems as if everyone is looking for ways to save a little more money. While many people think that “Going Green” means spending more, it really doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, if you think about it, some of the “Greenest” activities that you can undertake are free or lower cost than their alternatives. So, consider some of the many ways that you can cut back on your budget while simultaneously improving the positive impact you make on the world.

We’re going to focus today on the first two sentiments of the classic environmentalist call to action: Reduce; Reuse; Recycle. It’s an oldie-but-goodie when it comes to being green and saving green.

REDUCE
One of the biggest impacts you can make on the Earth is to reduce the number of items you consume on a daily basis.

First, drive less. It is quite fashionable today to drive less, given the $3+ cost-per-gallon of gas. To support this economical and Earth-friendly practice, look for easy ways to cut back on your gas bills by taking public transportation if it’s available. Carpooling is a great idea, but even if it doesn’t work every day, try to share a ride with friends or family once per week when you’re out and about. Also try to minimize your shopping trips. For example, if you currently visit the grocery store four times per week, commit to creating a shopping list, and you can cut that down to just two times per week quite easily.

Second, buy less. With the holidays right around the corner, it might be hard to imagine buying less, but a truly Green consumer weighs each purchase based on how it impacts the Earth. For example, you must consider the environmental costs involved in growing, harvesting, producing, packaging and transporting all items. From a green perspective, you need to take all of these issues into account when making a purchase, but from a budgeting perspective, you should also consider the very first question a true environmentalist should ask: do I really need to buy this item? Many things that we buy for ourselves and others end up cluttering our personal space, and then ultimately are discarded to clutter a landfill Instead of adding to this problem, double- and triple- think every purchase before making it.

REUSE
Once you have made the decision to purchase an item, before discarding it, consider the ways in which you might be able to re-use it. Here are five easy ways to reuse items:

1. Instead of purchasing containers for storing your leftovers, wash out glass jars from pasta sauce and plastic yogurt container and reuse them.

2. Save Ziploc bags used for storing bread, keeping crackers fresh, and other dry items and use them again and again for the same purpose. Most of the time you just need to shake out the crumbs and you’re ready to go again!

3. Dry out your produce bags after each trip to the grocery store and then put them in your shopping bags (you do reuse your shopping bags, right?!?) so that they are ready to go next time you visit the store.

4. If you use a paper towel to wipe up a small water spill or for any other light job, simple put it off to the side and use it again later in the day for a more serious (or another light) job.

5. If you forget to bring a shopping bag, or simply can’t avoid getting a plastic bag at the check-out, be sure to re-use the bag a few more times. Then recycle it – most grocery stores have a receptacle in front that is specifically for plastic shopping bags.

Virginia Ginsburg writes about sustainable products, green living, and her quest for a socially-conscious lifestyle. She is founder of Green Baby Gifts (http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com), which offers beautifully-wrapped baby gifts made of bamboo fiber and packaged in completely recycled and recyclable packaging.

Author: Virginia Ginsburg
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Walmart:

How Corporate Companies Are Going Green

Last modified on 2010-04-29 17:53:48 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

With the global green movement converting people left and right, large corporate companies are finding that eco-friendly operations can co-exist with business growth. It may be a nudge from the media, or the need to please popular demands, either way this is great news in the corporate world; especially since some major companies have been ridiculed in the past for dumping waste and using not so friendly tactics. Here are how some corporate companies are going green.

Bank of America: This banking company reduced their paper usage by about 32% from the year 2000 through 2005. This was done even though they experienced a 24% growth in customers. The company works hard to be green as they run an internal recycling program that recycles about 30,000 tons of paper a year which saves about 200,000 of our earth’s trees. They also reward their employees with a $3,000 bonus if they purchase a hybrid vehicle.

General Electric: Since 2006, General Electric has sold about $12 billion of its Ecomagination products to the general public. This includes solar panels and LED lighting options. To apologize for polluting the Hudson River with polychlorinated biphenyls, this corporate company is also setting up rigorous cleanup operations in that area as we speak.

McDonalds: The increasing public shift in environmental friendliness definitely pushed this popular fast-food chain to go green. Instead of rummaging through natural habitats of animals, Mickey D’s is now working closely with PETA to develop more humane and environmentally friendly practices.

Anheuser-Busch- Budweiser: This top selling beer company has decided to trim about an eighth of an inch from each beer can to save about 21 million pounds of metal per year. The best thing about this product transformation is that it does not reduce the amount of beer per can by any means.

Starbucks Coffee: This popular coffee company decided to switch to recycled paper for its coffee cup sleeves which saves about 78,000 trees in one year.

Walmart: This nationally recognized store has just released its long-term plan to operate green. They have stated that they will begin to power each and every Walmart store using 100% renewable energy sources.

Dell: While computer equipment has always been one of the most difficult and costliest products to dispose of safely, Dell has come up with a way to make this task less difficult. Through the “no computer should go to waste” recycling initiative, Dell allows each customer to return any of their brands products to the company for free. That way the company can work to dispose of each computer safely.

Other corporate companies that are going green include Toyota, Target, Honda, Continental Airlines, Hewlett-Packard, Dupont, Home Depot, and many, many more. As you can see, every niche market can go green. From hid conversion kit to LED headlights, car makers all over the world are beginning to release environmentally friendly cars more and more in recent years. If you want to help as a consumer buy a hybrid and do our earth proud.

Author: Autumn L Rose
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Home Solar

25 Money Saving Tips

Last modified on 2010-02-11 17:36:06 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

In these times we are living in finances are tight and many of us are desperately trying to find ways to save money. It is a time when people are being laid off, receiving pay cuts, and trying to raise families on low income. Of course soaring gas prices do not help either!

I hope that these money saving tips help you as they have been helping our family!

Money Saving Tips

Shop Second Hand. I have to admit, I had a hard time with this at first, however, I see the value in it now. Who says we have to have “new” clothes? There are a TON of great second hand stores out there with awesome styles. When I took my teenager to a second hand store we have here in town, she was very excited as she looked through the racks. Why? Well, the prices were SO low that she realized she was going to get a LOT more than she normally does! She understands the concept of getting more for your money! Now, she has a wardrobe of beautiful clothes that are perfect for her style. The best part, we only spent fifty bucks! I also saved a bunch of money on my toddlers clothes! She got dresses and shorts and outfits galore for 30 dollars!! Ho cool is that?? Note: We do not buy undergarments at second hand stores…Only clothing.

Another great tip for second hand stores, is that YOU can sell YOUR clothes there and make some easy money! When the kids out grow their clothes, take the ones that are still nice to the resale store and “recycle” them for cash!

E-Mealz.com. This cool site helps you make a food list for shopping. You choose the store, and THEY provide the plan. It saves you a ton of time to let THEM think! They find the best prices for items and make your plan based on that week’s sales at the store you picked.

The Grocery Game or couponmom.com. These coupon sites go very well with the emealz site. You can get the coupons for the plan that emealz came up with! VERY cool! And, you will save time AND money!

Hot Water Heater. You can save money each month simply by setting your water heater temperature to a lower temperature. Or, you can buy a hot water heater timer at home depot for the same results.

Blockbuster or Netflix. This is a great way to save money and TIME for entertainment. The fees are quite low and the movies are delivered to your home.

Library. You can get FREE movies and music “rentals” at your local library.

Starbucks Lovers. You can save 10 cents if you bring in your own cup! Does not sound like much, but if you get coffee there in a regular basis, it can REALLY add up!

Energy Audit. Call your electric company and request an energy audit. Most of them do it for free. They will tell you where you can make adjustments to save money on your bill each month. Plus, in many cases, they will give you some freebies (light bulbs, etc).

Rate Reductions. Call your cable or phone company and tell them that you would like a rate reduction. Shop around for better deals and let them know you have been. They will want to keep your business and in many cases lower your bill a bit. Or, at the very least offer you some incentive.

Employee Discounts. USE them. Know them. Oh, and USE them!

Sale Papers. Read them and LOOK for sales on items you need to buy. Research for the best deal. Clipping Coupons is another great use for sale papers!

Leftovers. Make meals that can also be used for a great “leftover” meal the next day.

Conserve Electricity. Shut your lights off during the day and open your blinds. Turn off lights when room is not in use. Keep the air on 78 degrees during the day. Open your windows and use ceiling fans as much as possible. Wash with cold water. Just a few changes can really LOWER your bill.

Prescriptions. Go to Walmart. They offer very low prices on MANY prescriptions. Oh, and for those of you who are near a Publix supermarket, they give FREE prescriptions for several popular antibiotics.

Dollar Movies. Why spend big bucks to see a movie? If you wait just a few more weeks, you can see the SAME movie on a big screen for a buck or two!

Dollar Stores. They have many cleaning and household items that you can get instead of paying full price.

Car Pool. When possible get together with other who work with you, and car pool. You can also take turns picking up your kids from school if you do not work outside the home. You will save gas money.

Garage Sales. This is a great way to find some furniture items you need. Some people find great treasures and then sell them on eBay. Not only can you SAVE money, you can MAKE money if you so choose.

Shop After Holidays. A great time to buy gifts is AFTER the holidays! If you wait till after many holidays, like Easter, Christmas, etc…you will find great deals. Obviously, not on perishable items, however, you can find perfume, gift sets, and MUCH more for 50-75% off. Put them in your closet, and give them as gifts next year!

Store Brands. Buy store brands as often as possible. On most cases they have the EXACT same ingredients and/or quality as “name brand.” Name brand is nothing more than commercialization. They are no different. Maybe we are watching too much TV??? LOL!

Shop Online. You can find a TON of deals AND get free shipping JUST for shopping Online.

Amazon and eBay. You can get incredible deals shopping at places like eBay and Amazon. Use and New. I buy most of my books through Amazon used. I save a TON of money that way and even though they are used, they really do not appear used when I get them. Oh,and yet again, this is another venue to make money. Sell YOUR used books on Amazon!

Eat In. Eating out costs a LOT of money. Get out of the habit and get more creative with your cooking! You will not only save money, you will make your family happy! If you work outside the home and you go out to lunch, try bagging it! Think about it this way…You are literally flushing your money down the toilet!

Restaurant Savings. If you MUST have your out to eat treat sometimes there is still hope for you! Many places offer kids eat free nights. Take advantage of them when you want to have an out to eat treat. Applebees has it on Sundays, Fazolies and Roadhouse have it on Tuesdays. There are also quite a few restaurants that offer free meals and/or discounts on your birthday. Call around and find out which ones have the best deals.

Drink more Water. It is MUCH healthier for you than soda, tea, or coffee. Plus, it’s FREE! If you do not like your tap water, invest in a filter. Water is the BEST thing you can drink and most people do not drink enough of it anyway! You will be SHOCKED at the amount of money you save each week by simply eliminating the unhealthy sugar filled drinks from your diet! Oh, and your waistline will not complain either!! LOL!

As you can see, there are MANY ways to save money. This is by no means even the tip of the iceberg on the amount of money you can save if you set your mind to it! Happy Money Saving!

Copyright Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved.

Author: Lara Velez
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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