Composting for Beginners

We never tried composting until we moved in with Randie, so I'm not very compost savvy yet. But, between recycling and composting our garbage is quite minimal, so we will most likely keep it up even after we move away from Randie (sniff sniff, we don't like to talk about that happening). But this is a handy (and cute) little guide that shows what does and doesn't go in your compost pile.

(image via re-nest, dkhlucy's flickr)

Reclaimed Drawers

I absolutely love this dresser! Furniture that is beautiful and "green"!? Fabulous! Each of the drawers in the piece were rescued from flea markets.
It's frustrating how being eco-friendly seems to cost a little extra. But, for those of us who are unable to drop $4,000 on a couch made from green materials, buying used furniture and fixing it up is a great option. Being green includes buying less and creating less waste, it doesn't mean everyone has to throw away their old furniture and buy new eco-friendly items. This concept tends to get passed over, but I think it is equally as important. Mike and I have a few projects this summer of furniture we are "reclaiming" such as a side table we snagged out of our neighbor's trash (they are moving) and dressers I've had since, I think, I was 3 and are a bit out-dated. I'll keep you updated on their progress, which is non-existent at the moment.

(dresser via inhabitat but not for sale)

Eco-friendly Logos

With the enviornment being a hot topic these days (as it should be) there are "green" logos popping up everywhere (fyi: I wrote "pooping" thank goodness for proofreading!). It's weird that the word "green" has a whole new meaning. Although green is the most popular color for eco-logos, red and blue seem to tie for second place. Anybody see any purple or orange logos out there??(via Copyranter and google)

Only 3 more Days for HGTV Green Home

HGTV is giving away a "green home" that you can enter to win until May 9th (this Friday). The house is located in Hilton Head, SC and is worth about $800,000. Let me first say that I am thrilled that HGTV is recognizing the need to promote and encourage "green" living. Bravo! They put in energy saving appliances, solar panels that supply 10% of the home's energy, repurposed furniture and flooring (which is GORGEOUS!), high performance doors/windows and much more. There are 360 degree tours that are totes worth checking out. Here are a few pic in case you don't have time.


The only thing that frustrates me is the cost of winning. The average person would find great difficulty paying the taxes on an $800,000 prize and, even if they managed to gather enough money to do that, the property taxes in Hilton Head would be outrages not to mention the cost of insurance on a place worth that much. HGTV knows this and has said that they don't expect all of their "Dream home" winners to keep the house (they have given away "Dream Homes" for a number of years). But you can sell the house (after a vacation there), take the money and buy one that is more within your means.

Sooo sign up to win it...and if you do...can I go on vacation with you? Please?

Happy Earth Day!

Here are 50 ways to help the Planet from Wire & Twine. Don't be scared, you don't have to do ALL 50 right away. The best thing to do is add one at a time so they become habits, not conscious efforts.

(via swissmiss)

Replanting

I've never had much of a green thumb, my mum does, but it isn't one of the (many) genes I got from her. (It doesn't help that Weezy likes to eat plants and gets a kick out of knocking them over.) I really want to save one pot of several plants that is particularly meaningful to me, so I asked Mike for some help. The other night we replanted them and they look quite sad and pretty much dead, but you can see there is still a bit of hope!


We heard somewhere that cats don't like tin foil, I don't actually know if this is true, but we put some on the ledge where the plants are and Weez hasn't messed with them yet!