jackolatnersWho here is planning to carve some jack-o-lanterns this week? Who here is also tired of using the pumpkin meat to cook the same old pumpkin bread and same old pumpkin pie?
We all know the importance of not wasting the inside of the pumpkin, so here are 5 different things to try out:
1. Pumpkin Ice Cream. Try this recipe from Williams-Sonoma. You will not regret it. It is delectable on its own or is also tasty on top of a slice of homemade bread pudding. ... read more
Aside from helping conserve the environment around us, there are many pluses sprouting up from increased awareness on eco-friendly how-to’s, habits and just general recycling mentalities. They can be found with how we drive or arrive at a particular destination. Or how we reuse items we took for granted and disposed of in the past. If you stare long and hard at any given task for a good amount of time, there’s a green initiative hiding somewhere inside.
Like moving into a new home or apartment.
Now, no one’s really running through the streets expressing their love for moving, now are they? Truth be told, it’s one process stacked on top of another that’s more or less one big cluster both with packing and unpacking. Some might just opt to let the professionals come in and handle the situation, while others will take the task on their own (and hopefully with a few helping hands). ... read more
In the last 18 months the UK has seen a rise in the number of community solar PV installation projects across the country. With Government schemes such as the FiT (Feed in Tariff) and Renewable Heat incentive, coupled with a drop in installation prices, investing in solar for non-domestic buildings is an attractive option. The community solar movement is fast gathering speed: the visibility of solar panels on the roofs of schools, church halls, housing associations and energy cooperatives is inspiring others to follow suit. Solar is one of the most accessible routes to the micro generation of sustainable low carbon power. And, not only do these kinds of projects mean that communities reduce their carbon emissions, and lower their bills, they also divert power away from the ‘Big Six’ energy companies controlling 99% of UK supplies back into the hands of the local people.
In his seminal book Small Is Beautiful: Economics As If People Mattered E.F. Schumacher wrote that the future health of mankind, and the planet, depended on us working together on a smaller, more appropriate scale. He believed that the way forward was for communities to take control of their local economies, technologies, and renewable energy generation. In this way, things function on a human, rather than corporate scale: people need to have a say, and a stake in local ownership and local government to feel engaged, connected and valued. Although his book was written nearly half a century ago, it is particularly pertinent today. ... read more
The effects of human activity on the environment are real, and homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make their homes greener without making dramatic lifestyle changes. By decreasing energy and water use, you can make a significant environmental impact. However, this doesn’t mean that your family doesn’t have to resort to sitting in the dark or hand-pumping water out of a well. By utilizing green appliances in the home, you can make a significant impact.
But what exactly are green appliances? These types of appliances use less electricity and water to run. As a result, your individual home needs are far less than someone who uses old appliances. Overtime, you will see dramatic differences between your family’s electricity and water consumption. Some of the best ways to tell this difference is on a yearly basis. For example, the amount of resources you use for the month of December this year will likely be less than that of last December when you used outdated appliances.... read more
What could be greener than flooring made from grass? The answer is all around us.
by Tim Snyder
Bamboo has become an all-but-essential ingredient in any “green” house. Prefinished bamboo flooring is the most commonly used bamboo product, but today it’s possible to buy cabinets, countertops and cutting boards made from this tree-like grass. According to a report by Dovetail Partners (http://www.dovetailinc.org/), there are over 1,200 bamboo species worldwide, covering an estimated 54 million acres.
A stand of bamboo can be harvested for processing into flooring and other lumber products in just 3-7 years. Compared to an oak tree that might require 125 years to mature, bamboo can truly be considered an exceptionally renewable resource. But before you commit to bamboo flooring, cabinetry or furniture, consider a few details that aren’t so green. The Dovetail Partners report points out that in China (the world’s largest producer of bamboo products), clear-cutting practices to harvest bamboo have caused erosion and loss of natural forestlands. Details in the report indicate that widespread demand for bamboo has led to unsustainable practices in some areas.... read more
Tomato gardening season is nearing an end for us, as the threat of the first frost is appearing in the ten-day forecast. This means it's time for us to pick all of our tomatoes before the frost ruins them.
What are some fun things to do with green tomatoes?
Let them ripen inside. Sitting them on the window sill to ripen works well. You can also put them in paper bags to let them ripen...but we've also forgotten about them this way, and wound up with a bag of nasty, rotten tomatoes that had to be composted.
Make salsa. This green tomato salsa verde will use up a lot of green tomatoes. You could can it, too!
Make chutney. We made this amazing green tomato chutney last night (pictured right) and dipped Trader Joe's garlic naan in it. Fantastic! ... read more
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms of your entire home. From cleaning to cooking and eating, it’s no wonder that this room can also produce the most greenhouse gases from your home. However, the good news is that there are multiple opportunities to green your home simply by making changes in the kitchen. Whether you are looking for a few big changes or a complete remodel, consider the following tips to help make your kitchen the greenest room in the home.
Energy-Saving Appliances
Kitchen appliances not only affect your electric bill, but they are also some of the most greenhouse gas producers in the home. These same appliances can also contribute to unnecessary water waste. From refrigerators to dishwashers and ovens, you can be making a negative impact on the environment just by doing everyday tasks. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a decreased energy output and three trillion gallons of water can be saved if every American home switched to energy-efficient appliances.... read more
Global warming is a very real concern for everyone on earth. Also, some people caution that the use of air conditioning can make global warming worse. However, use these tips to stay comfortable all year around, and be mindful of environmental sustainability, as well.
Air Conditioners To Be Purchased
As a starting point, shop around and see the types of air conditioners that you could purchase that would fit most conveniently with your way of life. For example, some air-conditioners are tower units that fit within a corner of the room, while others are attached to a windowsill. ... read more
Heating and cooling systems are essential to everyday living as every homeowner wants to remain cool and warm during the appropriate seasons. However, as much as we want to stay comfortable, we also want to stay safe and certain people look to stay eco friendly. Heating and cooling systems are relatively safe but they can emit dangerous gases which can be harmful to one's health and even result in death.
It is important to detect these gases right away when there is a problem. Heating systems which are run by gas can experience gas leaks which can cause fires as well as health related problems and even death. Carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are two chemicals that can be present as well as other chemicals leaking from your unit. It is important to find these leaks and have them repaired before the situation becomes extremely dangerous. All these dangerous gases are definitely not eco friendly. ... read more
We know recycling saves the world; but, did you know it also makes sense regarding savings? Sure, being mindful of used resources benefits the planet, but did you know that these could also help your savings?
Consider a number of ways to help the planet and your savings.
1) Shower Is this a familiar scenario: You turn the shower on, walking away for minutes until it is the right temperature. Sure, we all do it. However, we can conserve better. Place a bucket underneath the shower head, collecting the water, later using it to water plants, mop the floor, and so on. You're saving water and money on the water bill.... read more
Aside from helping conserve the environment around us, there are many pluses sprouting up from increased awareness on eco-friendly how-to’s, habits and just general recycling mentalities. They can be found with how we drive or arrive at a particular destination. Or how we reuse items we took for granted and disposed of in the past. If you stare long and hard at any given task for a good amount of time, there’s a green initiative hiding somewhere inside.
In the last 18 months the UK has seen a rise in the number of community 
The effects of human activity on the environment are real, and homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to make their homes greener without making dramatic lifestyle changes. By decreasing energy and water use, you can make a significant environmental impact. However, this doesn’t mean that your family doesn’t have to resort to sitting in the dark or hand-pumping water out of a well. By utilizing green appliances in the home, you can make a significant impact.
