Upcycled clothing might sound like some ridiculous new fashion trend, but it is simply put the recycling up your old, out-dated clothing. If you are creative and pretty good with a needle, this is most definitely for you. With upcycled clothing you either revamp an old jean by adding something … Read more
That new paint smell may be giving you more than a short-lived headache. Common household paints contain more than 300 known toxic chemicals including gas compounds, especially glycol ethers, which are emitted from wet and dry paint. These gas compounds are known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and contribute to … Read more
What is self-reliant living? Throughout history, indigenous peoples, subsistence farmers, religious groups and back-to-the-land utopians have all demonstrated their definition. Broadly put, self-reliance simply means taking care of the vast majority of one’s basic material needs: food, water, shelter, clothing, medicine. The current wave of self-reliant pioneers in the US … Read more
Raising prawns is a form of aquaculture where freshwater or saltwater prawn or shrimp are kept in controlled environments. A low-intensive method was practiced in southeast Asia until highly intensive models took hold in the boom years of the industry in the 1980′s and 90′s. This has had far-reaching impacts … Read more
Most of the highly developed spaces that human beings create and inhabit are not exhibit biodiversity: large industrial farms, sprawling lawns, concrete-covered city blocks. When we go outside, in nature, we see examples of biodiversity and that is one reason that natural spaces are so valuable; they demonstrate to us … Read more
The contamination of our rivers, ponds, lakes and seas is brought about by many different means. Our modern day lifestyles attack the natural, water eco-system from all directions. One of the most highly reported causes of water pollution is probably the washing of waste chemicals from industry straight into rivers … Read more
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was started in March of 2000 by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In essence, LEED provides owners and operators with a framework that aids them in identifying and then implementing a greener method and options for not only construction, but design … Read more
Oscar the Grouch got it right: worms are fabulous. And like Oscar the Grouch, composting with worms – also known as Vermiculture – is great for kids. Most kids love the slimy, the silly, and of course what kid could pass up the opportunity to talk about (and participate in … Read more
Land for gardening is often difficult to come by, especially for apartment dwellers. But if you are lucky enough to have even a small outdoor space, such as a patio or balcony, you can optimize your gardening capacity by utilizing the concepts of vertical gardening. A Guide to Vertical Gardening … Read more
Eco-friendly living isn’t always so straightforward. Small efforts do add up and make a difference. Here’s 5 easy ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Eat local. The local food movement is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Reducing the transportation costs of the food … Read more
How many eggs a chicken eggs depends on the type of chicken among other factors, including climate. A mature laying hen will produce an egg about every other day. Three laying hens will give you an average of two eggs a day. Leghorns, Plymouth Rock, Red Star, Light Sussex and … Read more
Cucumbers are a fun and easy plant to grow. Nothing gets a gardener more excited than enjoying a plump juicy cucumber straight from the vine. There are a variety of cucumbers to choose from and all will give you a hardy yield if grown correctly. Cucumbers are great for a … Read more
China is a developing consumerist market. Compared to more developed Asian markets, brand literacy is lower and consumers’ expectation of experiences is more functional. In this environment, companies need to execute the basics superbly well. This adds value for consumers and only once this initial hurdle is passed can you … Read more
Canvas is used in so many things, it’s hard to think of all the things we depend on it for. Even for outdoor applications, which is only one portion of how we utilize this wonderful material, we find a wide range of places and ways in which canvas makes itself … Read more
Biodiesel is an alternative fuel made from renewable sources. Compared to petroleum, it burns cleanly and can be burned by itself or combined with diesel to make a biodiesel/petroleum blend. It is derived from feedstocks such as soybeans, corn and sugarcane. Biodiesel Made There are several means of producing biodiesel, … Read more