Category: Eco Tips

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I Bet You Had No Clue These Celebrities Are Vegans And Vegetarians

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Being a celebrity is often confused with being a spoiled, selfish brat, who’s leading a life of excess, money, fame, and parties. But not all celebrities decide to take on their fame and use it to party 24/7 like Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton do. Some celebrities are praised for their acting or singing skills, but also, because they publicly speak out on matters that are important to the world. These are the most outspoken celebrities who lead the vegan and vegetarian life and we cannot help but praise them. For the right reasons.

Alicia Silverstone. Was one of the first celebs to publicly screamed to the world back in the 90’s, that she was a vegetarian. Author of the book ‘The kind diet’, is an outspoken mom who’s been a vegan for over 16 years now. Back it wasn’t so ‘common’ to hear celebrities speak about animal abuse and these sorts of diets. “I couldn’t reconcile being an advocate for animals and at the same time eating them — it made no sense,” she stated in her new book, The Kind Mama. And boy, do we agree!
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Alan Cumming. Who plays Eli Gold on TV’s hit show The Good Wife knows a thing or two about strategy and the power those political candidates carry under their sleeves. And being in the spotlight himself, Alan stands for animal rights and is completely against the hormones that dead carcasses carry in their bodies. He’s also a big fan of hummus. Who can blame him?!

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Lovely Anne Hathaway, who plaid an innocent intern in the movie Devil Wears Prada dropped 60 pounds for a movie role. She went from a slim girl to an unbelievably tiny shred of her old self. She chopped her hair off as well, but that wasn’t the only change in her life. She ditched her old eating habits and turned to veganism. She seemed to be in the right track, according to PETA and other vegan crusaders, when suddenly in 2014, she decided to switch to the Paleo diet which is packed with a different kind of protein. Hey! Whatever works for her! She just might come back to being a vegan, right?
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Emily Deschanel. Also known as ‘Dr. Brennan’ on Fox’s show Bones, got pregnant and maintained her vegan diet. Twenty years ago she started the green life and has never looked back. When she was pregnant, she stated “I don’t think it’s any more challenging for me than it is for anyone else: You have to make sure you get all those essential nutrients.” And we all know she’s talking about getting enough vitamin B12 and omega-3s, which is something most vegans lack.

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Eco Tips

Safety Eco-Tips For An Icy Situation

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winter-salt-sprinkler-for-icy-walkways-drivewaysThe best and worst part of the winter season is the cold. You know what else is the best and worst part of the winter season? THE SNOW! De-icing your walkway, driveway, or sidewalk is no fun at all. There really is no easy way in doing the de-icing. That is unless; if you live in an apartment complex and maintenance does it for you. If you are like me then you have to do all the hard work yourself. The best way to get rid of all the snow is the eco-friendly way. Plus it is safer for the environment and you.

Here are safety eco-tips for an icy situation like an accidental slip and fall because your son forgot to de-ice the driveway after school.

  • DO NOT USE SALT! All you are doing is damaging the soil after all the snow melts. Plus the water supply can be ruined once all the snow melts and heads into the storm drains towards the rivers and streams.
  • Use sand instead of salt because it will not harm vegetation life. Plus the sand will help melt the ice faster when the sun hits it.
  • There are eco-products like, EcoTraction, which do the trick. It is made from volcanic minerals and it is a better way to get rid of an icy situation. It will even turn into dust.
  • Use a shovel. Constant shoveling of now is better for the environment and your body too. You get a workout and you have less of a chance from falling down and breaking a bone.
  • Other salt options: Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, and Calcium Chloride.
  • Purchase YakTrax. What is that? They are a safety product designed to make walking on snow/ice safer. You strap it on to your shoe and walk with confidence.

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  • Keep a broom by the doorway. Sweep away the snow as it is falling down at least every two hours. Do not let it accumulate.
  • Birdseed is also another great alternative to salt.
  • Make sure the de-icer you use is safe for everyone including your pets. The last thing you want is your dog to lick their paws and get sick.
  • Stay ahead of the weather forecast. Prepare before it is too late.
  • Chip away the ice with muscle. Do not use hot water. It will just make the driveway, pathway, or sidewalk slippery and in some cases, deadly.
  • Alfalfa Meal is a great product to use for traction on the driveway. It is 100% natural and it melts the snow.

The best safety tip is of course, stay inside. I’m just kidding. Just be aware of your surroundings and protect them the same way you protect yourself. Remember, nature cannot go out a use their credit card to purchase these things.

Follow these simple eco-tips to keep from slipping and sliding all over the place. Snow can be fun to play in but when it comes to driving or walking in the snow a quick slip can be costly. Keep safe this winter season the eco-friendly way.

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Eco Tips Furnishings Home Decor Home Design

Fun Eco-Furnishing Ideas That Your House Would Love To Showcase

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branch-shelf-eco-friendly-furnishing Decorating a home can be so much fun and so expensive. In this case we went a different route since it is an eco-friendly home. We went low in cost and expensive in taste. A lot of your home furnishing can be made by hand. You know who can make them? You! Your hands can make amazing furniture that you will cherish for a long time.

Here are some fun eco-furnishing ideas that your house would love to showcase and you would surely brag about because you made them yourself.

  • Mulch Pop Art – You will need a picture frame. You can repurpose one or purchase one at a thrift store. Purchase some mulch and separate them in to 8 different buckets. Add a different paint color in each one. Just toss the mulch a bit so that it does not get clumpy. Now take the glass off the picture frame. You have your frame backboard now to make art pop. Use eco-friendly wood glue on the frame backboard. Use the mulch and make a colorful word, or face. Get creative.
  • Pebble Hot Pad – Collect some river pebbles or stones and glue them to a circular piece of wood. Now you can use it to put your tea kettle and hot plates on.

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  • Yarn of Fate – In this case… ‘fate’ will be ‘photos’. Go to a salvage yard and purchase old nails, at least 30 of them. You will need some strong twine too and clips. Find a bare wall in your home. Use a pencil and mark out where each nail will go. Make them far apart from each other and have some zigzag. Now hammer them in. Now tie the twine to one of the nails and loop it around the other nails to make lines. When you get to the last nail make sure the twine is strong and tight. Tie it up. Now look for old photos of family, friends, yourself, postcards, etc. Clip them along the twine. You have a one-of-a-kind collage piece.
  • Tree Stump Side Tables – A very simple d.i.y. Get a tree stump with a flat surface. Dry it out, and then chisel away the bark. Now sand it down. You are done. Take an extra step if you want by painting them or adding some varnish. It is up to you.
  • Eggshell Candles – Save those eggshells after you crack them. Give them a good rinse and let them dry. Fill them with wax and a wick and you have the best eco-friendly light ever. You can even make them colorful by melting crayons and filling the eggshells with your color of choice. Set them right on top of the tree stump table.

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  • Tree Shelves – Find a thick tree branch. Saw of any excess, and screw it in the wall. You can display small plush toys and trinkets.

There you have it! You can now make these simple yet fun furnishings for your home. The best part is that they are all eco-friendly. Look at nature differently. The next time you are out looking for something to bring into the house remember to ask yourself if you can make it and if there are materials already available for use. Get to having fun the eco-conscious way.

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Eco Tips

Celebrate With Eco-Friendly Wedding Reception Ideas

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wedding-reception-cocktails-wooden-signsWeddings can be so much fun. I say that as a guest. As the bride getting married, well, the wedding can be hectic. Oops, I meant to say delightful. My favorite part of the wedding is the wedding reception because we get to eat the cake. If you are having difficult times saving money because you want an elaborate reception, then do what I did. What did I do? I had an eco-friendly wedding reception. Everyone loved it. So did Mother Nature.

Here are some ways to celebrate with eco-friendly wedding reception ideas that will make your guests happy and your wallet as well.

  • Bamboo plates are a better choice than ceramic plates because they are biodegradable. Bamboo plates are cheaper than ceramic plates.
  • Forget about using fancy table cloths. Just showcase the natural wood on your event tables. You can also use wooden tree stumps as seats.  You can also use hay bales and then let the horses eat them once you are done using them.
  • Instead of festive lights why not use candles to light up the beautiful reception. You can also use paper lanterns and hang them around the venue. Use those battery powered tea lights.
  • Use herbs as center pieces. Place little scissors next to them and let the guest cut their own fresh herbs. You can even ask them to take them home to plant them.
  • As place card holders you can use seed packets so the guest can continue the eco-friendly trend once they get home.
  • You will have less food waste with family-style meals. Opt for having a buffet type dinner setting. It will be cheaper and people are more likely to eat what they like and not play around with the food they are served. Who eats mashed peas anymore?

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  • Do not spend money on a limo to arrive at the reception. Use a canoe if it is a riverside reception or use a horse. You can also find a venue that is walking distance from the ceremony.
  • Reuse the ceremony decorations at the reception.
  • You can use recycled glass jars to hold flowers or soy candles. Put a candle inside and you’ve just turned them into mini table lights.

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  • Use planted orchids or topiaries for flowers to decorate with. The guest can take them home as a party favor or you can use them in your garden afterwards. Cut flowers are not eco-friendly.
  • Buy local food from farmer’s markets. Why? It is cheaper, fresh and easier to order more in case you run out.  Make the serving size small since there will be lots of food to go around.
  • Have guests write their names on stones to use later in your garden. It is a nice wedding memory.
  • Your cake better be organic all around. That’s the way you turn a regular boring  cake into a green one, without using food coloring.

Toss the bouquet and party! Now that your reception has gone green and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, it is time for you to smile. Why? You got married and also stayed eco-friendly on your special day. Keep these ideas in a scrapbook for your future children to use in their weddings.

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Eco Tips Lawn & Garden

Get Rid Of Pests The Eco-Friendly Way

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pest-control-eco-friendly-wayNow that spring has come and all of the flowers have blossomed in some areas and the grass has grown, be ready for the pest parade. Bugs, ants, caterpillars, spiders, roaches, worms, water bugs, and you name it, the pest is around. Don’t you just hate it when they invade your garden and/or your home? I know I do. Now that you are living the eco-life I think you should go about getting rid of them. No, do not stomp them, or eat them. Find eco-friendlier ways of getting rid of pests.

Here are some ways to get rid of pests the eco-friendly way and I hope you do try them.

  • Try natural planting. Why? It is more likely to attract pests that are beneficial to your plants instead of pests that will harm them.
  • Do not be squeamish. Slugs have a bad habit of roaming around and eating everything in sight. Slug it! Pick them up with your own hands and throw them out. You can also just stomp on them as you scream in fear.
  • Beer traps work well in killing slugs and roaches. Just put small containers full of beer in the ground. The next day you should have some surprises.
  • Protect your plants, fruits, and veggies with plant netting. They are great for keeping unwanted pests out of your hard work.
  • Any child would love to have an ant farm. Just make sure the ones you pick from the yard are not the red ones. The last thing you want is too have red ants running loose around the house because little Joe accidently tip the ant farm over.
  • Scott’s Nature’s Answer Natural Pest Control spray is a natural insecticide and fungicide. You can use is on flowers, fruits, and vegetables. It helps get rid of caterpillars, red spider mites, and black flies. Use is outdoors and indoors.

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  • Add some color to your garden. Plant some wild flowers. Why? They attract bees and bees scare off other pests because they are bee-otches!
  • Diatomaceous earth can be used on many pests. Keep it handy.
  • When it comes to spiders…KILL THEM WITH WHATEVER IS NEAR YOU!
  • Trick those pesky pests. How? Trick them by planting strategically of course. If you are planting cabbages and want to avoid cabbage flies then plant chives or onions next to the cabbage. It will confuse them and you will be cabbage fly free.
  • Shoe fly don’t bother me! Put mint in small satchels around the house. It will repel the flies.
  • I especially hate the pests that visit when the lights are off. ROACHES! Spray them with some soapy water. Use Boric acid on the top of your cabinets. Be careful when handling the acid. These tricks also help get rid of ants too.
  • The eco-friendliest way is to have a clean home that the pests do not want to visit. I recommend not leaving your garden unattended for more than two days.

Now that you know some eco-friendly ways to getting rid of pests please try them. Leave the Raid cans at the store. The smell is deadly to the air and you. So next time you see an insect in the garden try not to scream and try getting rid of it if it needs to be. Remember that some pests are good for your garden like ground beetles, lacewings, butterflies and lady beetles.

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Eco Tips Home Design Home Improvement

The Eco-Friendly Beginner’s Guide To Living Green

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recycleSo you want to be ET and live that green-thumb life. Do you even know where to begin? Starting an eco-friendly way of living can be easy if you follow the right steps and it can be hard if you do it the wrong way. This simple guide should get you going on the right path to living environmentally conscious.

Getting Started

Rule 1: Get yourself in the green mode. Ask yourself if you are ready for the change.

Rule 2: Do research by going to the library.

Rule 3: Ask yourself again if you are ready.

First Steps

  • Ask friends that are living the green life for some helpful advice.
  • Tackle the change one step at a time.
  • Ask a contactor to help guide you with the necessary changes your home needs to go green.
  • Know that it will take a while until you are living the green life to the fullest.
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  • Take anything that is not eco-friendly out of the house. It will be tough getting rid of things but is a necessary step. Fine, you can keep two things.
  • Start from the inside out. No need to green the outside when the inside cannot benefit from it.
  • Remember: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Second Steps

  • Replace furniture with earth-friendly furniture. Pottery Barn, antique shops, and thrift stores are great places to purchase refurbished items and eco-friendly items.
  • Remember to recycle old items and turn them into new items.
  • Use eco-friendly paint to decorate the walls.
  • Remember LED is for thee.
  • Keep decorating minimal.

Final Steps

  • Plant locally because the vegetation has a better chance of surviving because it is used to the weather conditions.
  • Purchase used stuff instead of new things. Read e-books instead of books.
  • Stay away from plastic. I mean it! It will kill you…not really, but you get the point.
  • No more fast food, soda, or junk food. Purchase food from a farmer’s market.

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  • Grow your own crops. Nothing is better than making fresh food with vegetables from your own garden. Just remember to take care of the garden the eco-friendly way.
  • Say bye to your gas guzzler. You should purchase a hybrid, ride a bike, or take mass-transit.
  • Keep up the routine.

Extra help:

  • Look for eco-friendly products while you shop.
  • Keep reminding yourself that you are helping Earth live longer.
  • Remind visitors that they are guests in a green home.
  • Do not be ashamed to be a tree hugger. Trees love being hugged.
  • At least once a month, you have to watch Fern Gully. (optional)

You’re done!

There you have it. Now you have no excuse on not going green. Better your environment and decrease your carbon footprint. By the time you make your home a fully green zone; you will be very pleased with the outcome. Who knows? You might even change other people’s minds.

I hope this simple guide helps you out in the long wrong. Unlike ET who went home, you get to stay put in your eco-friendly green home. Deal with it. Remember to turn off the lights. Good night.

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Eco Tips

Eco-Friendly Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas That Will Melt Hearts And Not Wallets

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Eco-Friendly Valentine’s Day Gift IdeasValentine’s Day is right around the corner so get ready for the chocolate, heart shaped gifts, and last minute gift buying. The last thing anyone would think of on Valentine’s Day is eco-friendly gift ideas. Chocolate and flowers are everyone’s first choice. Try to be creative and earth conscious this year. Love Earth because she lets the person you love live on her. So thank her too on Valentine’s Day. The girl/guy you are on a date with will love you a bit more if you gift them something thoughtful.

Here are some gift ideas that are so lovely that even Mother Nature would fall in love with you.

  • You can plant a tree together. When the tree grows, you can come back and tie a ribbon around it with a small frame with your initials. Do not carve the tree. They hate tattoos. As the tree grows, so does your relationship.
  • Buy each other a star. Not a paper star but an actual star. You can name it too. Now you can be the star in each other’s eyes. Look up at the night sky knowing that your love for another is universal now.
  • Recycle an old wine bottle and write a letter on recycled paper. Put it in the wine bottle. Seal it and put a nice ribbon around it for some simple décor. Message in a bottle can’t just be Sting’s idea.
  • Forget giving flowers. They will wither and die. Plus that is the last thing you want symbolizing your relationship. Instead make her origami flowers using recycled paper.

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  • Make a sidewalk letter with chalk. Save paper. Chalk is natural. Just be careful it does not rain. You will chalk up with tears.
  • Go to farm and pick fresh produce to make a romantic dinner at home.
  • Gift something handmade like a tie with his favorite superhero on it. You can try your hand at quilting a blanket for both of you to cuddle in.
  • Sleeping under the night sky is so romantic. Get a hammock or a tent. If you have a hammock then cuddle up with your love and stare up at the night sky. If you have tents then cuddle in a sleeping bag (cold areas) or nice sheets (warmer areas) and enjoy one another. Just be warned that you are in your backyard, keep it PG.
  • Love is in the air. Take your significant other on a nature walk to enjoy the beauty it offers. Have a picnic with organic snacks, overlooking a scenic view.
  • If you are going the original route then remember to get organic chocolates and organic flowers.

Hopefully, your significant other will enjoy any of the gifts you give them. Try something new from the list above and make it an eco-friendly lovely day. Sharing is caring and so is giving me one of those heart sugar cookies. Oh that came out wrong…I meant to say, sugar cookies in the shape of a heart. So have a happy Valentine’s Day to all of you reading this.

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Eco Tips

6 Eco-Friendly Cities That Are Too Good To Be True

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It seems like the utopia we envisioned for the 21st century was nothing more than pure fiction. With the levels of pollution rising and the ozone layer weakening more and more every day, it is a wonder if we will even make it to the next century. But there is still some hope. Throughout the world, there are cities who are doing their very best to become eco-friendly and fight off pollution.

The city of Zermatt is located on the edge of Matterhorn Mountain in Switzerland. It has resisted any and all attempts to become a major metropolitan city despite its popularity with tourists. You will not find an abundance of cars driving around here. Well you might see a few electric vehicles and plenty of bikes. The carbon footprint produced by Zermatt is virtually non-existent.

Similar to Zermatt is Freiburg in Germany. They have also adopted a car-free lifestyle. So if you want to enjoy the green hills that surround the city as well as the beautiful scenery you’ll have to do it on foot or while riding a bike.

The city of Oslo is one of the cleanest in Norway. It has replaced all of its energy producing facilities with renewable energy sources. We are not just talking about the things that power the city but also the vehicles like public transportation which now run only on biofuels instead of fossil fuels. They have also adopted a great recycling program and waste disposal system which is why Oslo is considered one of the cleanest cities in the world.

If you happen to visit Denmark, then visit Copenhagen. If the scenery and majestic castles don’t convince you to come again then perhaps the high environmental standards of living will. In order to fight off climate changes, nearly half of the residents use bikes to get to school or work. It is expected that this numbers will increase in the next few years.

If you are looking for a city that was made for bike riding then go down under mate to Adelaide, Australia. The city is so eco-green that it allows people to rent bikes for free. Plus it has over 29 parks that you can explore as you go on your little bike trek or hike. If you are not into bikes you can always use Tindo, a solar-powered bus that complete with A/C and internet service for its passengers. Aside from using solar power as a means of sustainable energy, the city is highly invested in recycling. It has even developed a program that allows for over 85 percent of the trash to be recycled.

Vancouver, Canada has implemented an ambitious plan to put an end to anything that leaves a carbon footprint in the city by 2020. To that end it has implemented bike paths that give the locals access to more parts of the city. This way people won’t feel the need to use their cars or public transportation as often.

These amazing cities are a beacon of hope for humanity’s future. Hopefully, their shining example will be contagious so that their eco-friendly philosophy spreads to every city on the planet. Then Earth can be the marvelous wonder we want it to be.

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Eco Tips Gadgets & Gear

7 Eco-Cleaning Products To Keep Handy At Your Lovely House

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You do not have to recycle every day or join a protest to shut down the local factory in order to go green. Sometimes the simplest ways to help the environment is right inside your own home. So how can you make your home a little greener? Simply throw away all those window cleaning, anti-bacterial, wood polishing or surface cleaners away and replace them with eco-cleaning products.

Start by replacing that “Pledge” or “Old English” cleaner with the Murchison-Hume Furniture Spritzer. It sprays just like its competition and cleans just as well but it does not have any of those harsh chemicals that can weaken the ozone layer.

If you are looking for a surface cleaning product that cleans something other than wood then try the Laundress Surface Cleaner. It has a nice and soft scent and its ingredients are bio-degradable so it will not leave any chemicals behind that could make you or your family sick. Best of all you can use it on any surface you need to wipe down.

When the time comes to do laundry, you should buy the Free & Clear Laundry Detergent from Greenworks. You will likely find this at your local Wal-Mart easily. It contains a natural formula and none of the harmful chemicals of conventional detergent. So your skin will thank you for switching to this and so will Mother Nature.

Of course carpets usually require a lot of TLC, especially if you have pets which pee or crap all over them. So get the Everyday Stain & Odor Remover product. It contains plant derived enzymes that attach themselves to organic stains and breaks them down. The product is so gentle however that you can even use it to remove stains from clothes too.

If you are one of those people who simply does not have time to spray and wipe then buy Mrs. Meyer’s Lavender Surface Wipes. They are pre-moistened and can get rid of dirt and grime on surfaces in your home, car or desk at work. What is even better, these babies are biodegradable too.

Windows are often a pain to clean because of all those fingerprints and streaks that seem to appear out of nowhere throughout the day. By using the J.R. Watkins Aloe & Green Tea Window Cleaner, you’ll be able to clean even the toughest smudges from windows, glass tables and mirrors using nothing but of the best ingredients that nature has to offer.

Finally the product you’ve been hoping existed is here. I’m talking about the Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwashing Pacs. Simply put one of these detergent cartridges into your dishwasher and you will rest comfortably knowing that your dishes, cups, and utensils are being washed without the use of synthetic fragrances or chemicals like chlorine.

Not every eco-cleaning product is available at your local supermarket so you might have to do a little digging. I know it seems like a big change to commit to.  But in most cases you can go to Wal-Mart or order them online on amazon.com or the manufacturing company’s website. While this might seem like an inconvenient at first I am sure you will agree it is definitely worth the hassle to help the environment.

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Eco Tips Furnishings Home Decor Recycling

Turning Recyclable Items Into Fashionable Backyard Décor

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bird-feeders-diy-recycled-craftsSave those bottles! Save those boxes! Save anything recyclable because it can totally be reused again but in a cute way. Decorate your backyard with new items from things that you would normally recycle. It can be so much fun. Plus who does not love decorating? You can involve the whole family and make it a cohesive fun project. First, you want to put everything in separate piles so that way you know what you are working with. Next, you want to go to the craft room and get all the supplies. Remember to get all the scraps from your craft room because they will be greatly used. Finally, get to making new décor pieces for you backyard.

Here are some great ideas for you to try.

Bird Feeders – These will be great to use outside. Give your back yard a nice touch with homemade bird-feeders. All you have to do is cut a circle (big enough for a bird) about 4 inches from the bottom of the bottle. Now paint the bottle with non-toxic paint in any color. Decorate it with any art that you want. Maybe a welcome sign? Now glue a wooden rod by the hole. Let it dry. Fill it with bird seeds, hang it up and let the birds enjoy the feeder. Beware their cousins, the squirrels, might try to eat the seeds too.

Straw Chimes – These do not make noise but are beautiful to look at. All you need is some imagination. Save straws of many colors and sizes. Use clear thread and creative with the design and length of your chime. You can hang them off tree branches. Use white straws for a more elegant charm. Use colorful straws for a more festive vibe. Use a mixture of sizes for an eclectic look. You can even run a thread through the middle of the chime and add a bell if you want some noise.

10 Mistakes: You Are Building That Green Home WrongMini-Luminaires – Light up the deck with these unique lights. Cut the bottles in half and paint the bottom half white, red, orange, yellow, or light green. Fill them up with sand (from your backyard) and put tea lights in them.

Cardboard Deco Box – Use cardboard boxes as deco pieces on your backyard deck. Paint them and add some flare buy making a collage one with extra scraps of magazine clippings. Paint one box black and the other one white. Stack them on top of each other to get a modern art vibe.

Decoupage Lanterns – Have any leftover balloons? Use them to make decoupage lanterns. Blow up the balloon and tie it. Tape it to a flat surface. Mix glue and water to get a watery sticky glue mixture. Cut strands of colorful paper, magazine clippings, newspaper, etc. Dip them into the mixture and place them on the balloon in random spots until the balloon is covered. Once dried, pop the balloon and pull it out. You have beautiful lanterns to hangs. Add lights to them if you want.

Yes these might seem like little décor items, but trust me, they will elevate your backyard to a whole new level.