Tag: ecohome

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Eco Tips Recycling

5 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day at Home

Earth Day is an annual holiday where events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for Environmental Protection Agency which is celebrated on April 22nd. It is celebrated around the world in 192 countries and is commonly known as International Mother Earth Day. Here are five things you can do this Earth Day/

Plant a Tree

There’s no time like Earth Day to make your world a little greener — in the literal sense. Planting trees, bushes and any­ plant life at all not only beautifies your home space, it also absorbs some of the CO2­­ from the air.

Change Your Light bulbs

Been putting off switching your incandescent light bulbs to energy-saving fluorescents? Well, you’re going to have to do it in the next few years, with many governments looking to phase out energy-hogging incandescent bulbs by about 2012. Replacing ­all the bulbs in your house won’t take long, and it’ll save you money on your energy bill since fluorescents are a lot more efficient than standard light bulbs.

Ride Instead of Drive

If everyone rode a bike when running a short errand instead of driving their car, we would save over 70 million gallons of fuel each year in the United States alone. Plus, when you ride your bike you get to enjoy the fresh air and it’s a great way to exercise.

Attend an Event

Earth Day events are held across the nation and are full of fun activities for both kids and adults.  Nationwide events can be seen at www.earthday.net, so you can pick an event close to you.

Make an All Organic Meal

Cook a special Earth Day meal using healthy, organic foods. Be sure to invite the friends and family over to share a healthy, home-cooked meal.

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Eco Eats

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-fry for Meatless Monday

Here is a simple recipe for an easy Chinese-style vegetarian and vegan vegetable stir-fry with tofu in a light ginger sauce.

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-fry

Ingredients:

3/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or minced

1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, well pressed and cut into 1 inch cubes

2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil

1/2 cauliflower, chopped

1 bunch broccoli, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

1 onion, chopped

1 bell pepper, any color, sliced

1 cup snow peas

1 cup mushrooms, sliced (any kind)

3 green onions (scallions), sliced

rice, pre-cooked

Preparation:

In a large shallow bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lemon juice and ginger. Marinade the tofu in this sauce for at least one hour.

In a wok or a large skillet, cook the cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, onion, bell pepper and tofu over high heat, stirring frequently.

Add the snow peas, mushrooms, green onions and marinade from the tofu. Allow to cook for just a few more minutes. Vegetables should be tender but not soft.  Add the rice and cook just until heated through and well mixed.

Additional Notes:

You can add any vegetables you have on hand to the stir-fry. If you don’t like tofu you can add seitan or tempeh instead, or omit it completely and just have a vegetable stir-fry.

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Featured Home Decor

Designing for the Senses

Successful interior decorating takes into account the entire human experience. A great way to personalize your house and make it a home is to incorporate some of the five senses. Here are some tips on incorporating sound, sight, smell and touch into your home.

Sound

Music can fill a home with happy memories, moments of joy, and soothing tranquility. A happy home is often filled with music that moves the soul and soothes the nerves.  Make an at-home tranquility fountain and place in your living room or visit your local thrift shop and find some soothing music on CDs.

Sight

The eye likes to see visually pleasing things, which is why we strive to have a visually pleasing home.  It is personal preference which colors and textures you like some will prefer neutrals and some will prefer vibrant colors.  An easy way to please the eye is to paint your rooms or paint an accent wall. Try and use  an eco-friendly wall paint.

Smell

Pleasant scents are always preferable over those that might not smell so pleasant. So indulge yourself and your home with pleasant scents. Depending on the room, depends on the scent. If you want your bedroom to have a romantic feel, use lavender. Make your own air fresheners for your house (read about the dangers of commercial air fresheners and how to make your own here.)

Touch

Fill your home with eco-friendly fabrics and upholsteries that comfort you. Shop at secondhand stores or at thrift shops for gently used furniture. When shopping for fabrics or upholstered furniture run your hands across the surface. Ask yourself “How does it feel?” and “How does it make me feel”.  Also mix and match different textures together such as hardwood floors with a silky rug.

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Featured Home Design

Why You Should Choose Recycled Glass Countertops

Have you heard about recycled glass countertops and wondered what exactly they are or maybe you’ve never heard of them before. The glass that is used in the recycled countertops is from both post-consumer and pre-consumer sources.

Where is the glass from?

Post-consumer sources are plenty however it is most commonly found from consumers (glass bottles). Although curbside recycled glass is common, salvage glass is an “emerging new source”.  Recently a lot of state and local governments are requiring the recyclcing of the glass that is pulled from demolished buildings.

Why is it considered a green alternative?

Most of the common countertops that are built use Corian, plastic laminate (Formica), tile, and granite. However because of its petroleum base, Corian and other solid machine-able counter materials are a poor ecological choice. Recycled glass countertops have a low impact environmentally as both the cement and glass used in this product contain recycled content. These countertops also help create end uses for hard to recycle types of glass.

Where can the recycled glass countertops be used?

The recycled glass countertops aren’t limited to just the kitchen counters. You can use the recycled glass in kitchen backsplashes, bathroom counters, fireplace surrounds, shower bases, or virtually any other flat surface, such as a kitchen table top.

What colors are available?

Recycled glass countertops are available in a wide variety of colors – both single color and mixed for the glass, and several color choices for the cement it’s embedded in. The size of the glass pieces is also optional.

Where can I find my own recycled glass countertop?

There are many companies that carry recycled glass countertops. Some of the major companies include IceStone, Vertrazzo and Geos. If you go to their websites you can find local companies that carry their lines!

Sources: healthyhomeplans.com, (http://www.healthyhomeplans.com/articles/information12.php)

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Featured Lawn & Garden

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

Everyone knows that aloe vera is great for cuts, sunburns and even bug bites. However did you know about all of the plant’s benefits? The aloe vera plant has been nicknamed the “Healing Plant” and there is good reason too! Not only is the aloe plant great for you and your family but it is a very easy plant to keep alive as well; it is a succulent so it doesn’t require a lot of sun and water.  Growing an aloe plant might be one of the best things you could do for you and your family. Here are some health benefits you may or may not have known about aloe vera:

  • Aloe vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the growth process and healthy function of all the body’s systems.
  • Aloe vera plants are also helpful in curing blisters, insect bites and any allergic reactions, eczema, burns, inflammations, wounds, psoriasis. It is great for people who have sensitive skin.
  • It is used as an anti-inflammatory and may be taken internally as a remedy for certain digestive complaints.
  • Oxygenates blood and energizes cells, hydrates skin and repairs skin tissue
  • Aloe vera juice helps in strengthens gums and promotes strong and healthy teeth.
  • An excellent internal tonic for energy and well-being Aloe juice may add greatly to the strength of the food fed, digestive tract, skin, and overall good health and happiness.
  • Aloe vera juice can be applied directly to the skin through gels, creams and lotions to cure acne.
  • Aloe vera plant has vitamins including: Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Folic Acid and Niacin. Drinking a daily dose of Aloe Vera Juice can enhance body defense system against any kind of oxidative stress.
  • As Aloe Vera is a cellular regenerator and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects, these properties make aloe vera one of nature’s healthiest products. Being a strong antioxidant, it hunts down free radicals and protects the body.
  • Aloe vera plant has been found to be favorable in the treatment of diabetes; it lowers glucose levels in the blood.
Categories
Eco Eats

Vegetarian Lasagna for Meatless Monday

Meatless Monday is here again! We have found a yummy vegetarian lasagna that not only tastes amazing but you won’t even miss the meat!

Ingredients

9 uncooked lasagna noodles (wheat preferable)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups diced zucchini

1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1/2 cup diced green pepper

1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper

1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

1-1/2 cups water

1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon fresh basil (dried works too)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese

1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

1/4 cup grated Romano cheese

Directions

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes. Add the zucchini, mushrooms, carrots and peppers; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, water, tomato paste and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove 2 cups sauce and set aside.

Drain noodles; set aside. Combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella and Romano cheese. In an ungreased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish, layer a third of the remaining sauce, three noodles and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce and noodles. Spread reserved sauce over top.

Cover and bake at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting. Yield: 8 servings.

Nutritional Analysis: Serving Size: About 8/One piece equals 244 calories/ 9 g fat (5 g saturated fat)/ 32 mg cholesterol/ 672 mg sodium/ 26 g carbohydrate/ 4 g fiber/17 g protein.

 

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Articles Featured Furnishings

What You Should Know About Green Carpeting

At first glance, eco-friendly carpet may seem too good to be true, saving the Earth and having an eco-friendly home, but it isn’t! Eco-friendly carpeting is a great way to help green your home.

Firstly it is very important to understand the differences between green carpets that are currently on the market. Some carpets are made from post-consumer recycled materials, such as plastic water bottles and soda bottles. This is a good choice because it helps keep those materials out of landfills and it allows the carpeting to be recycled at a much later date. It uses less Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs, leading to a healthier, happier home.

Another option is natural carpets that are made from natural materials. These materials range from wool, seagrass or bamboo. These materials come from resources around the world. On average they have less toxins, are durable, however their prices can be high.

The Pros of Green Carpeting

  • Recycled carpeting helps the environment by keeping waste out of landfills
  • Later on if you choose to replace your recycled carpeting, it can be further recycled unlike traditional carpeting
  • There are fewer VOCs with recycled carpeting, leading to improved air quality in your home and less risk for respiratory problems
  • Natural carpets have lowered in price and due to popularity there are more options to work with
  • Natural carpets are durable and highly stain resistant

The Cons of Green Carpeting

  • Not all recycled carpeting is made with 100% recyclable materials
  • Depending on your location it may be harder to find recyclable carpeting
  • On average natural and recycled carpeting costs more than traditional carpeting since natural carpeting is dependent on its sources and recycled carpeting is a little harder to produce

There are many pros and cons to choosing green carpeting, although most people agree that eco-friendly carpet for the home is the better choice. You will still have to consider your budget and personal preferences when deciding.

Sources: Greenfloors.com (http://www.greenfloors.com/), hgtvremodels.com, (http://www.hgtvremodels.com/interiors/the-benefits-of-recycled-carpet-tiles/index.html)

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Featured Lawn & Garden

7 Steps to Creating a Butterfly Garden

A butterfly garden is a fun way to get you and your children excited about gardening. Not only is a great educational tool (learning about the life cycles) and good for the environment, but it also is a sight for sore eyes. Here is a quick start guide to creating your very own butterfly garden!

1. Research. As with any major project you have to research and make sure a butterfly garden will work in your area. A good way to do this is by simply observing your surrounding areas and watching to see what plants the butterflies are attracted to. Try to select plants native to your area for each growing season.

2. Plan your Garden. Deciding where you want to plant your garden can be a difficult task. Make sure to plant your garden in a sunny spot and keep in mind if the area has some gusty winds as well as hard rain. If your area has those kinds of conditions put up a barrier to help protect your plants (and your hard work)!

3. Choose “Host Plants”.  Note from your research what the caterpillar (larvae) of the local butterflies eat. Host plants are very important when creating your garden because they not only provide a site for the butterfly to lay eggs but are also a food source for the caterpillars. Depending on the type of local butterflies you have will determine the host plants you should plant. Also be prepared for heavy munching on your host plants!

4. Choose “Nectar Plants”. Nectar plants serve as the food source for the butterfly so it is important to choose plants that will bloom throughout the season (especially mid to late summer) because that is when most butterflies are active. Flowers that have multiple florets and produce a lot of nectar are ideal. Some popular plants chosen are the Butterfly Bush and the Butterfly Weed but make sure to do your research to find what works best in your area.

5. Purchase plants or seeds. You can also get these plants and seeds online. Choose robust and healthy plants to give them a good start.

6. Plant. Make sure to keep new plants and seeds watered until plants are well-established or seeds germinate. Keep the weeds at bay, to give the plants a good chance.

7. Observe and enjoy. Watch for female butterflies laying eggs on host plants. Keep good records for yourself so you can know what to change for the next year! Most importantly enjoy!

Some additional notes. Like any other garden your butterfly garden will require some upkeep but keep in mind that butterflies do not like pesticides of any sort. You are going to have to keep away pests naturally, such as letting spiders and wasps do their thing or use insecticidal soaps or plant-based oils. Make sure that you leave some weeds for the caterpillars (some weeds are actually their favorite foods)!  If you are short on space you can also create a butterfly garden solely using container plants.

Sources: tlc.com (http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/butterfly-garden4.htm)

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Eco Eats Featured

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers for Meatless Monday

Agonizing over what to make for Meatless Monday? Have no fear we have found a vegetarian stuffed pepper recipe that is bound to leave you and your family wanting more!

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

6 large sweet peppers

2 cups cooked brown rice

3 small tomatoes, chopped

1 cup frozen corn, thawed

1 small sweet onion, chopped

1/3 cup canned red beans, rinsed and drained

1/3 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

3/4 cup cubed Monterrey Jack cheese

1 can (4-1/4 ounces) chopped ripe olives

4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3/4 cup meatless spaghetti sauce

1/2 cup water

4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions

Cut tops off peppers and remove seeds; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the rice, tomatoes, corn, onion and beans. Stir in the Monterrey Jack cheese, olives, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Spoon into the peppers.

Combine spaghetti sauce and water; pour half into an oval 5-qt. slow cooker. Add the stuffed peppers. Top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Additional Notes

For a faster cook time heat the filling in a large saucepan until thoroughly heated and place stuffed peppers in oven at 350 for 55-60 minutes until peppers are soft. Add some kick to the dish and add your favorite peppers such as jalapeños.

Recipe adapted from http://www.tasteofhome.com

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Featured Gadgets & Gear Recycling

Solecan™ is Your Single Can Trash & Recycling Solution!

Watch out world there’s a new product on the market that has the ability to change recycling as we know it. The product is called Solecan™ and it was designed and invented by Liz and Jeff Helfrich.

What exactly is the Solecan™? Liz and Jeff have “reinvented” the traditional trash can. The Solecan™ is a dual-sided trash can; the two halves snap together in the middle, with one side designated for trash and the other for recycling.  By unsnapping the two halves, you can easily empty trash into the larger trash can and the recycling into the family’s main recycling bin. You can still use traditional trash bags in the Solecan or you can go without. The Solecan™ is made in the USA and it is made with recycled plastic, so its eco-footprint will be as small as possible. The Solecan™ honestly looks the same as a traditional trashcan but has a lot more functionality. It is a perfect way to get the whole family to recycle and can be used in virtually every room in your home.

Right now they are seeking funding on a website called Kickstarter. Kickstarter is a site that allows creative projects to raise funds from “backers” in exchange for rewards. You can be a part of bringing this product to market by pledging as little as $1. If they reach their target investment (which is preselling about 3,300 Solecans by April 22, 2013, Earth Day) then you will be charged your pledge. For $17 and up you will receive one of the trash cans.

Want some more information or want to get your hands on the perfect Earth Day gift? Check out www.solecan.com for more information or to pre-order your own Solecan™ directly go here!. You can also find them on Twitter or on Facebook.