The TV show "The World's Greenest Homes" recently started me thinking about how can everyone make a contribution to reducing the carbon footprint.
The TV series mainly showed major renovations or new homes in which the owners made significant attempts to "go green". Most folks are not in the position - they already have a home, and most likely a hefty mortgage that may preclude incorporating the changes and ideas promoted by the TV show.
However, the need for greening your home and garden is an imperative for all - and so the impact of even simple, small steps can have a real impact.
Just imagine if all homes in the USA converted their light bulbs from incandescent to compact fluorescent ones - not only are they energy-smart, using about 70% less energy, they last up to ten times longer.
Such a small step could have huge impact because of the sheer volume! And, then there is the ripple effect - less energy used - less fossil fuels consumed - less carbon emissions from power stations - and, BINGO! - cleaner air.
And, the cost is not really greater than the usual light bulb replacement - so your pocketbook is saved.
Now imagine if everyone also made a serious attempt at recycling - green materials to the compost heap, keeping electronics out of the trash bin, glass and plastics into recycle bins..... yes, it is a bit of a pain.... but it is not a total change of lifestyle that's required, but more an understanding of what, you the homeowner, can do to help..... and, IT IS NOT NEGLIGIBLE.
It was suggested that if everyone in say the UK just changed 5 household products from their usual brands to eco-friendly ones the difference would be huge.
Other steps like low flow shower heads, dual flush loos, repairing leaky faucets, installing more ceiling fans, using a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water..... none of these will run your budget into the red or be beyond the average household capacity.
If you are ever in a position to undertake a major home renovation or build a new house - do watch that TV show - yes, there is a lot of info on the internet, but the TV series will show things in context and also many different applications and ideas that can be adapted. Just Google to find the TV show.
For that matter, you can even get ideas from it for smaller budgets.
The good news is that whatever you do choose it will make a contribution to a cleaner planet and, especially in regard to energy efficiency choices you will significantly reduce your utility bills and the consumption of fossil fuels.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Useful Home and Garden Makeover Ideas
Gardening experts give practical and useful home and garden tips online or on TV shows which are very instructive. Incorporate their ideas and suggestions to give your garden a face-lift. Several factors go into creating a beautiful garden. While the size is not very important, proper placement of plants, pathways and garden furniture all combine to create a beautiful garden.
Remember to follow these simple instructions
Prepare the soil before you bring in plants and vegetable seedlings. Clean out the garden and use lawn clippings, branches and leaves by renting a shredder and re-use this as fertilizer for your lawn. Make a compost pile in one sunny corner of your yard. Make sure to place a layer of soil over your leaf and waste products. Check out how much sun or shade is required for a plant by reading instructions on tags when they are bought. Select the right spot and make your soil bed. Remember, it is not necessary to dig too deep as this can choke a plant or create root rot. If a tree is to be planted, remember to leave a clear area all around for the future.
Care for your plants with the right fertilizers
A useful home and garden tip is to plant the best of the lot from a vantage point so that when one looks from a particular window in the living or dining room, they have a lovely view of the garden. A vegetable patch could grow in the backyard while a beautiful Japanese maple could lend an aura of beauty when viewed from the patio or the dining room. Create a pathway from the entrance of your home to the driveway and plant shrubs and flowering trees on both sides.
Create a landscape with a collection of a few plants and rocks and place an ornamental statue to highlight a particular area. Protect your plants from deer and rabbits that can destroy your garden. Plant nectar-fresh flowers to attract pretty butterflies and hummingbirds. Hang a few feeders outside your solarium if you have one and watch the birds feed.
Points to consider when creating a garden
Think ahead. Do not plant trees and shrubs that will outgrow your garden space and look crowded. Make sure you buy plants and flowers that are seasonal and are contained in the space provided for them. Use these useful home and garden tips to advantage and sit back and watch that garden grow!
Remember to follow these simple instructions
Prepare the soil before you bring in plants and vegetable seedlings. Clean out the garden and use lawn clippings, branches and leaves by renting a shredder and re-use this as fertilizer for your lawn. Make a compost pile in one sunny corner of your yard. Make sure to place a layer of soil over your leaf and waste products. Check out how much sun or shade is required for a plant by reading instructions on tags when they are bought. Select the right spot and make your soil bed. Remember, it is not necessary to dig too deep as this can choke a plant or create root rot. If a tree is to be planted, remember to leave a clear area all around for the future.
Care for your plants with the right fertilizers
A useful home and garden tip is to plant the best of the lot from a vantage point so that when one looks from a particular window in the living or dining room, they have a lovely view of the garden. A vegetable patch could grow in the backyard while a beautiful Japanese maple could lend an aura of beauty when viewed from the patio or the dining room. Create a pathway from the entrance of your home to the driveway and plant shrubs and flowering trees on both sides.
Create a landscape with a collection of a few plants and rocks and place an ornamental statue to highlight a particular area. Protect your plants from deer and rabbits that can destroy your garden. Plant nectar-fresh flowers to attract pretty butterflies and hummingbirds. Hang a few feeders outside your solarium if you have one and watch the birds feed.
Points to consider when creating a garden
Think ahead. Do not plant trees and shrubs that will outgrow your garden space and look crowded. Make sure you buy plants and flowers that are seasonal and are contained in the space provided for them. Use these useful home and garden tips to advantage and sit back and watch that garden grow!
Create a Comfortable Home and Garden
Do you look in magazines and see homes and gardens that are simply exquisite? Are you wondering about how you could make your yard and home décor look a little better? Fortunately, it is not that difficult to design a look for your home and garden décor. In fact, when you use the assistance of online stores like Online Discount Mart you will find everything you need to make your plan a reality.
The great thing about shopping online is that you can save a lot of money. What you need to do first is sit down and make a plan. If you want your garden to have fountains and hammocks or if you would prefer stones and garden furniture it is up to you. What you do have to do is complete a design that looks good and incorporates your home and garden's best elements. So, focus on what you want to play up and the areas you want to play down. Once you have identified all these areas and have an idea of what you want then you may begin purchasing the necessary items to complete the look.
For example, you may decide that you want beautiful wicker patio furniture. Once you decide on this then you need to come up with ways to play up the new outdoor furniture. This includes buying new potted plants to create a beautiful area in your garden. You can plant grass and other flowers so that they will bloom in the spring and summer and look beautiful. Consider the colors you want to plant and the way they will look with your new furniture. Creating an overall design is the idea here.
And, the same goes for the interior of your home. Focus on creating a special place. Buy rich fabrics and paint the walls rich colors that will match. You should look through magazines and find rooms that you like. Notice the colors, fabrics, and arrangement of furniture. Try and figure out how you could copy a particular look all the while staying on your budget. Many times you can find used furniture that will work great and save some money not to mention painting yourself in order to save money. When you do things on your own it is amazing how much money you can save. When you use these ideas in no time you will have created a special place in your home and garden that is not only comfortably but beautiful as well!
The great thing about shopping online is that you can save a lot of money. What you need to do first is sit down and make a plan. If you want your garden to have fountains and hammocks or if you would prefer stones and garden furniture it is up to you. What you do have to do is complete a design that looks good and incorporates your home and garden's best elements. So, focus on what you want to play up and the areas you want to play down. Once you have identified all these areas and have an idea of what you want then you may begin purchasing the necessary items to complete the look.
For example, you may decide that you want beautiful wicker patio furniture. Once you decide on this then you need to come up with ways to play up the new outdoor furniture. This includes buying new potted plants to create a beautiful area in your garden. You can plant grass and other flowers so that they will bloom in the spring and summer and look beautiful. Consider the colors you want to plant and the way they will look with your new furniture. Creating an overall design is the idea here.
And, the same goes for the interior of your home. Focus on creating a special place. Buy rich fabrics and paint the walls rich colors that will match. You should look through magazines and find rooms that you like. Notice the colors, fabrics, and arrangement of furniture. Try and figure out how you could copy a particular look all the while staying on your budget. Many times you can find used furniture that will work great and save some money not to mention painting yourself in order to save money. When you do things on your own it is amazing how much money you can save. When you use these ideas in no time you will have created a special place in your home and garden that is not only comfortably but beautiful as well!
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