In the past few 20 years, many health and beauty companies have begun utilizing “microbeads” as exfoliates in cleansing products. This is economical for the corporations but creates a large problem when these particles are rinsed off your body and into the wastewater stream. Many of these particles are too small to be filtered out in wastewater treatment screens. So, the final destination for these plastic microbeads is often our oceans. Read more »
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Composting can feel like cheating it requires so little effort. Composting has many variations depending upon the scale needed and space available. It is a great way to reduce the amount of household waste and to create fertilizer and great additives for your soil. A compost system can be as simple as a pile leaves or can be easily constructed at home. For those of us that would rather purchase a composting setup, here are my recommendations for the following categories: Read more »
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This week I delved into the plethora of products made of recycled glass, and I was seriously impressed by what I found. Glass is a material that can be recycled infinitely. It is comprised of silica, the main component of sand, and I have learned that one application for recycled glass material is that it is being tested as a material to “replenish” beaches that have been worn down by erosion. I guess that is the ultimate back to nature approach. Glass is a stable, non-toxic material that can be used in a multitude of forms. It has great insulating properties and can be used to create amazing art forms. There are a lot of uses for recycled glass throughout the home and garden, I have selected a few to discuss below. Read more »
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These recent super snowy days have led my imagination to the prospects of spring and the possibilities for setting up a spring garden. Aside from the gardening options, I’m excited about the possibility of creating a hospitable backyard habitat for some wilder critters for everyone’s benefit.
First, I intend to order a mason bee house and some mason bees. Mason bees aren’t colonial like European honey bees and they don’t sting unless actively provoked. Since they’re solitary, mason bees do not build hives. Instead, females lay eggs within a mason bee house and the new adults hatch from their cocoons the following spring. These bees are excellent pollinators, so your garden flowers will be pleased. And if all that isn’t enough to get you onto the mason bee bandwagon – mason bee houses make for a unique, attractive addition to any garden. They’re natural conversation starter, and with lots of funky designs on the market, you’ll be sure to find one that suits your style and budget. Read more »
Down East Doormats are brightly colored, durable and bring a little bit of summer to every doorstep. They actually float as well! These door mats are produced by the Maine Float-Rope Company from floating ropes that are turned in by lobstermen due to changing regulations.
Lobstermen formerly used floating rope between lobster pots but it has been found that floating rope can cause North Atlantic Right Whales (a critically endangered species) to become entangled in the lobster gear when they surface during feeding. New regulations require sinking rope and all of that old rope would otherwise end up in landfills.
These mats are a great addition to any home and will last for years to come as they are advertised as indestructable. It is rare to get the opportunity to buy a locally-made, upcycled product from a company that donates a portion of its proceeds to protect its local environment.
Enjoy!
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