Read the full article here Similar Posts:

• Reuse Materials in Garden and Landscaping
• Native Plant Events in California
• San Diego Aquaponics Company Offers Portable and Sustainable Gardening
• Indoor Vegetable Garden

• Reuse Materials in Garden and Landscaping
• Native Plant Events in California
• Indoor Vegetable Garden
• San Diego Aquaponics Company Offers Portable and Sustainable Gardening
• TOP 14 Ways to Eco Landscape

Photo:babooliving.com

This post was originally written for college students living in dorms, but it is appropriate for anyone living or working anywhere!

Unless you suffer from severe allergies, you likely appreciate all of the good that accompanies the presence of greenery. Unfortunately, most people spend almost every day entirely indoors, sacrificing quality time with Mother Nature. People trapped in insufferable and almost inhumane dorms or offices have it the worst, as both can become depressing relics of a time when aesthetic, psychological and health considerations weren’t included in design and development. But even the worst of places can be livened up with the presence of indoor plants and their many benefits. Here are 10 great reasons to grow plants in your dorm or office.

1. They add aesthetic value: Drab old rooms that seemingly offer no hope aesthetically can be transformed into desirable dwellings with the addition of a few colorful and shapely plants. It’s not uncommon for new undergrads to decorate their dorm rooms to the hilt, using plants that conform to the style of the decor. People who work in offices usually aren’t afforded the same privileges, so the presence of a few plants is their only way to make an otherwise cold place warm.
2. They occupy space: Although this reason could be stashed under “aesthetic value,” it deserves its own explanation. All too often, people move into offices or dorm rooms with few belongings, resulting in extra unused space that ends up hosting a mess — like equipment, books, files or clothes. These areas can be filled with larger house plants in order to avoid the inevitable appearance of a miniature wasteland. A parlor palm or weeping fig (technically trees) are perfect space eaters.
3. They reduce noise: That’s right. Indoor plants actually reduce noise, an appealing prospect for anyone who has experienced a typical dorm or poorly-constructed office. You may have already known that outdoors plants are used in urban areas to obstruct traffic noise. It’s the same concept, but with smaller plants. Numerous strategically placed plants — especially those with big and thick leaves — can dissipate sound waves.
4. They fight stress: Given the sometimes hectic environment of the workplace, taking steps to relieve stress bit-by-bit is essential. The presence of indoor plants is soothing, as opposed to a plain office that’s devoid of any reminder of the outside world. Dorm rooms can also be a drag, especially when you’re spending long hours studying or working on an assignment. Studies have shown that indoor plants can enhance your attitude and increase productivity, substituting for the great outdoors when you’re stuck indoors. Specifically, bamboo palms, Chinese evergreen and devil’s ivy are excellent stress defeaters.
5. They fight colds: Indoor plants increase humidity and decrease dust, helping relieve sore throats, coughs and other cold symptoms by more than 30 percent, according to the University of Agriculture in Norway. During the winter months, it’s wise to stock up on plants — like English ivy, peace lily and fragrant dracaena — to counter dry air from the furnace. Don’t allow the season to send you to the sidelines and cause you to fall behind at work or in the classroom.
6. They remove toxins from the air: A recent study by NASA indicated that indoor plants absorb toxins — namely formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene — that are released by building materials. Newer buildings that were constructed to be energy efficient can trap indoor toxins, disallowing them to circulate into the outdoor air and dissipate.
7. They improve the smell: Indoor air can easily become stagnant and the resulting unpleasant smell can linger. This is especially the case in dusty office buildings and unsanitary dorm rooms. With the use of flowering plants like scented geraniums and fragrant plants like evergreen, a once smelly room can bring back memories of grandma’s backyard garden.
8. Some produce food: Food-growing plants come especially in handy for broke college students. Tomatoes can be grown indoors with adequate sunlight and the use of pollination spray. Pineapple Guava produces edible flowers and fruit. Dwarf Cavendish is small banana tree that produces slightly smaller-than-normal bananas. You can also experiment with an abundance of indoor-grown herbs.
9. You may cultivate a hobby: Caring for indoor plants is a fun and soothing hobby that’s highly rewarding, as evidenced by the benefits highlighted on this list. How many activities result in cleaner and healthier air, a healthier mind and soul, and the creation of edible treats? Plus watering and pruning give you the opportunity to step away from your desk, laptop or textbook, and clear your mind.
10. They make great conversation pieces: As you become more devoted to your indoor plants, you’ll become more attuned to their benefits. When a coworker steps into your office, your plants can become a source of small talk as you extol their virtues, delaying the inevitable boring minutia that comes with work conversations. In addition to being a positive distraction, they’re another subject in which to become an expert. It’s always fun the be an expert in something, especially something that’s good for the world.

This post was submitted and written by Anna Miller who writes a blog for onlinedegree.netSimilar Posts:

• Skies of Blue and Green Roofs
• Indoor Vegetable Garden
• Sustainable Landscaping By EcoLandscape Group
• Top 21 Ways To Get rid Of Ants Naturally

• Skies of Blue and Green Roofs
• Indoor Vegetable Garden
• Top 21 Ways To Get rid Of Ants Naturally
• Sustainable Landscaping By EcoLandscape Group
• Why Use Native Plants?

Photo:Chris Devers

There are several things that drive me nuts about gardeners. 1.) I hate the ones that put their card, with a few rocks in a plastic bag and then proceed to drive up and down the streets throwing the plastic bag in peoples front yard. 2.) The ones that think that round up is the only way to kill weeds 3.) Weed blowers 4.) Sweeping lawn leavening into the street. Of course most people don’t know what the gardeners are doing because they aren’t home when all of this is occurring.

We just had a new company called Clean Air Lawn Care open up in San Diego.

• First all their equipment will be powered by renewable energy, by trucks with solar panels.
• electric mowers, edgers and blowers will be quieter and emit no oder.
• Mow grass at a taller level, better for moisture control and healthier grass
• All fertilizer and weed elimination products are organic
• larger mowers on locally produced biofuels
• All greenhouse gas emissions are offset by wind power and carbon offsets purchased from Carbonfund.org to ensure  entire operation is carbon-neutral
• All grass clippings and organic matter are recycled, either on site or at a local recycling center

I just gotta Tell Ya:

• 1 hour of gas mowing emits the same amount of hydrocarbons as an SUV driven 23,500 miles?
• Small engines contribute 5-10% of the nation’s air pollution
• The average gas lawn mower runs at 100 decibels – anything over 90 decibels causes hearing damage
• Gas lawn mowers consume 580 million gallons of gasoline annually
• A 1000 square foot lawn generates 300 pounds of clippings annually, rapidly filling up landfills
• Many lawn services mow at a height that burns the grass, wastes water, and promotes weed growth
• Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides leach into waterways, create yards unfit for children & pets, and deplete the soil’s organic matter

If you want to know the impact of your lawn service, you can check it out on their calculatorSimilar Posts:

• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• Composting 101- Easy Tips for Beginners
• Community and Urban Gardening
• How To Get Rid of Bamboo-Naturally

• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• Composting 101- Easy Tips for Beginners
• Community and Urban Gardening
• How To Get Rid of Bamboo-Naturally
• Sustainable Landscaping By EcoLandscape Group

Reduce Carbon Footprint

I have written quite a few articles on native plants and gardening. Living a a drought  and water rationing state, (California) saving water is a huge prioirty. It drives me crazy when people do not pay attention to their sprinklers on in the rain, water cascading down the street, over-watering and planting of thirsty plants.

As a person who has planted native  plants in my yard, I will tell you it is not easy to do. First  1.)you have to find the plants and or a person that knows about the plants 2.) Plant the plants appropriately in areas so they will grow and look good. 3.) If you have a gardener, you have to tell them how to treat the plants 4.) You have to re-adjust your mind to watering schedules and toxic pesticides. 5.) Get over what you neighbors have planted and what is only available at Home Depot. And I will tell you I have spent countless hours on the Internet, with gardeners and nursuries looking for the right look, the right plants for the right soil and sun conditions in San Diego.

If I had known at the time about Eco Landscape Group , it would have saved hours of work and I would have had a sustainable, eco-friendly yard by now. Eco Landscape Group, started out as 3 friends to refer to each other about residential and commerical landscape design, build , maintenance and horticultural services. Now they have evolved into a group that not only can design a sustainable landscape but help lower carbon footprints and thus reducing environmental impact.

Primarily located in the Northwest, they just added a few members in Jackson Hole, Wy, and are looking for like minded others who are seeking guidance and help in helping their companies achieve a sustainable way of doing business.

The goal ‘To spread our message to locations across the United States offering customers and professionals the first definitive guide to carbon footprint reduction for the American landscape industry’

That is a wonderful goal to achieve and look forward to hearing more about the Eco Landscape Group Similar Posts:

• Why Use Native Plants?
• Reuse Materials in Garden and Landscaping
• How To Get Rid of Bamboo-Naturally
• San Diego Aquaponics Company Offers Portable and Sustainable Gardening

• Why Use Native Plants?
• Reuse Materials in Garden and Landscaping
• San Diego Aquaponics Company Offers Portable and Sustainable Gardening
• How To Get Rid of Bamboo-Naturally
• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard

Aquaponics is the growing of fish along with land plants in a controlled environment. It is a cycle where the water from the fish feed the plants and the plants feed the fish. The advantages of using this aquaponics system is reusing water, fertilize with natural fish emulsion, and reduce cropland requirements. Whether for in home food production or commercial use, this method can be used to produce vegetables, fish, herbs, and flowers.

I find in this economy anything that includes eco-friendly habits and affordability is the way to go. So check it out at rootandfins.com to see what you can grow, how to get started, and learn more about aquaponics.

Submitted By Nicole

Similar Posts:

• Indoor Vegetable Garden
• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• Composting 101- Easy Tips for Beginners
• Community and Urban Gardening

• Indoor Vegetable Garden
• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• Community and Urban Gardening
• Sustainable Landscaping By EcoLandscape Group
• Composting 101- Easy Tips for Beginners

Rooftop Farms atop a warehouse in Brooklyn grow more than 30 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables, including heirloom tomatoes, zucchini, aubergines and green onions. Lisa Goode is the owner of Rooftop Farms. [Lisa Goode, Owner, Rooftop Farms]: “There’s layers of drainage mat and separation fabric — it’s all very technical stuff that the dirt actually just goes right on top of. And then you grow stuff in the dirt. But most importantly, a green roof has great environmental benefits such as storm-water reduction, which is a huge problem in New York City.  There’s cooling for the building and if we can amass enough green roofs, hopefully it will help the heat island issue in New York City too.” The biggest problem with designing green roofs, Goode says, is convincing developers they are a good idea. She says there is a misguided perception that they can damage a building’s roof. The reverse is true, she says. Greenery can protect a roof membrane from the damaging effects of the sun and cold weather. Andy Darrell, Regional Manager of the Environmental Defense Fund, says another benefit of Rooftop Farms is that it lowers the carbon footprint caused by trucks used to transport food into the city. [Andy Darrell, Regional Manager, Environmental Defense Fund]: “About 70 percent of the air cancer risk in the air that we breathe comes from cars and trucks on our streets. So anything we can do to get trucks out of our communities and off of our crowded streets is a good thing.” Rooftop Farms is managed by a team of experienced farmers and volunteers. Neighbors often stop by and local restaurants get daily deliveries of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Ben Flanner, one of the farmers, is the delivery man. Marlow and Sons, a neighborhood eatery, particularly likes the farm’s heirloom tomatoes and mesclun greens. Sean Rembold is its Executive Chef. [Sean Rembold, Executive Chef]: “It is pretty amazing, when even though we can’t get the volume maybe from the rooftop farm, to know that we can get fresh excellent vegetables… I could call right now — call Ben — and he would bicycle over something within the hour. So it’s pretty amazing.” Rooftop Farms is a pilot project. It cost $60,000 to design and build. The project’s goal is to bring down costs and to build more farms like it across New York City.Similar Posts:

No similar posts found

No Similar Posts Found

Rainbird, a manufacturer of water saving sprinklers is offering a contest to win some great prizes from $20 ot $5,000 values. Enter by July 15th. Check it out and sign up!Similar Posts:

• Sustainable Landscaping By EcoLandscape Group
• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• TOP 14 Ways to Eco Landscape
• Homemade Tobacco Pest Control- Product Review

• Sustainable Landscaping By EcoLandscape Group
• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• TOP 14 Ways to Eco Landscape
• Homemade Tobacco Pest Control- Product Review
• Green and Clean Blue Pools

ourlaughingplace.com

Once again, my neighbors are throwing away golf clubs and golf bags in the trash. It kills me! I have used the golf clubs as stakes in my very small yard. With landfills filling up and cost of landscape materials, why not take your throwaways and reuse them re-creatively in your yard.

Bricks- Found for free in Craiglist- can be used for walkways, borders and stepping stones.

Broken up Cement: Can be used in walk ways, borders, retaining walls, stepping stones. I used broken up cement to fill up a huge hole in my yard.

Old Chairs- Turn into a fountain, use as stools to add dimension in the yard.

Reuse Chairs and Pots

Old Windows-From Robomargo- windows made into greenhouses. Use as a potting shed, a tabletop for an outdoor table, a fence and more.

Robomargo.com

Railroad Ties- My mother used old railroad ties to make a retaining wall and built steps down to a lower yard.

Tree Trunks- I am using 2 tree trunks as stools for other plants and to add dimension and height into my yard. If you just took out a tree- you can slick the trunk up and use as stepping stones as well.

Rocks- I reused my rocks taken from the dirt as a circular border around the yard. Also use to encircle plants to make a moat to help retain water.

Tires- I took a few old tires, and set them on the hill and planted a couple of plants inside. Or see these very different Tire Garden Planters from Wuv’n Acres

Plastic Bottles- an article on how to use plastic bottles to plant Tulips

Re-Think, Re-use. Recycle and Re-create new ways to use old things to add some oomph in your garden.Similar Posts:

• Sustainable Landscaping By EcoLandscape Group
• Indoor Vegetable Garden
• Reduce Waste- Save Money and Recycle Food Scraps
• Why Use Native Plants?

• Sustainable Landscaping By EcoLandscape Group
• Incredible Fantasy Garden Made With Recycled Materials
• Indoor Vegetable Garden
• Clean, Green And Eco Friendly Lawn Care In San Diego
• Reduce Waste- Save Money and Recycle Food Scraps

Eco-Smart Pools

My sister has wanted a pool for I don’t know how long. She wants to look out at water and to make her backyard a relaxing, serene oasis for her and her family. I on the other hand, always think about cost and maintenance and the effect on the environment. The amount of energy a pool takes is incredible, the water needs to pumped and filtered- and not only that the chemicals!

I just Gotta Tell Ya

• Recent findings have even linked regular swimming in a chlorine pool to the development of asthma in small children
• There are more than 7 Million private swimming pools in America today
• The average private swimming pool uses 18,000- 20,000 gallons of water.
• The typical uncovered pool in Arizona loses 4-6 feet of water per year to evaporation.
• Losing an inch of water a day can add up to 102,000 gallons of lost water per year.
• One pool alone emits three to 10 tons of carbon dioxide each swimming season- which is like not driving your car for a year.
• The annual cost for heating a pool is $2,000 (about the same cost as installing solar)
• An outdoor pool loses 70% of its energy through evaporation; covering the pool when not in use can bring 50%-70% energy savings according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Top 9 Ways to Reduce and Save on Your Pool

1. Check your Pump- pumps are becoming more energy efficient. Look for Applied Research Laboratories stamp, which means it meets US Standards for saving energy.
2. Buy a timer for both the pump and the filter- which will assure they run when you want them too.
3. Fix Leaks- mark the waterline with a grease pencil and check it in 24 hours, to determine if you have a leak.
4. Clean Filters and Pumps for maximum efficiency. Consider installing diatomaceous earth (DE) filters, which only need to be cleaned about 4x per year.
5. Homeowners can greatly reduce the electricity used by their pool by installing a variable-speed pool pump.
6. Reduce the temperature and the number of months you heat your pool
7. Create a windbreak with native plants to help reduce cooling and evaporation. Plants also absorb some carbon dioxide from common chemicals. You can even create a water cleaning system for your pool water using certain flora such as irises, cattails, arrowroot and reeds
8. Use a pool cover- consider a  solar pool cover. Not only are you helping to heat the water, but you’re reducing the need for chemicals and lowering evaporation by up to 95%
9. Green the Chemicals

Putting in a Pool? Consider the below

Solar Powered Pool -Solar energy can lower monthly electric bills by $50 to $100. Payback of 18 to 24 months.

Natural Pools-Forget chemicals all together and put in a ‘natural pool’. These pools use no chlorine and should blend into the landscape- utilize plants to clean. For 23 great ideas go to Green Homes

Natural Pool by GartenART

Salt Pools-Consider switching to salt water. The absence of chemicals means it’s more gentle on the skin, and the salt helps keep the pool naturally clean and algae-free, translating to less money and less maintenance. For more information check out Casual Living.

Where to Find

• Eco Smart Pools- non-salt, non- chlorine and chemical free pools
• Viking Pools- non-porous finish – which means less chemicals are needed because algae is less prone to attach.
• Find Solar- database of Solar professionals endorsed by the US Department of Energy.
• Natural Swimming Pools- self sufficient pools, utilizing plants to clean

Chlorine Replacement

• Nature2- Natural mineral base pool sanitizers free of chemical odors-
• Orenda Technologies
• Floatron Real Goods- kills algae without chemicals- $269

Solar Heating

• Solar Pool Heating Standard Kit-$370.00. Do it Yourself kit that can be installed in the yard or the roof.

Solar Pool Covers

• Solar Sphere Covers - carries conventional solar covers and smaller solar heat attractors that come in multiple shapes in case you don’t wanna spring for a whole cover ($25-$429).
• Leslies Pools-Thermo-Tex Solar Covers – Low-density polyethylene that’s lightweight and easy to handle ($43-$299).
• Speciality Pool Products Solar Blankets - covers made from sealed air bubble material Choose your pool shape and size and it’ll give you three solar cover options in varying thicknesses ($25-$575)

Resources

• Practical Environmentalist

Similar Posts:

• Skies of Blue and Green Roofs
• TOP 14 Ways to Eco Landscape
• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• Composting 101- Easy Tips for Beginners

• Skies of Blue and Green Roofs
• TOP 14 Ways to Eco Landscape
• Clean, Green And Eco Friendly Lawn Care In San Diego
• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• Composting 101- Easy Tips for Beginners

Adjustable Nozzle- about $18.00

Don’t have a drip system or have a small yard, try this Spray Nozzle that tells you how much water you are using. Just attach it to your garden hose and it measures how much water you are using.

$12.95-Water Saving Nozzle

• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• Reuse Materials in Garden and Landscaping
• San Diego Aquaponics Company Offers Portable and Sustainable Gardening
• Community and Urban Gardening

• 27 Tips For Conserving Water in Your Yard
• Reuse Materials in Garden and Landscaping
• San Diego Aquaponics Company Offers Portable and Sustainable Gardening
• Community and Urban Gardening
• Reduce Waste- Save Money and Recycle Food Scraps