Recycling your organic waste by composting at home is an economical way to better the environment while feeding your garden. Many natural waste items never get the chance to turn into soil because of the anaerobic conditions of many landfills – if no oxygen reaches the trash it will never degrade. This wastes space and money, making a home composter look pretty convenient in comparison!

Here are three simple bins designs that you can use to compost at home:

1. Basic Pile

What is composting? Composting is throwing a bunch of appropriate organic matter into a pile to accelerate the natural decomposition process that inevitably results in the creation of rich soil. Does this operation sound like it needs something fancy? Composting started with bare piles of organic waste simply heaped up and occasionally covered with burlap – and this method works just as well now as it ever has.

2. Pallet Bin

Wooden shipping pallets are given away for free at many big retail stores and warehouses. Stand three pallets on their sides and you have the perfect container to start composting at home. Erect two more half-boxes and you’ll end up with a three-phase composting system for advanced gardeners.

3. Turning Tumbler

Tumblers look like perforated barrels turned on their side and stuck through a rotating barbeque skewer – you stick your compost in the side, give it a good turn every few days, and remain patient until you start smelling that satisfying earthy aroma that announces that indicates that you just made some awesome compost.

4. Compost Rotator

Rotating home composting systems come in many different designs and some are definitely easier to use than others are. Most are just simple compost barrels set vertically on a rotating base that contains an interior paddle that aerates the compost – making the procedure quick and painless for most garden needs.

If you find the right composting system you just might find that this hobby is flexible, fun, and incredibly educational. You will never be closer to your garden than the first time you feed it something that you made yourself through months of patient turning. Composting at home is extremely fun – especially when you have the right equipment – so why wait? Get started today!

The current state of our environment is nothing to ignore. We now know enough that nearly everything we’ve done in the past and continue to do is affecting our world in a very negative way. From the chemicals we inject into our food to the toxic poison known as VOC (volatile organic compounds ) that we paint on our walls, we are destroying our planet.

VOC is a solvent that was created to help paint dry quickly, allow for a smooth finish and help control the thickness and hardness of the painting process. However, VOC is also one of the most common pollutants that is contributing to our ozone layer damage. And the amount of VOC solvent in an ordinary latex paint is an astounding 200 to 300 grams per liter.

And with the growing concern of our environment, the paint industry soon realized they needed to create a painting product that was eco-friendly and free from VOC, which lead to the development of a water based substance that gave professional house painters and homeowners a green alternative.

There’s no doubt that paints for the environmentally conscious have come a long way over the past several years, however when it comes to exterior painting, there are still a few limitations. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to exterior paints is the very small amount of glycol that is used to help create a good finish in cold weather conditions.

However, there have been a few recent products, which allow exterior paints to become more eco-friendly. Unfortunately because of the limited selection, the price can be as high as a whopping $60 per gallon for homeowners looking to go green and even more for those who’ve chosen to hire an exterior house painting service. Keep in mind however, depending on the services you choose, you could cut some costs by doing the prep work yourself.

The good news through all of this is, the federal government has taken notice of the toxic poisons used by many paint manufacturers and created regulations to make sure paints are more eco-friendly so that we can all breathe just a little bit easier.

Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean every contractor or paint company you choose will abide by those regulations, so do your homework if you’re concerned about what kind of paint goes on the exterior of your home. Remember, it never hurts to ask questions.

House cleaning must be done regularly so as to keep the surrounding conducive for daily living. When you see your children play over the sanitized floor tiles, you are assured of their good health. Also, tile grout cleaning necessarily shields the tiles from being damaged by mildew accumulation, grime build up, and dirt penetration.

Good housekeeping requires through cleaning, and so far, no homeowner will admit that grout cleaning is fun. In fact, the grout in between the tiles seems to be the most hated part. Hence, you would hear people constantly asking, what is the best grout cleaner? First, you should know that grout cleaning is different from grout resealing. Grout cleaning should be done regularly in order to avoid heavy dirt formation while grout resealing is done just once or twice in the whole year round. Tile cleaning keeps the floor from unnecessary discoloration.

Depending on your cleaning requirement and the area to be cleaned, there are best grout cleaners available. If you want to stay environmentally friendly, there are harmless cleaning agents such as white vinegar. If the mildew formation is lighter, you can mix the vinegar with small amount of water before application. If otherwise, then apply the vinegar alone. This process is also effective in killing the germs and other harmful organisms living on the tile grout.

Using a steamer is likewise great. Steam cleaning is very comfortable and eco-friendly. All you need to do is to heat up the water on the steaming machine and spread the vapor on dirty areas. Steamers are also disinfectants, and you can use it even if you have your children around because it is absolutely chemical-free. For ordinary grout stains, baking soda turned into a paste is good. After application, leave it there for a while. When you scrub later on, circular scrubbing motion is much effective than the straight up stroke.

Are you thinking of installing a solar powered lamp post at the end of your driveway? Not only are they easy to install but they save you money since they don’t require electricity to operate. Some home owners would just push it into the ground at the end of the driveway and call it a day but they could be missing out on some of the benefits of using a solar powered light in the first place.

Here’s some tips for using and installing a solar lamp post that will help you:

• If you plan to use them at the end of your driveway to cast some light for when you come home after dark think about pairing them up with solar driveway lights which are inexpensive and tie in with your solar lighting theme.
• At the end of your driveway you should space them evenly across from each other in the yard next to the driveway so they are casting light about the same and look uniform.
• Be sure to mount them securely in the ground next to your driveway. Don’t just push them in six inches into the dirt and expect them to still be standing the next time you have a strong rain storm. Be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions so they will stay where you want them.
• Remember that you can use solar lamp posts anywhere you think you need some more ambient light at night…don’t just limit yourself to your driveway. Since you find them in a price range of anywhere from twenty dollars to over two hundred dollars you might want to see if you can find any of the inexpensive ones that match your homes decor and then buy five or six so that you can use them in other spots around your home such as around your pool, deck, or even your garden.

The latest, state of the art shower door designs have been created specifically not only to be durable but to give your bathroom that stand out, inviting look. Frameless shower doors are a thing of pride and beauty until they are marred by water and soap suds stains.

The sad fact is, though shower doors add that aesthetic edge to your home, they are also notorious for easily getting stained. It is because of this that regular cleaning is required. The water we use for our daily needs is called hard water. Hard water contains all sorts of minerals, predominantly calcium and magnesium. When the water on your shower door evaporates, it leaves behind the minerals which get stubbornly etched on your shower door. These mineral deposits are so firmly stuck on your shower door that it prevents detergents from removing them.

Fortunately, there is a method for cleaning shower doors without using all sorts of toxic chemicals. It is a simple three-step process that uses inexpensive but effective organic materials. The instructions are as follows:

Put on some dishwashing gloves and fill up a small bowl with white vinegar. Soak in a brush into the vinegar and briskly scrub the stained parts of the shower door until the stains have lightened or are completely stripped away. Flush the shower door with cool water and wipe it dry with a piece of cloth.

In another bowl, mix into a paste one fourth teaspoon of white vinegar and two teaspoons of baking soda. Using a damp cloth, scrub the stained portions of the shower door with this paste until all the stains are completely removed. Flush the shower door with cool water and wipe it dry with a piece of cloth.

If the stubborn stains persist despite doing step one and two, then proceed with this third step. Fill a clean spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it generously on your shower door. Scrub the shower door with a cloth. Continue the spraying of vinegar and scrubbing with cloth until all the stains are gone. Flush the shower door with cool water and wipe it dry with a piece of cloth.

These three simple and economical steps are an effective way of cleaning shower doors without using chemicals.

Our oceans and rivers are suffering from ever-growing amounts of toxic chemicals that are shed and transported with rain and sewage.  One of the largest pollutants in our water is cleaning solution.  This includes body soap, shampoo, detergents, air fresheners, glass cleaners, de-greasers and stain removers.  All of the products we use in our home and on our bodies get washed down the drain and end up in the water supply.  You can help curb this problem by switching to biodegradable, non-toxic cleaners.  As I heard it said recently, one grasshopper on the tracks won’t stop a freight train, but a billion grasshoppers will surely slow it.

One of the best and most gentle alternative cleaners and household products is vinegar.  Vinegar is readily available in several forms and is good for replacing all of the above mentioned cleaning products, plus more.  All forms of vinegar are suitable to replace some chemical or another for household purposes, except perhaps brown cider vinegar, which may stain some porous surfaces.

Here I have accumulated a list of several useful ways to use vinegar that replace those toxic and sometimes expensive chemicals.

1. Weedkiller – pour undiluted on weeds or unwanted grass to get rid of it.  Works great for killing grass on the driveway.

2. Flea and Mange deterrent – add a little vinegar to your cat or dog’s water to keep fleas and mange away.

3. Rust Remover – soak rusty tools, bolts, spigots and showerheads in undiluted vinegar overnight to remove rust and corrosion and unblock any clogs.

4. No Frost – Coat car window with a solution of 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water to keep your windows frost-free.

5. Salve – Relieve sunburn, itching, and insect stings by pouring some vinegar on a cotton ball and applying to affected area.  If you’re itchy all over, add a few tablespoons to a bath.

6. Hair Care – Add 1 cup of vinegar plus 1 cup of warm water in a glass and rinse your hair with it after conditioning to add natural highlights and relieve dandruff.  It also restores the pH of your hair and scalp, and removes excess oil and shampoo residue.

7. Miracle Cold Cure – Soothe a sore throat by adding 1 teaspoon to a glass of warm water and gargling and swallowing.  To cure a cold, mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup honey and take 1 tablespoon every two hours. This cure is also said to help relieve arthritis. (My dad used to mix one teaspoon vinegar with hot water in a shot glass and take that every morning.  I swear, I’ve never seen that man get sick!)  You can also treat sinus and respiratory infections by adding 1/4 cup vinegar to a humidifier.

8. Cough Relief – get rid of a cough by mixing 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp cayenne pepper and 4 tsp honey.  Take 1 tablespoon every hour until cough subsides.

9. Color care – To keep colors bright in clothes, soak in full-strength vinegar before the first wash.  You can also add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse cycle to brighten fabrics.

10. Stain remover – Gently rub on fabrics to remove most organic stains, then wash as usual. You can also remove perspiration and deodorant stains, as well as smoke smell and other persistent odors, by adding 1 cup of vinegar to the wash cycle. You can also remove scorch stains from your iron plate or coffee maker by heating equal parts vinegar and salt in a small pan and rubbing the solution on the cooled surface.

11. All-purpose cleaner – Use vinegar to clean and disinfect your dishwasher, garbage disposal, kitchen counters, refrigerator, stainless steel surfaces, china and glassware, microwave, cutting boards, dishes, and teapots.

12. Deodorize or unclog your kitchen drain by pouring a handful of baking soda down the drain and adding 1/2 cup vinegar.

13. Make buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it stand for 5 minutes.

14. Substitute lemon with vinegar in a recipe by adding 1/4 teaspoon vinegar per 1 teaspoon lemon juice.

15. Prevent grease buildup in your oven by wiping it down (while cool) with a rag that has been moistened with vinegar and water.

16. Naturally Antibacterial – Vinegar will naturally kill any bacteria it comes into contact with.  Use it to clean surfaces and fixtures in the bathroom by mixing it half and half in a spray bottle and use on sink, counters, toilets, and even floors.

17. Remove soap scum and film on showers and bathtubs by spraying or wiping on vinegar and ten dust with baking soda.  Rinse with water.

18. Air freshener – Vinegar is a natural deodorizer – spray into the air to freshen it up.  You can also set out a bowl of vinegar to rid a room of paint fumes or cigarette smoke. To add a scent to the air, place a bowl of vinegar in a warm spot and add spices or scented oils.  This takes the bad smells out while scenting the air with the good smells!

19. Remove bumper stickers and decals by soaking a cloth in vinegar and then pressing it over the sticker for a few minutes.  The sticker should peel right off.

20. Leather can be easily cleaned with a mix of distilled vinegar and linseed oil.  Rub the mixture in and then polish with a clean cloth.  Also wipe onto patent leather to make it shine brilliantly.

21. Create your own wood polish to remove water stains and make surfaces shine. Mix equal parts distilled vinegar and olive oil.  Apply with a soft cloth and rub with the grain for best results. You can also use this mixture on wood paneling to clean and remove dust and grime.

22. Prolong the life of cut flowers by adding 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 3 tablespoons of sugar per quart of warm water.

23. Increase the acidity of your garden soil by adding 1 cup of vinegar per gallon of tap water.  This will release iron into the soil for plants to use and increase acidity in clay or alkaline soils.  Some acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, gardenias and azaleas will benefit from adding diluted vinegar to the soil.

Homeowners from city to suburbs to countryside can enjoy the splendor of outdoors in style without leaving home. The perfect deck party brings fresh air and sunshine for entertaining guests and family in style. A good party can last for hours, and into the evening. Solar decking lights keep the party going and guests in party spirit. Party lighting transitions a party into the evening with style and safety.

Lamp post lighting is one type of solar decking light for on the market. It offers simple installation on the rails of the deck. Assorted sizes allow outfitting decks of all sizes. Light up your deck and provide weather protection for wood posts. Everyone can find a style and decor to match tastes.

Another stylish lighting arrangement is to insert lighting into deck floors. Recessed lighting can be installed so that it is flush with floor surface. Different tints enhance design appeal. Safety lighting for walking paths can set the deck mood. A screwdriver and drill make this floor treatment a simple, yet ideal for deck stairway safety.

Patios can gain illumination from recessed solar lights. Mount lights around rails. Lights are a breeze to install, and last long term powered by sunshine for enjoying life outdoors. Carefully installed lights should not emit light into seating areas.

Solar rope lights play up to the romantic aspirations of deck owners. String lights around house eaves or deck railing. These accent lights are fun and romantic ways to supplement deck lighting for enhanced evening entertainment. These lights are especially stylish surrounding a deck hot tub or swimming pool.

The range of solar decking lights can provide economical, environmentally friendly and stylish illumination from dusk to dark. Power up lights during day for 14 hours of deck illumination. Enjoy majestic outdoor home living from dusk until dawn.

With the increasing number of natural calamities we have witnessed over the last two decades, the world has also become more conscious about issues such as global warming. It seems that the urgent need to repair the damage we have caused to our planet is beginning to sink in. More and more people, even large business corporations, are beginning to adopt practices that are geared towards preserving the environment. In fact, being earth-friendly is fast becoming a fashionable trend in Hollywood. A growing number of celebrities have been endorsing eco-conscious lifestyles such as driving electric cars and eating organic food. At home, you can also help mother Earth in your own way. After all, there is no better place to start change than in your own backyard—literally. A fantastic project would be to replace all your electric deck lights with solar yard lighting.

Solar yard lights might be more expensive than electric ones, but do not be fooled by the price tag. They actually help you save more money in the long run. For one, they do not use electricity. They simply store power from the sun during daytime and release this energy at night so they could shine. Basically, using them costs next to nothing at all! Think about it. If you replace all your outdoor lights with solar ones, you will be greatly reducing the electricity you use in your household, thus reducing your carbon footprint too. You get to be Earth-friendly while cutting back on your bills at the same time!

Installing solar yard lights in your garden is quite easy. In addition, you might also want to work on solar-powered deck lighting as well. You don’t need to work with wires—which lessens the risk of causing damage to your plants. They are also quite easy to maintain. Just wipe clean the solar panels every now and then to make sure that sunlight is not obstructed by dirt and grime, and simply replace the batteries every two years. Sounds easy, right? So what are you waiting for? Start turning your home into an eco-friendly space and install some solar powered lights on your garden today!

If you are tired of running out of warm water in the middle of a shower consider installing a tankless water heater. Titan tankless water heaters only heat water when it is being used. Instead of heating forty or more gallons of water and keeping it hot in case someone needs some hot water at the tap, these heaters instantly heat the water that is needed when it is being used and then shut off when the water is turned off.

There are several advantages to adding a tankless system to the plumbing in your home. As already mentioned, the there is the advantage of never running out of water that has been heated. In addition, use of the tankless system requires less energy. Since water is never stored, it does not go through a constant heat and cool cycle like a system using a tank. Sediment does not collect at the bottom of the tank, making the system healthier. Finally, studies have shown that the temperature at which most water heater storage tanks keep the water is the perfect breeding ground for Legionnaires disease. For persons with compromised immune systems, the health benefits can be enormous.

There are some disadvantages to the system. If it will be feeding more than one tap, you may be required to install a larger water heating system or use the tank style system. While the system never runs out of water, it is possible to open more taps than water can be heated for, resulting in water that is just warm, tepid or even cold.

Titan tankless water heaters are an excellent choice if you need heated water instantly at one or two taps. They are ideal in many home additions as they can be used to provide adequate heated water for a bathroom that has been added to the home.

Water conservation tips are very useful, although most of the time they are neglected by many people. We all know how important water is but sometimes we do not care to conserve it because of its abundance. This particular scene however, will not stay the same forever. This is why we need to follow and practice some basic conservation tips. Here are 5 very simple tips.

Using a glass and closing the faucet while brushing our teeth is one way of saving water. There are people who have a habit of letting the water run while in the process of brushing their teeth. A habit is hard to break but it wouldn’t be so hard if you are going to do it for a good cause.

Fixing drips and leaks immediately is another way to conserve water. Leaks and drips can be small but they can waste several gallons of water everyday. Replace all the necessary parts of a faucet or toilet which causes the drips and leaks.

When washing fruits and vegetables instead using running water, you might want to consider using a small pan or basin. Then after washing, you can use the water for the plants in your garden. This is referred to as reusing “grey water,” or water that has been used for one purpose but can still serve another purpose.

Watching the weather can also save water. If rain is forecasted, forgo watering your garden, doing so is a clear waste of water. Having a bit of foresight here can save quite a bit of water.

Taking a quicker shower would allow you to save plenty of gallons of water. Many people do not realize they could probably shower more efficiently, but you can if you try hard enough. This will not only help in conserving water but will also reduce your water bill.

These water conservation tips are very easy and simple to practice, particularly when we are aware of the importance of water. Water is a very precious resource and it should not be wasted.