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Making your own compost is so easy and so good for your garden. The important thing to remember is the carbon (brown) to nitrogen (green) ratio. The actual ratio is about 30 parts carbon to one part nitrogen, but an easy way to remember this is that whenever you put a layer of “green” on the pile, cover it thickly with a layer of “brown.”

Green additions to the pile might be food scraps like vegetable peels or coffee grounds, or grass clippings. Brown ingredients could be raked up leaves, straw or shredded newspapers. The carbon: more »

So, you consider yourself a smart and environmentally conscious person. You might even power your home with bounceenergy or other green energy services. And while it may not seem like a big deal during the summer, when the winter months come along it can be real hard to save on heat. As the temperature drops, you fight with yourself over whether or not to turn the thermostat up another notch as you slowly begin to feel your fingers freeze – so what do you do to save on heat when things get cool?

1. More Layers
If you have a sweatshirt or a few extra layers of clothes, consider wearing those as you go about your business during the particularly chilly days. If you are watching a movie or going to sleep and you have a few extra quilts or comforters, then throw those on. More layers will help trap the heat in your body and keep you warm.

2. Get Better Curtains
Some thicker, sturdier curtains can help fight back any particularly nasty drafts coming through the window. The less cold air that can get in, the warmer you will be.

3. Get Better Windows
Probably the most expensive way to save both heat and money, paying to have the windows replaced is well worth it if you have the cash to handle a set of quality products.

Buying new containers for food storage and other uses can be expensive and impractical for families on a budget. When families want to be economical and environmentally friendly at the same time, they can reuse plastic containers to save leftovers, save spare change, and store other household items.

In fact, coffee containers today are often made out of plastic and feature handy grips and snap on lids for easy use. Rather than throw away these containers, a person can wash out empty ones and reuse them for food storage. Once the container is dry, a person can use it to more »

Setting up a home recycling station is very easy for anyone to do. Go to a local store and three plastic bins, or three plastic garbage bins. Plastic is a great material to use because it will be easy for you to wipe clean, and it is sturdy to hold a lot of objects. Take some masking tape and make a label to put on your bins. Paper, aluminum and glass are a few popular ones. If you want to have plastic or anything else then get another bin. Put these in the garage right more »

Plastic bags can be recycled many different ways. The most obvious use is as a small trash bag for small trashcans around the home, but there are many other ways to use them. Instead of purchasing yet another plastic bag for collecting dog waste, use those plastic bags that you got free! Is the aroma of dirty diapers creeping out of your trashcan? Wrap them in plastic grocery bags first before throwing them away, this way it will help conceal the stench. You can also line more »

Recycling begins at home. Communities can help by providing recycling facilities and containers. Recyclables will not end up in containers or facilities unless individuals make the effort.

Backyard composting is an excellent way to recycle organic matter. Potato peels, carrots, lettuce all can be composted. Do not compost meats, bones or fats because they will create rodent and insect problems. Proteins such as meats do not break down in the same manner as plant material.

Some states will pay for glass and aluminum if they are dropped off at certain stores or recycling stations. Aluminum cans more »