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10 Reasons To Turn Toxic Soil into Safe Soil...

The Barbers' Garden: Pansies

Growing vegetables in your own garden is a great way to save money and eat more healthily.  However, many of us grow our own veggies so that we will have less chemicals, only to find our soil is already polluted.  Here are ten quick ways to help make your soil safe for your family.

1.  Location is key.

Different areas of your yard may have different chemical content.  If you plant near a busy road, or an old building, you’re more likely to have chemicals leaking into your soil.  Try to plant away from these and other hazards that might contain toxins.

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Why Should We Only Buy Recycled Toilet Paper...

Toilet paper

In your quest to be an environmentally-conscious consumer, have you considered buying recycled toilet paper? Many otherwise green families skip this eco-friendly product and much of their decision is based on a lack of information and perhaps the idea of recycled toilet paper.  However, it’s definitely not recycled from other toilet paper but rather other paper products.  There really is no yuck factor! 

100% Recycled Paper 80% Post Consumer Content

This is what you’ll see on packages of recycled toilet paper, but what does it mean? 

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6 Green Outdoor Activities That Are Fun...

47:366 - February 20: Tonight was a full Lunar...

Remember when you were young and played outside all day?  Most children don’t do that anymore and they’re missing out.  Not just on exercise and fresh air but a true appreciation for nature and our environment.  Here are six fun and green outdoor activities to encourage more time outdoors.

1.  Host a scavenger nature hunt. 

Give children a digital camera and send them on a hunt for all things nature.  For example, your list can contain items like dandelions, worms, a maple leaf, and a ladybug and so on.  You can adjust the list of items to hunt for to the age of your children.  If digital camera skills are beyond your little ones, then give them a pad of paper and a pencil so they can check off the items they find.

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Saving Water In Your Bathroom...

Faucet

Image via Wikipedia

According to experts, the global demand for water has tripled over the last 50 years.  This, coupled with the fact that water tables are falling, means the hard truth is we’re in danger of running out of water.  Not today or tomorrow, mind you, yet it is so important for each and every one of us to conserve the water we use and to be conscious of how much we use.  The good news is there are little things we can do every day that make a big difference.  Here are seven ways to save water in your bathroom.

Aerator.

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Tips On Harvesting Rainwater...

Filling a watering can with water from the rai...

Image by ecosan via Flickr

If you’ve ever lived through a drought or live in a drought-prone area then you know the wistful feeling of watching it rain and wishing there were some way you could harvest rainwater to help tend to your lawn and garden.  The good news is there are ways for you to harvest rainwater. 

The good old-fashioned rain barrel is perhaps the easiest and most affordable option.  You can make rain barrels yourself from waterproof containers you have lying around the home or you can purchase them online or in your local home or garden store.  While placing a bucket out in the rain is one option, the best way to capture the most rainwater is to position your barrel under your rain gutter downspout.  Ensure that the downspout flows directly into the barrel.  That way you’re collecting all of the rain that hits the roof of your home, which is a much larger surface area than a bucket collecting water in the yard.

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