Green Living

Eat Greener Meat

The consumption and the production of meat in general actually has an effect on our planet.  Livestock centers around the world are the cause of around 18% of greenhouse gas emissions throughout the planet so when you think about it, that is a very large number.  This will also affect the quality of water around the world as well as biodiversity.  Therefore, we should all consider a few things about the animals that provide us with food to eat and the environment that we live and breathe in. One of the best things you can do is avoid buying any processed food that takeout is usually made from.  That is why it is important for a person to know how to cook and more importantly, how to cook meat.  There are a number of different books that you can purchase to help make you a better cook or you can graze some ideas off of cooking channels on your television.  Even this small step can help lower the number of livestock in centers where they are contained before they get made into processed food. Another way that someone can help out with the problem we face with very large livestock centers is ...

Natural Cosmetics 101

Natural cosmetics have been making a big boom in the market lately.  While you might be skeptical that they’re just another gimmick, natural products are a healthy alternative to your normal cosmetics. Traditional cosmetics contain all sorts of unnatural chemicals that build up in your skin, seep into your pores, and sometimes build up in your body.  By using natural products you can avoid this. Another benefit to natural cosmetics is they won’t irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction.  Often, acne and other skin conditions are actually an allergic reaction to chemicals in your make up and other skin care products. Keep in mind, however, that unlike “certified organic”, the word natural is not regulated.  This means pretty much any cosmetics producer can put the word natural on something, no matter what it contains.  Many mainstream products that are sold as “natural” still contain dangerous artificial chemicals. To find real natural products, you should look to see if an independent company has verified that the product is natural.  But again, anyone can “certify” a product because there is no government regulation.  Some companies even create their own “certification” to say they have a natural product.  Research different companies that verify natural products ...

How to Start a New Lawn with Grass Seed

When you build a new lawn, you have a few different ways to get grass plants into the ground.   Although laying sod might look easier to do, starting a lawn with seed has its own advantages.  With a little effort, anyone can obtain an excellent result.  Here are some tips for starting a new lawn with grass seed. The first and often most important advantage of grass seed is the cost.  As you might expect, grass seed is much less expensive than sod.  A second advantage is that you have greater choice in the varieties of grass you can use. There's another interesting benefit of using seed to create a lawn.  Many organic gardeners choose to mix a little seed from non-grass plants such as clover and white yarrow into the grass seed before sowing.  These beneficial plants build up the soil and contribute to the lawn's health when grown along with grass. One of the disadvantages of using seed is that weeds will inevitably sprout along with the grass, no matter how hard you try to start with a weed-free soil.  And of course, grass seed doesn't produce an instant lawn the way that sod does. You will prepare to build the lawn ...

How to Start a New Lawn with Sod

Are you in a hurry to have grass in your yard?  If that's the case, you might be considering using sod instead of seed to create the lawn.  Planting sod is not necessarily any easier than sowing grass seed, but it does have its benefits.  Here are some tips for using sod to start a new lawn. The primary advantage of sod is a faster result - you can have a lush, green lawn within an afternoon.  A secondary advantage is that the lawn starts its life free of weeds such as dandelions and thistle.  However, sod is more expensive than grass seed and can die off if not planted and cared for properly.  Your choice of grass varieties is also more limited than it would be if you were buying seed. In preparation for the new lawn, you must add organic matter to the soil and remove weeds and stones.  Rake the soil and make the ground as level and smooth as possible.  This work should be done before the sod arrives at your home.  Sod that is left sitting around will dry out quickly. When you are laying down sod, the trick is to get the soil very moist and work ...

Can You Have a Great-looking Lawn Without Chemicals?

Many home gardeners are worried about putting chemicals on their lawn due to the potential impact on the environment and the health of their families.  At the same time, they wonder whether giving up synthetic fertilizers and herbicides means that they must sacrifice an attractive lawn.  They will be pleased to know that it really is possible - and not very difficult - to have a fine grass lawn that adds value and eye-appeal to the property.  Here are the secrets to a healthy, great-looking lawn without the use of harmful chemicals. Prepare the soil - All organic gardening methods place great emphasis on improving the soil.  If you're starting a lawn from scratch, then you must prepare the soil by digging in organic matter and removing weeds.  Even if you are working with an existing lawn, there are still things you should do each year to build up the soil and keep it in excellent shape for growing grass. Choose the right grass varieties - This is a vital consideration.  Grass that is wrong for your climate will grow poorly and be harder to maintain.  It may need more watering and be more vulnerable to attack from disease and pests.  How ...