Want to save money on heating this winter? Here are 5 steps you can take to keep the heat in.

The previous post in the Simple Ways to Save Money this Winter series focused on with exterior walls.  Here we discover 5 other insulation solutions that are not only inexpensive but can be done in a short amount of time and don’t require you to tear down walls to accomplish.

…read more of 5 Simple Ways to Save Money this Winter Pt. 2 here

Insulation is the one of the best ways to save money on heating and air conditioning. Considering a third of a home’s annual costs are spent on heating, it’s worth spending a little on insulation to keep that heat inside.  In this series, I will focus on an array of cost saving solutions for effectively insulating your home. By following these tips, you’ll be able prevent heat loss and conserve energy without breaking the bank. You can even receive a 30% tax credit in certain areas.

Where to Start

Test your airflow  On a windy day, hold a lit candle or incense stick to these areas: …read more of Insulation: Save Money and Gain Heat here

Annuals are for the birds… As I mentioned in my article on Easy Green Lawns, I love having one of the nicest landscapes in the area, but I also enjoy having the freedom to take shortcuts, which in turn, allows me to spend more time on enjoyable tasks.

In this post I would like to give you some tips on how to do a chore once, and not yearly.

Lets start with flowers. We want to have manicured, flower ridden beds as soon as it first hint of warm weather arrives. But why do more work than you need to? Work smarter, not harder. …read more of Lazy Gardener Flowers and Herbs here

Building or renovating a home is a daunting task, particularly when done with consideration for the Earth and human health.

Materials that were once considered safe are now being found to be detrimental to indoor air quality and to the environment at all stages of the life cycle. Carpets manufactured with petroleum-based synthetic fibers and toxic glues are thought to give off gas for years. Vinyl flooring is made with one of the most toxic materials used in the home.

These considerations are even more critical when statistics are saying the majority of us spend up to 90% of our time indoors. Natural flooring options improve indoor air quality and long-term health, while being much better for the planet. …read more of Sustainable Flooring here

Cattails are so prolific and the uses for this plant are curiously endless.

Native Americans have used them for food, clothing, shelter, medicines, arrows and for weaving baskets. The seed-down, which is very soft and doesn’t compress or mat, is used for padding and insulation.

They also made jelly and marmalade from the roots. The pollen, rich in vitamins and minerals, can also be used for baking and making bread. America had at least 140 thousand square miles of cattail swamps around the Second World War where we used millions of pounds to make insulation for wallboard and clothing. …read more of Cattails provide food, down, oil, reeds and so much more! here