Go green this holiday season. It’s hard to believe, but according to Robert Lilienfeld, co-author of the book, “Use Less Stuff: Environmental Solutions for Who We Really Are,” between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans throw away a million extra tons of garbage each week. During the season of giving, it sure seems like we’re taking a lot from Mother Nature. Here are some suggestions of ways to go green this holiday season, and you just might save some green in the meantime. Start with your gift giving. You may not have ever thought about it before, but some gifts are certainly more eco-friendly than others. Giving an experience, like tickets to a ballgame or an art exhibit, create much less waste than complicated toys and gadgets. And some of the best gifts can be homemade like cookies and cakes, or having guests over for a full home-cooked meal. As you do begin wrapping up those presents for family and friends, consider recycling gift wrap. You can easily reuse gift bags, tissue paper, bows and even wrapping paper. For gift wrapping alternatives, think about using reusable items like scarves, handkerchiefs or bandannas. And if you just look around the house you’ll probably find old posters, maps, sheet music, wallpaper scraps, magazine and newspaper cutouts, and comic pages which all work very well as wrapping paper. If you need to ship your presents this year, avoid Styrofoam packing peanuts and try the biodegradable kind instead. You can also use crumpled up newspaper, or even dry, popped popcorn (insert a note inside the box letting the receiver know that they can later treat birds to it). For many folks, the holidays just wouldn’t be the same without a live, fragrant Christmas tree. As you search for that perfect tree, keep in mind that if you purchase a tree from a tree farm you’re not damaging forests. Another option is purchasing a potted plant that can be enjoyed year round such as a Norfolk pine, fig or fichus. Artificial trees are also a good choice since they are reused every year and that saves on the gas you would spend driving to the tree farms. To ignite your family with holiday cheer, be sure to purchase Christmas lights made with light-emitting diodes, or LEDs. These lights have been around since 2001 and are ninety percent more efficient than traditional Christmas lights. They also release little heat and last about 200,000 hours. According to one U.S. Department of Energy study, if all families replaced their conventional holiday light strings with LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved in a month. The savings alone would be enough to power 200,000 homes for a year. Once you’ve chosen your tree, get creative with the decorations. Give it your family’s personal touch by decorating it with memorabilia such as a child’s first shoe or grandma’s hankie scented with perfume. There’s no need to go out and purchase pricey ornaments when cookie cutters, pinecones, stuffed animals and toys, and miniature toy cars work just as well. And to start the New Year off on the right foot try treecycling. By recycling your fresh tree you can make a huge difference in reducing holiday waste. Instead of ending up in a landfill, Christmas trees can be ground into wood chips and be reused as mulch gardens, or to prevent erosion. If you visit Earth911.com, you can search your zip code to find the nearest Christmas tree recycling center near you. Written by Tara Darby as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter .

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Tips for an Eco-Friendly Holiday

Home inspections made easy. What does your home inspection cover? And who is liable if a problem develops down the road? We’ll answer these questions in today’s column. You need an inspection on any property you are buying, regardless if it’s old or new construction. An inspection is like a check-up for your house. What repairs will need to be addressed now and what might need to be addressed later down the road? This is what you have answered during an inspection. Having an inspection done prior to signing a contract allows you to negotiate your findings into the deal. Does the roof need replaced? The seller may give an allowance to pay for the repairs. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know! Perhaps you’ve fallen in love with a fixer-upper and are dreaming of doing the repairs yourself. If the inspection discovers hidden damage and costs, you’ll be given the option to keep looking for a more suitable house. Keep in mind, however, that simply because a house needs repairs doesn’t mean you shouldn’t purchase it. Nearly every house will have a list of repairs that need to be done to get it “shipshape.” It is your decision to choose how much you are willing to spend and how much work you are willing to do. A home inspection varies depending on what type of property you are interested in. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), “The standard home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components.” There are limits, however, to what a home inspection will cover. They aren’t required to identify conditions that are concealed or are considered latent defects. That means if personal property, plants, snow, or debris are covering an issue, the home inspector isn’t require to move those items to inspect and isn’t liable if he misses something. They aren’t require to make determinations on systems that aren’t readily accessible. They also aren’t required to note the presence of potentially hazardous plants and animals. That includes “wood destroying organisms” or even molds. This means you should find a home inspector that you trust. The ASHI recommends you choose from their list of licensed professionals. “ASHI members know houses, ensuring that you can find a home inspector. They are trained to objectively communicate to you, the home inspection buyer, what the house has to say. ASHI members have demonstrated technical proficiency and report-writing skills, and they have committed to continuing education in order to achieve and maintain their member status.” Having a trusted inspector means that most every problem that can be identified will be. An inspection is about peace of mind, and a good inspector gives you that. Written by Carla Hill as found in Craig Lilly’s Newsletter .

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Home Inspections 101

Flora and fauna for all seasons is challenging but beautiful. Flowering gardens are a beauty to behold and bring enormous satisfaction to those who plant them. Doing ones’ own landscaping has many rewards. Gardens that grow and bloom during all seasons can be a challenge, but in many gardening zones,  a little planning and the right mix of flora makes this possible. Blooms Burst In Winter Crocus often thrust tiny, delicate blooms through the snow in winter, making them a must have for your garden. They rarely get taller than four inches, so place them around the edges of your beds, or scatter throughout for ground-hugging beauty. Some hybrid varieties bloom as early as November. Plant Pansies in coordinating colors. Evergreen shrubs may compliment your winter landscape, especially when sparkling with ice. Ornamentation in the garden is more visible at this time of year; add benches, statues and seasonal decorations. Spring Blossoms Narcissus, Daffodils and Jonquils present an early spring show and are great for naturalizing. Hybrids offer an abundance of shapes and colors and require little care. These multiply yearly. If you have enough space,consider forms of Pussy Willow and Witch Hazel, also early bloomers. Pansies and Violas work well with these combinations. Spring flowering bulbs are a must for a beautiful landscape. Asiatic Lilies come in a variety of colors and bloom early in spring. Tulips make an early showing as well. Corms and tubers,such as Dahlias, Daylilies, and Iris blooms follow and add to your display. Azaleas offer a bushy option, as does the March Bell bush. Planting seeds instead of buying the actual plant can be a money-saving option. Start seeds indoors and replant outside for earlier bloom, or plant outside after danger of frost has passed in your area. Variety allows you to display your personality through your blossoms. Using seeds provides an unlimited selection. Look though catalogs and plan your color scheme. Daisies, Marigolds and Calendulas are hardy choices for the beginning and accomplished gardener. Cosmos, with its’ frilly foliage, makes a great blossom for the back of your area. These hardy annuals can reach six feet and may bloom until frost. Summer Showings Ready-to-flower plants can be intermingled with seeds. Gaillardias and Gerber Daisies are popular and require little more than feeding, watering, and deadheading. Evening Primroses add fragrance as well as beauty. Summer flowering bulbs, such as Gladiolus and Snow Drops should be planted in early spring for summer bloom. Cannas and Calla lilies have dramatic foliage and beautiful flowers. The many shapes and shades of Coleus allows your landscape to make a striking statement. Plant flowers and bulbs in waves instead of rows for a more dramatic effect. Crisp Autumn Beauty Autumn flowering plants are more of a challenge, particularly in the higher zones. Colchicums and Cyclamens will bloom in late August through November. If your area experiences early freezes, cover the plants for protection. Make sure to uncover before the sun can burn them. The hardy Mum is a fall garden classic. Colors and varieties allow dramatic combinations. Asters, Pansies and the edible Viola add texture and contrast. Experiment with different plants and flowers until you find your perfect combinations. These methods allow you to find what works best in your garden. Be sure to check sun requirements for different varieties and always start with a rich, well-drained soil for best results. Enjoy the satisfaction of nature’s beauty under your design. For more articles by this author, go to Helium .

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Four Season Landscaping

Fall Yard Maintenance September is a great time of year to look around your yard and think about how to get it ready for next season. This includes landscaping, equipment considerations and general maintenance. To get your list started, here are five ways to prepare for fall: Clean out beds and mulch: Remove dead growth, leaves and weeds that have cropped up. If your perennials have become overcrowded, divide them up so they can thrive next year. To allow nutrients to seep back into the soil, turn over the dirt with a hoe. After beds are nice and clean, mulching will seal in moisture, keep the ground soft, and, well, it just looks nice. There are many different varieties to choose from, and while it may be tempting to simply dump it on your beds, carefully place it around plants so as to not damage them. Plant! It may seem strange to suggest this now, but fall is great for a second round of veggies, transplanting trees/shrubs, adding perennials or putting in bulbs for spring. Fertilize: Most areas across the country should plan on fertilizing their lawns, but when and what kind of fertilizer (nitrogen and/or phosphorous) will depend on your temperatures and native grasses. Check in with your local landscaper for more information. Pruning: Do NOT over prune in the fall. Pruning stimulates growth and if it gets cold where you live, the only kind of trimming you want to do is to remove dead branches or limbs. Decorate: Summer isn’t the only time to enjoy your backyard. Think about adding a few strings of light, tiki torches or even a fire pit to brighten things up as the days grow shorter. If you spend a little extra time taking care of the upkeep in the fall, the pleasure you receive from a beautiful landscape all year ’round will be worth the effort!

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Fall Yard Maintenance

Swimming pools need care even in the winter. An above ground swimming pool can bring us years of enjoyment as long as we take care of it in a responsible manner. The frigid, freezing temperatures of winter are the most ruthless adversaries to the pool and it’s equipment, so winterizing your above ground pool is essential if you have plans to use it again next summer. The first, and perhaps most important step before you put your pool to bed, is to make sure the chemical balance of your water is correct. If it isn’t, corrosion or scale buildup might occur while the pool is shut down. There are four basic water content levels that need to be checked: • The pH should be between 7.2 – 7.6. • Alkalinity should be 80 – 120 parts per million. • The chlorine content should be 1 – 3 parts per million. • The calcium hardness should be 175 – 250 parts per million. All of these tests can be performed by purchasing a good test kits from your local pool supply store. Just follow the instructions and adjust the content accordingly. The sides and floor of the pool need to be brushed down and vacuumed. If any kind of dirt or other foreign matter is left in the pool, stains might penetrate their way into the pool lining.  While you’re at it, don’t forget to add winterizing chemicals in the deep end. This will protect the water quality. Your skimmer, filter and pump basket should be cleaned along with the cartridge filter elements and Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) filter grids. Any sand filter you may have needs to be back-washed. Take your chlorinator and remove any remaining tablets from it. If these tablets are left in it, they could end up staining or bleaching your pool liner over the winter months, especially if the floater winds up resting against the side of the pool wall. Check your filter tank, pump and other critical equipment for drain plugs. If you find them, go ahead and remove them to drain them of water. One additional thing you need to do after this is turn the pump on for just a few seconds so the impeller will blow any remaining water out of it. This will help protect your pump from being damaged when the water freezes. Place your drain plugs with your other stored equipment. Depending on your personal preference, either drain the pool until the water level is below the water jets and skimmer, or insert a pool skimmer guard into the skimmer itself to protect it from damage when the water freezes. Freezing water will expand and damage or burst any piping that’s associated with your pool. Place an air pillow in the center of the pool and tie it to the pool walls with a strong string. If the water freezes, it will expand toward the pillow rather than toward the pool walls. Were the water to expand toward the pool walls, the resulting pressure could end up bursting the side walls, and you’d end up with a real mess, not to mention a hefty repair tag to go along with it. Cover the pool with a winter cover and secure it tightly so it won’t come off. By following these procedures your pool should survive even the most brutal winter mother nature can throw at it. Be sure to double check the documentation of all your pool devices to be sure you’ve stored everything properly per their instructions. For more articles by this author, go to Helium .

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Instructions for Winterizing Above-Ground Swimming Pools

Natural Disaster I recently came across this article on Yahoo News. The advice in this article holds true regardless if you are in a natural disaster or just looking for a contractor. Remember to always check references and go check out previous job sites. This one thing will scare off most bad contractors. Also make sure they are licensed in your state. And most importantly never make a large up front payment. Depending on the value of the job never give more than 25% deposit. Make a schedule with the contractor that as they progress and meet deadlines you will give an agreed upon percent until the job is complete and a final payment is made. “Homeowners who found themselves in the sights of Hurricane Irene may soon be targeted by scammers looking to profit from their pain. As attention turns to repair and rebuilding, residents in affected areas should be aware that disasters often attract unscrupulous contractors who will prey on those trying to put their lives back together. The National Consumer Law Center reported in late 2008 that complaints about contractor fraud to the Louisiana Attorney General’s office leaped to 6,000 in the two years after Hurricane Katrina, from about 150 a year prior to the storm. The counterpart in Mississippi received more than 800 reports of fraud. One common scheme is for scam artists to ask for an up-front payment and never show up to do the work. A survey by Louisiana State University found that was the case for 61 percent of respondents who had been victims of contractor fraud in the three years after Katrina. Another big concern is contractors who use poor-quality materials and cut corners, pocketing the price difference from what it would cost to make proper repairs. And the scams don’t come cheap: 15 percent of respondents to the LSU survey said they lost between $10,000 and $30,000. The most common problems come when homeowners hire unlicensed contractors who hang signs advertising low-cost work or head to an affected area after a disaster. “We call them storm chasers,” said Cheryl Reed, director of communications for the consumer website Angie’s List. “Those are people trying to make a buck off of somebody else’s misfortune.” One common tactic is for contractors to go door-to-door and offer to help. “It’s easy when people are upset and they want to get this started,” said Loretta Worters, vice president of the Insurance Information Institute. “You’re so distraught that you don’t really think about the implications.” Although homeowners may feel pressured to find someone to make the essential repairs, a sense of urgency can make them more vulnerable. Slowing down and taking the time to check a contractor’s credentials and references can save time and money in the long run. Here are some tips to help ensure you hire a contractor who will do the job properly: 1. Be suspicious of any contractor who tries to rush you to make a decision, especially on non-emergency or temporary repairs. 2. Send away quickly any contractor who claims to be backed by the government. The Federal Emergency Management Agency does not endorse individual contractors or loan companies. 3. Ask to see the primary contractor’s driver’s license and write down the number and the license plate number of his or her vehicle. Also ask to see the contractor’s proof of liability and worker compensation insurance. Make sure anyone you hire is licensed and bonded, or you could be at additional risk for liability, should the contractor have an accident on the job. 4. Never let a contractor discourage you from contacting your insurance company. 5. Beware of contractors who encourage you to spend a large sum on temporary repairs. Payments for such repairs are covered as part of the total insurance settlement. If you run up a big expense for temporary fixes, you may not have enough money for the necessary permanent repairs. Discuss what’s needed with your insurance agent or claims adjuster. And remember to keep receipts. 6. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations or get a list of reputable contractors from your insurance agent or company representative. Check out candidates on online forums, and with the Better Business Bureau, your local home builders association, consumer affairs department and your state attorney general’s office before signing a contract. Never give anyone a deposit until after you have researched their background. 7. Don’t pay for work up front. Most contractors will require a down payment, but that should just be a portion of the total bill. And don’t pay anything until you have a written contract. Never sign a contract with blank spaces, which a crooked contractor can alter after you’ve signed the document. 8. Beware of price gouging. While prices often rise as demand increases, you should report exorbitant hikes to local authorities. Get all terms in writing; that includes prices for labor and materials, a precise description of the work to be done, time schedules, guarantees, payment schedules and estimated start and finish dates. 9. Don’t pay with cash and don’t sign over an insurance settlement check to the contractor. Using checks or credit cards creates a record of your payments, which will be helpful if there’s a dispute. 10. Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished and you are sure the work satisfies current building codes. 11. Report suspected fraud to local authorities. Also, report anyone who encourages you to fabricate an insurance claim to your insurance company, the local police, the state insurance department or the National Insurance Crime Bureau hotline at 1-800-TEL-NICB”

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Rebuilding after a disaster? Watch for contractor scams

Staycation is your backyard oasis. Some time in the middle of recession from the recent financial crisis, the concept of staycation came about. Staycation is a shortened version of stay-at-home vacation. The term can now be found in Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. When going somewhere for a vacation is already expensive, the wise move is to make your home a vacation haven. The idea of going on a vacation is to relax and unwind. When you think about it, the backyard is a nice place to do such an activity. A relaxing vacation can be achieved in your backyard with few creative touches. The Lounge Area Find a reclining chair in your living room. Move it to a shady area in your backyard so you have a place to relax, sip drinks, and read books. Have a picnic in your backyard if you have a nice lawn area. All you need are pillows and a blanket. The soft grass can act as a cushion. If your kids have outgrown their single beds, those will be ideal lounging furniture. Choose brightly-covered pillows and you’ll easily transport yourself to some vacation paradise. The Dining Area Your staycation will even feel like an island vacation if you eat outside. An inviting table setting can easily make any simple meal sumptuous. Use practical and casual dinnerware. You do not want to use your fine china in this one. Light snacks during the day under the cool breeze are filling and relaxing. Light up some candles when it gets dark and you’ll have a romantic candlelit dinner. Open a bottle of wine and play good music and you will never feel you are just vacationing at home. The Backyard Barbecue Invite friends over when you’re done fixing up the place. Grilled veggies and meat during the hot summer afternoon paired with cool, refreshing drinks are a wonderful way to gather with friends. Do not sweat the details. Use plates, dishes and utensils you can easily slip into the dishwasher. Just prepare paper towels and spray bottles filled with water and detergent for easy cleanup. Camping Out Skies are clear during summer time. It is ideal for stargazing. Kids will learn constellations and astronomy. Camping out in your own backyard eliminates the troubles in having to prepare for a trip away from home. You can still enjoy the outdoors without the rigors associated with setting up camp in unfamiliar territories. You still need to protect everyone from bugs so those anti-repellent lotions still come in handy. Set up a fire and roast hotdogs and marshmallows. Tell stories and play games with your kids. Staycation is not a bad idea. If your know how to create a relaxing and fun place in your own backyard, you do not need to travel for a vacation. For more articles by this author, go to Helium .

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Turn your Backyard into a Vacation Spot

Outdoor Oasis for relaxation and peace of mind. There are so many ways that you can create a garden, so. ultimately it comes down to personal preference. There are a few basic garden styles that you can follow. Make sure when you choose a style that you consider the architecture of your home. A formal garden will not necessarily be the best choice for a cottage style home. Also, consider the color of the items in your yard, the fence, any outbuildings. The color of your home and it’s trim are also important factors. There are five general garden styles.   Formal The formal garden has a long history. French or Italianate gardens feature strong symmetry. Asian or Islamic gardens have strong geometric patterns. A formal design will have strong defined lines and edges. Paving and paths are central and will lead the eye to some kind of specimen plant or other garden element, such as a statue. Hedges and shrubs are prevalent. They should be trimmed into symmetrical shapes such as pyramids, balls and boxes. Formal gardens are frequently monochromatic in color. Often they will be one single color, like white. Informal/Casual The goal of the informal garden is to soften the boundaries between the home and the garden. An informal garden will have winding paths, and mounded groups of plants. The casual garden will include more potted plants and beds with mixed flowers. Large shrubs should be used as a backdrop for plants. The casual garden should have a relaxed and inviting feeling. Contemporary Contemporary gardens use shapes that include circles, ovals and triangles. Geometric beds can be used, but the plantings should appear to have a bit of organized chaos. Often architectural features of a home, (I.E. oval windows), will be copied into the garden. House trim color is also copied with the flower color. Also present are living walls covered with climbing vines, container groupings that mirror bed shapes, and newly introduced plants. The contemporary garden is also a great place for espalier’s and topiary’s. The topiary’s should be trimmed into free-form triangles and ball shapes. Of most importance is that this style remain fluid. A contemporary garden is a “blend of traditional style with modern design principles.” (Flower Gardening; Julie Bawden-Davis; 2004) Natural The ultimate goal for a natural garden is to replicate nature. Major features include groupings of odd numbered plants, plantings in layers and levels, and native flowering plants. A natural garden should also include plants that attract wildlife, like birds and bee’s. Keep in mind when creating a natural garden that room should be left for a compost pile or bin. A natural garden should also be free of harmful pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Combination The combination style of gardening is perhaps the most difficult to do successfully. This type of garden requires experience. A successful combination garden will have many aspects of different styles woven together. The best way to approach this design is either to plan it right from the start, or experiment as you go. Begin by choosing one of the classic styles that works for you. Transition this style slowly into a combination garden. The above garden styles will add flair to your garden. By choosing a style that you enjoy you will add cohesion to your garden, inviting people in to experience it’s pleasures. For more articles by this author, go to Helium .

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Choosing a Garden Design Style

 There are dogs that should not live in your house. Your dog can live outside it is up to you to decide what to do with your dog. You dog can get sick or be miserable if he live outside without proper and comfortable protection of dog kennel. In this article I will briefly talk about the best ways to build an outdoor kennel without ruining your budget and of course to provided a great shelter for your dog. Let’s start right away because I have a lot to talk to you… Tip 1: Semi-Homemade Dog Kennel. Many dog owners have found it more cost effective to build onto a smaller pre-made outdoor dog kennel. You can always ad something to your dog kennel to make if better. The kennel can save you money in the long run if you plan it correctly starting out with a smaller kennel then adding on. Tip 2: Use Alternate Materials. As far as I know you don’t have to use chain link or steel to build an outdoor dog kennel. Of you want to build a dog kennel you can use many different materials like wood. You can always look around a little and choose the professional kennels to get the best idea and design for you dog house. You can find a specific list of materials in dog kennel plans . Tip #3: Design the space of the dog kennel. Giving your dog enough room to move around and get some exercise during the day is essential to a good outdoor dog kennel set up. Bear in mind that you do not have an unlimited amount of free space so think carefully about the design of the space  so it will be the most effective . 20-30 feet of running room and 10-20 feet in width is probably the best set-up. Tip 4: The Best Protection Nylon Panels Walls. If you decide to use chain link fencing to build your kennel getting some nylon panels for walls and a roof is an affordable weather proofing solution. For example popular material is nylon panels that can be washed and of course are very breathable on what is even more important provide protection from the sun and block the wind  . Tip 5: Designing a Cost Effective Roof. You can build an ideal kennel for your dog and everything what you should do is to just choose the best design. Three proven roof solutions that are both effective and affordable are: a) Plywood b) Tarp c) Canvas We don’t want our best friend to get hit by a car or some other accident. If you want to know more about how to build a dog kennel visit my website.

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How You Can Get The Simpliest Dog Kennel Plans

Roofing Sydney companies have undergone a lot of changes in the kinds of services they are offering right now. These new inclusions are so that the changing preferences of the Sydney residents can be met. Presently, what most Roof Sydney companies do is not just adding new roofs to houses, where already there are so many various styles to choose from, but there are so many different repair and maintenance jobs that they have included to their catalogs as well. Tiling still remains as the most preferable method of Roof Sydney. But this is not the only method used in roofing right now. Tiles are in fact entirely detested by certain people in Sydney and it is because of these changing preferences that companies are giving them different options. The best replacement considered for roofing tiles right now are being replaced by metal roofing which is considered to be sturdier and more durable. It is because of the sheer options one has with metal that this material is in demand for roofing purposes. A typical Sydney company right now won’t just give people options to build roofs, but they also give many services that are related with roofs. An example of such a service is the building of gutters. Box and guards are the two most popular options of gutters that are being built right now. A lot of the companies that have recently sprung up are displaying these services in their list. In addition to the gutters, other roofing requirements such as downpipes, walkways and wall cladding are also provided. These roofing companies also have solutions for safety measures to add to roofs. Roofing companies may also handle things related with ventilation and roof insulation. Asbestos is another old style of Roof Sydney that is slowly on the verge of decline. This has created a market for asbestos removal and replacement, which is another facility that is provided by roofing companies that are prevailing in modern times. Along with these, some decorative styles of roofing have also become popular, which are being included in these modern Roof Sydney companies’ websites. Color bonding metal roofing in Sydney has come  in fashion as well, and people aren’t shying away from experimenting with different colors for their roofs. Some of the other services that are provided by prominent Roofing Sydney companies right now include work with fascia and wood, and they repair beams that have buckled under pressure; two jobs that will always stay in demand.

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Different Things Offered by Roofing Companies Currently