Fall Lawn Care Video – Fresh Start Growers’ Supply

The first installment of the web video series “Grow It Forward!” focuses on tips for Fall lawn care. The video series is produced by Fresh Start Growers’ Supply, a sustainable farm, garden, and lawn care supplier located in Louisville, Kentucky. Fresh Start Growers’ Supply provides soil and animal care products for farms, lawns, and gardens. Our goal is to help you farm better, eat better, and live better. We want to provide enjoyable solutions that connect people to their garden and land. Visit the online store at: www.freshstartgrowers.com 1-888-347-8569

Reusable Shopping Bags and Green Lawn Care

If you’re like many people, you might spend a summer weekend tending to the lawn and garden.  Do you use reusable grocery bags in the grocery store?  How about when you shop for lawn care products?  Many people forget that reusable shopping bags can be used in any store.  Of course, more important than reusable bags is what you put in the bags, and this is definitely true when it comes to lawn maintenance.

Some people think maintaining a green lawn is a bad idea because it uses so much water and space.  However, a healthy lawn (maintained appropriately) is a great addition to the ecosystem.  Grass and gardens work to produce much needed oxygen while eliminating overabundant carbon dioxide.  Additionally, these lawns help to suck up rain water, which would otherwise wash into the sewers.  Lawns and gardens even help replace destroyed habitat by providing refuge to insects and animals.  

Our communities and housing developments replace original ecosystems.  However, we can do our part by creating a healthy replacement to the lost ecosystem.  When shopping for lawn care products, it is what you put into your reusable shopping bags that determines how healthy your lawn is.  

Many people run to the store to purchase weed killer at the first sign of foreign plants in their otherwise pristine lawn.  However, weed killers are highly toxic to humans and other animals.  They were created to break down and destroy biological life.  Instead of destroying life, it is more prudent to cultivate it.  Indeed, growing an extremely healthy lawn generally eliminates weed problems on its own.  Few weeds can compete with healthy grass for resources.  For this reason, it is better to invest in quality, eco-friendly fertilizers and compost instead of poisons.  Work to create a healthy lawn first, and most weed problems will disappear.

This principle applies equally well to gardens.  Instead of poisoning problem plants, take care to cultivate the plants you want.  By keeping these plants extremely healthy, they will often outcompete the unwanted weeds.  Additionally, cypress mulch is an effective eco-friendly way to reduce weeds.  Mulch naturally suppresses the growth of weeds without damaging the environment.  Additionally, mulch conserves water by reducing evaporation, and keeping soil moist longer.

But what about pests?  Like weeds, pests often send people to the store for poisonous chemicals, but this is definitely not the green choice.  The negative impact of these pesticides should keep you from ever adding them to your reusable shopping bag.  The truth is, most pests can be combatted without toxic chemicals.  For instance, a little mild dish soap and water applied to leaves will stop aphid infestations.  Beetles can easily be handled with bag traps instead of spraying poisons.  These traps can then be disposed of properly.  Additionally, your garden supply store might sell ladybugs, which make short work of most aphid populations.

One more important element to green lawn care involves lawn equipment.  When was the last time you added an oil filter or a few new spark plugs to your reusable shopping bag?  Keeping your mower in good running condition is a great way to reduce emissions.  Doesn’t seem worth the effort?  Think about the impact of millions of mowers running each week around the country.  It does make a difference.

The next time you head to the garden center, think life instead of death.  Purchase items that foster healthy life, not chemicals meant to destroy it.  This is green living.

Green Lawn Care That is Chemical Free

 

Trying to stay true to the principles of organic and natural living is not as easy as you think it should be. In our culture we have become acclimated to certain conditions that have only been achieved through the use of chemicals. From doing the laundry, to washing cars and tending our yards, we have invented a chemical for nearly every task. If you want to live more green and be in harmony with the environment with your lawn care, you will need to give it some planning and forethought. 

One bit of thinking we may need to change is our perception of what makes a weed. Many of the “pests” that we are being sold chemicals for are actually our native plants and rather beautiful in their own right. An example of this is the dandelion that has a pretty yellow flower during one stage of its growth and wispy and delicate heads during its seed stage. We have all enjoyed blowing the seeds to the wind and watching the “parachutes” gracefully float away. 

Notwithstanding your newfound definition of a weed, you may still want to discourage some types of plant life in your lawn. Here are some ways to do that in as natural a way as possible. First, give the desirable grasses as much support and nutrition as possible. You can find organic fertilizer recipes and get on a schedule of feeding your lawn the nutrients it needs to make it as strong as possible. 

Grass is naturally an aggressive, thriving plant. Do your part to keep it healthy and it will make no room for the weeds. Keep your yard on a regular mowing plan so that the plants are at a good height for the grass only. This way your grass will receive more of the soil, water and sunlight than the weeds. Grass loves to be mowed, whereas weeds are damaged by it. The act of mowing keeps the yard looking good in more ways than one. 

Here is one other method for weed control that has been all but forgotten. We are so inclined these days to gravitate to the solutions that take no time and no effort. This forgotten method I am talking about can become an activity for quality family time together. It can get you out into the fresh air and give you great exercise. This method is simply going out into your yard and pulling the weeds by hand or with digging tools. 

The hand pulling of weeds is very efficacious in weed removal because nothing kills a weed like removing its roots from the soil. The weed can then be removed from your yard and you expend some calories and use your muscles like they should be, too. There is nothing that can be said to be more natural and environmentally “green” than this good old-fashioned method, and it is truly effective, also.

 

Changes in conventional car care wisdom help ones bottom line

Ace Ethanol gets $595,000 to expand operations
Ace Ethanol, LLC will receive $595,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds through the State Energy Program. The funds will support the company’s $850,000 project to expand and equip its operations. The company has committed to retaining 40 positions in Stanley.

Read more on WQOW Eau Claire

KapStone Approved as a Producer of Cellulosic Biofuel
Aug. 26, 2010 – KapStone Paper and Packaging Corp. said that it has been notified that its registration as a producer of cellulosic biofuel for the tax year 2009 has been approved.

Read more on PaperAge.com

Nevada OKs natural gas-diesel alt fuel combination
A Sparks refinery that produces a cleaner-burning, more efficient fuel made from a combination of low-sulfur diesel and natural gas has become the first of its kind in Nevada to win approval from state environmental…

Read more on WXOW 19 La Crosse

Nevada OKs natural gas-diesel alt fuel combination
A Sparks refinery that produces a cleaner-burning, more efficient fuel made from a combination of low-sulfur diesel and natural gas has become the first of its kind in Nevada to win approval from state environmental…

Read more on Channel 8 San Diego

Changes in conventional car care wisdom help ones bottom line
LOS ANGELES – The amount of change that has taken place in the last 10 years is phenomenal. Whereas the Internet was largely seen as something to play with a decade ago, it now serves to pay our bills, stay in touch with friends and even order movie tickets or meals.How people treat their vehicles has also changed dramatically. Much of the conventional wisdom preached by fathers and grandfathers …

Read more on The Fallbrook Village News

Tire Inflation Pressure Check – Sears Blue Automotive Crew Car Care Tips

To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly. Proper tire inflation can improve gas mileage by more than 3 percent when maintained regularly. Check tire inflation at least once a month (including spare). Watch as Victor explains how to check tire pressure using an air gauge. Find the proper tire pressure for your car in the door or owner’s manual. Stop by Sears Auto Center 7 days a week, we would be happy to check your tires for you.

Hyaluronic Acid Skin Care Takes Green Living to a New Level

The green movement is very popular in today’s society.  People across the world are starting to take notice of the impact of all of our products and byproducts on the environment around us.  We are also starting to take greater notice of the effects of chemicals and drugs on our bodies.  This has helped revolutionize the way we look at everything in our lives, and skin care is no exception.

For a long time, people have been content to cover their skin in products made of nothing more than chemicals and alcohol.  Even when people started to learn of the drying and irritating effects of these products, it seemed that there were really few alternatives.  The green movement certainly started to get companies to put trace amounts of natural ingredients in their products, but these days people are looking for safer and more effective solutions.

Hyaluronic Acid has long been recognized by skin care professionals as one of the most important building blocks of our skin.  This single ingredient is responsible for hydration as well as for fighting environmental skin damage as well as helping to combat wrinkles.  The best aspect of Hyaluronic Acid skin care products for people involved in the green movement is that it is entirely natural.

Reputable Hyaluronic Acid cream manufacturers offer a promise that their products will never use animal byproducts or be tested on animals.  Enough research has been done over time to show how different ingredients affect animals that no other tests are ever necessary.  Furthermore, because Hyaluronic Acid is created naturally by all humans, when it is the only ingredient besides water and nitrogen, there is no risk of allergies or side effects.

Hyaluronic Acid is truly the ingredient of the skin care revolution.  Never before has a single ingredient offered so much benefit with no risk.  The best products for our bodies have always been those which we produce on our own, and there is now a skin care solution for people whose bodies no longer produce a high enough amount of Hyaluronic Acid.  If you are looking for a skin care solution that is safe and environmentally friendly, Hyaluronic Acid products are certainly right for you.

Don?T Care About The Environment ? Other Reasons You Should Buy Eco

There are a small percentage of people that are often bemoaning the environmental cause. Some often claim global warming is not happening; or don’t care about it; or find that life is difficult enough without having to worry about the planet.

However, there is another reason why, even if you are not interested in environmental issues, why you should shop for eco friendly products – Money!

Eco friendly and money saving often go hand-in-hand and one of the best ways of trying to reduce household expenditure is to think eco.

Let me explain. One of the largest bills most householders face is their quarterly heating bill. However, by buying eco products like radiator panels, reflective foil and automatic radiator valves you can boost the heating systems in your home and reduce your quarterly expenditure too.

And the same goes for other areas of life too. If you drive an efficient car in an efficient manner not only will you be producing less pollution but your petrol or diesel in the tank will last a lot longer.

And in almost any area where you use energy there is an eco friendly solution that not only cuts down on carbon emissions but also saves money. Solar power chargers for instance will allow you to recharge your mobile phone and even a laptop with a solar powered laptop charger.

So if saving the planet is not on your agenda, saving money might be so you should look to eco friendly products as a method of saving money and then the rest of us can benefit from a cleaner, better environment.

Pets and the Planet: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Pet Care

• ISBN13: 9780470275733
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
This book gives you all the information you need to understand sustainability in the context of pet ownership and arms you with the know-how to make the best choices for your pet and the planet. It explains the environmental consequences of pet ownership and offers alternatives to the everyday choices any pet-owning family makes, from choosing pet food and buying pet equipment and toys to disposing of pet waste and avoiding household toxins. Thoroughly researched and packed with realistic guidelines for putting ideas into practice, Pets and the Planet is a virtual roadmap for sustainable pet parenthood.

Automotive Care Guide – Learn How To Maintain, Care, And Other Money Saving Fuel Economy Tips

Product Description
Stop Leaving All Your Dollars At The Gas Station Now!

…here is just SOME of the information you will find inside:

How gas prices in your area compare to the gas prices in other parts of the US – and if you’re paying more than the rest of us! (Page 5)

The percentage of your fuel that is automatically wasted every time you use your car – and how to keep that number at a bare minimum. (Pages 5-6)

A little known figure about gas mileage that you can use to save money on your taxes. (Page 6)

An easy way to let credit cards save you up to $300/year on gas. (Page 7)

A little known secret about what time of day you should buy gas to get the most for your money. (Page 8)

How to use the Internet to save you money at the pumps. (Pages 8-9)

How to use coupons when buying gas to make sure your money stays in your bank account. (Page 9)

How money-saving drivers know when their car or truck needs to be serviced in order to get better gas mileage. (Page 12)

The insider’s secret to buying higher quality gas based solely on the number of people filling up their tanks. (Page 13)

A secret move to use with the nozzel to save nearly a half cup of gasoline that you’ve already paid for. (Pages 13-14)

The little known truth about “high octane” gas and your vehicle. (Page 14)

What really happens when you drive on empty. (Page 15)

What never to put in your tank if money is your main concern. (Pages 15-16)

How to avoid certain gas stations that will clog your fuel filter. (Page 16)

What really happens to your fuel efficiency when you don’t service your car regularly. (Page 17)

An easy way to increase fuel consumption that’s very important for the health of your car. (Page 18)

How to make sure you’re using the right type of oil in you car. (Pages 18-19)

A little known item that should be replaced regularly if you want to improve your gas mileage by up to 10 percent. (Page 19)

How regular maintenance on your tires can keep you from coughing up unnecessary dollars at the fueling station. (Page 20)

5 steps for making sure your tires are allowing your car to have maximum efficiency. (Page 21)

How keeping your car clean on the outside can actually save gas usage. (Page 22)

An easy way to save gas by avoiding these types of roads. (Page 24)

4 reasons to combine as many purposes into one trip as you can. (Pages 25-26)

5 ways to save on gas when commuting to work. (Pages 26-27)

How to use your gas pedal for maximum efficiency. (Page 28)

Finally! The truth about idling cars – and what gas stations don’t want you to know about “running your car” to warm it up. (Page 29)

A tiny little trick that will not only make your car lighter, but more efficient. (Page 29)

How hot days can often reduce your fuel economy by up to 20 percent and what you can do about it. (Page 30)

How obeying the law can save you money on gas – not just on tickets! (Page 31)

The secret way to maneuver hills in order to use your gas for maximum benefit. (Page 33)

How the brake becomes the villain to gas economy. (Page 34)

A little known way to twist your gas cap to make sure your tank stays fuller. (Page 35)

What fuel conscious drivers do on the highway to save fuel. (Page 36)

5 gas saving products you can try for your car. (Pages 37-39)

The insider’s way of choosing a vehicle for maximum fuel efficiency. (Pages 39-42)

When you need to save fuel, here’s how to learn to drive efficiently. (Page 42)

3 cars that the IRS will give you tax deductions for driving. (Page 43)

13 everyday tips to add to your driving routing if you want to start saving on gas right away. (Pages 43-44)

11 web sites you can’t afford to miss if you’re concerned about paying too much for gasoline. (Pages 44-45)

6 different types of fuels you should consider using. (Page 46)

And there’s MUCH more

Car Care Products for Cleaning Your Carpet

The carpeting in your car can be one of the first things to start to look old and dated.  A proper maintenance regimen and the right car care products will help keep your vehicle looking its best inside and out. We’ve got all of the tips and tricks you’ll need to keep your carpet looking just like new for years to come.

First, remember that preventative maintenance is the key to maintaining beautiful carpeting in your vehicle. Proper maintenance includes the following steps:

Keep the floor mats in your car to protect the carpeting beneath them. Avoid direct contact between your shoes and carpeting on the side interior of your car as these spots are harder to clean. Vacuum your carpeting on a regular basis to keep dirt and grime from being ground into the fibers.

Next, practice regular deep cleaning to lift deep dirt and grime out, and plump the fibers. Do this by taking the carpeting to the car wash on a regular basis and hosing the mats down thoroughly. You can then steam clean the interior carpet using the tools found at the car wash station.

But what do you do if your carpeting becomes stained? Keep a toolkit of effective environmentally friendly car care products on hand that will make it easier to avoid permanent stains on difficult-to-clean areas. Recommended products include Laura Klein’s Car Carpet Spot Remover is great at eradicating hard to remove oil and grime stains. Part of her Green Car care product line, this carpet cleaner is environmentally-friendly and highly effective and won’t leave your car smelling like toxic chemicals.

To use this carpet cleaner, simply spray the product on the stain and then scrub with a damp rag or brush. You then simply blot the spot dry. This same car care product can be used on the floor mats, upholstery, and even on the carpeting in your home, making it both versatile and economical (you won’t have to buy other expensive carpet or upholstery cleaning products!).

Laura Klein’s Car Carpet Spot Remover has been recognized for safer chemistry by the EPA’s Designed for the Environment program because it is nontoxic, non-hazardous, completely biodegradable, and petrochemical-free. It is also free of harsh chemical fragrances and has never been tested on animals. The ingredient list includes natural substances such as coconut, pine, and citrus-based cleaning agents, purified water, and glucose-based sequestering agents, making it a back-to-nature alternative to potentially toxic carpet cleaning products commonly available today.

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