-
Showing posts tagged Go Green
-
How to Grow an Indoor Herb Garden
Just because we live in apartments doesn’t mean that we can’t garden. There are many option for growing plants indoors but for now I would like to concentrate on herb gardens. Fresh herbs will not only add a whole new level of deliciousness to you cooking but they also smell fantastic. Growing indoors allows you
to really micro-manage your plants and keep a close eye on them. There are many kits available for purchase that will include everything you need to start your own herb garden. You can also purchase the pieces separately to customize your garden to your needs. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
- Make sure to choose a window to keep the herbs near that will give them a good exposure to sunlight.
- Consider temperature and moisture inside your apartment. In the winter the plants will need more moisture because the air is generally dry inside.
- Be careful of pests. If pests get into your apartment around the plants, fill a spray bottle with soapy water and spray the leaves of plants until the leaves drip. This will kill the bugs. Make sure to get the underside of the leaves as well.
And remember to have fun!
Image by: ripplestone garden
-
Are You a Houseplant Killer?
My apartment is the black hole where plants come to die. I’ve never been able to keep a plant alive for very long. Which is a shame because I would love to have some greenery around.
There are some plants that are really hard to kill. They take minimal watering and attention. So if you are a plant killer like me, maybe we can have some success with one of these plants.
Snake plant
[caption id=”attachment_62” align=”alignright” width=”135” caption=”young snake plant/mother-in-law’s tongue”]
[/caption]
This plant is also called the Mother-In-Law’s Tongue because of it’s long, spiky leaves and because it is so hard to kill. It only takes watering every week to week and 1/2, allowing the soil to completely in between waterings. It is supposed to have moderate light but I’ve heard that it also grows well in dark rooms.
Keep this plant away from pets and children! The leaves are poisonous.
[caption id=”attachment_64” align=”alignleft” width=”135” caption=”lucky bamboo”]
[/caption]
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo at all, but a member of the lily family. Change the water about once a week and keep in indirect sunlight. If the leaves begin to turn yellow, move the plant farther away from the window.
Do you kill houseplants like I do? -
Am I Really Buying a “Green” Product?
The green movement has become a big money-maker lately. Because people like to feel like they are doing something good for the environment, consumers tend to be quick to buy anything that says “natural” or “going green” or “save the
planet.” Companies know this, so they will put statements like those on plenty of products that aren’t proven to be good for the environment at all.
So how do you know if your product really is better for the environment? Check the label. A lot of green claims will be backed by a third-party, like Energy Star or USDA Organic. If you are looking at a household cleaner, avoid terms like “caution,” “warning,” “danger,” or “poison.” -
How safe are your pet’s toys?
On our ongoing quest to make our own lives greener we buy organic foods, cut down on our gas consumption, and recycle our cans and bottles. People have become pretty savvy consumers when it comes to shopping for ourselves. But what about our pets?
[caption id=”attachment_170” align=”alignright” width=”300” caption=”Is that chew toy safe for your dog?”]
[/caption]
Think about your dog’s chew toy. It’s always in his mouth and chances are that he swallows bit of it from time to time. Do you know what’s in those dyes and materials? Some of it is made from potentially toxic materials. You may want to take a look into purchasing green toys for your furry friend.
Olive Green Dog offers a wide variety of pet products online. And according to a customer review on Yelp, they will deliver to Austin for free!
I’m thinking there has to be a great green pet store around Austin that sells eco-toys but I haven’t found one yet. Does anyone know of a good one? Nature’s Select is a good place to get fresh and natural food for your dog or cat.
Image by: abbynormy via Flickr -
Your best choice for green living
[caption id=”attachment_233” align=”alignleft” width=”148” caption=”Gables Pressler has been given a Star Rating from Austin Energy”]
[/caption]
Here at Gables Pressler we pride ourselves on our green living practices. We hold our community to the highest standards and have taken sustainability into account without sacrificing luxury and beauty.
You will find complete insulation in your apartment homes, with low e glass windows, low VOC paint, and Energy Star appliances. We have energy efficient lights inside apartment homes and common areas. Gables Pressler has been given a Austin Energy Green Building Program One Star Rating.
At Gables Pressler you will find recharging stations in our parking garage for your hybrid car and a bicycle storage facility. We are conveniently located near the Amtrak station and surrounded by Cap Metro stops.
All-in-all our goal is to provide our residents with a home that they will not only love to live in, but feel good about living in as well.
