Fun Reuse Project

Reduce, reuse and recycle. We’ve all heard it before…but the saying has more relevance today than ever before. And, the order of the three R’s is important as well. They’re in order of priority for your pocketbook and for Mother Nature.

Check out this great Reuse project I recently completed at home. The wood is from my old bed frame – it’s really nice birch and I didn’t want to toss it. I spent a few bucks on some screws to hold it together, and – Walla – I have a great plant box for my fence.

I plan to grow some fresh herbs and peppers to make homemade salsa later this summer. Check back for the recipe!

Earth Day is right around the corner

So, what are you doing for Earth Day? What started out as a simple act of planting trees has evolved into something pretty cool. Now, more than ever, people are uniting around the world to help people live more sustainable lives.

I encourage you to do something next week. Anything. Here's a .gov site to help you get started. But whatever you choose, keep in mind the earth supports you 365 days a year, so just thanking it one time next week just isn't enough.

Plant a tree, pickup some trash, change a few light bulbs, whatever. Tell me what you're doing and help spread the message!

Think local this Easter

Whether you're going out or dining at your digs, think about supporting some local businesses this year for Easter brunch.

If you live in Milwaukee, and need some food to prep for your hungry guests, I suggest Bunzel's Meat market - but they have way more than just meat.

It's important in these turbulent times that we really think about what we're cooking, where we're eating and how everything on our plates got there. And don't tell me it was just Grandma!

Offer to carpool if you are traveling with a lot of family members. There's no sense in having eight cars piled up in the driveway. Also, spread the sustainability message a bit this year, and bring along a "green" gift for the host/hostess. Might I suggest something homemade, or a nice organic wine.

Celebrate your religon's holiday with some pizazz this year...have fun!

Great Guy Plants: can't kill 'em, and they're not pink

These two house plants have myriad of benefits – easy to maintain, clean the air, provide a good amount of oxygen to the room, look nice, and can be placed almost anywhere.


The leafy-looking one with the bamboo shoot is a Pothos Golden, and is great for removing VOCs from your house. It doesn’t need much water or sunlight, and gives you warning signs when it’s being neglected…the leaves turn colors. This is a perfect living room plant. This sucker should grow right up the bamboo shoot. Pretty cool, huh?

The longer-stalk one is a snake, or mother-in-law tongue, and is a must-have for the bedroom. This plant gives off more oxygen than most plants, and does so during the night hours…which helps you sleep better. Again, doesn’t need much light or water, and it can rest on a dresser or night stand by a window.

Many studies have been conducted surrounding these two particular plants, and evidence supports the eco and healthy benefits of these two plants. It’s a great way to spruce up a room, and clean up the air.

You can find these two plants readily at any store…just Google it in your area.