Forget those one hit wonders and toxic products you use everyday, and instead opt for these greener product alternatives that last longer and prove healthier.  

The start of a new year is usually the catalyst for positive life changes. From getting healthier to becoming a more patient person, whatever your goals may be, we have one that you should definitely tack onto your list. The everyday items that you normally use do have greener alternatives, and we’ve chosen a few to help put the wheels in motion. Things like paper towels, plastic baggies, laundry detergent, and, yes, even that quick one-cup coffee maker that perks you up at the crack of dawn has a substitute, and you can likely use it even through those matted slits you use for eyes first thing in the morning.  

1. One-Time Coffee Pods

The Atlantic reports that almost one in three households has a coffee maker that uses pods, or cups, like the Keurig to brew their morning cup of joe. While some die-hard fans (and probably shareholders) argue that k-cups are recyclable and make up for the extra energy that regular coffee pots use, as well as the superfluous amount of grounds in a traditional maker, there is evidence supporting the lack of available recycling facilities that will accept a used plastic pod.

But fear not, there are greener alternatives that will save you money and drastically reduce k-cup waste. Keurig produces its own version of a reusable cup that’s guaranteed to fit the brand’s machines, as does Ekobrew. With at least two versions, including a stainless steel model, that only requires a quick rinse to clean between uses, you can use your own grounds and customize your brew.

2. Paper Towels

This might sound absolutely ridiculous to some of you reading this (I, too, am a serial paper towel waster), but this seems doable. By hanging up a hand towel right by the sink (we did this using a metal towel bar affixed with magnets to the side of the fridge), and putting your paper towels out of sight — get them under those cabinets and off of the counters — you can reduce the number of daily sheets you use. Converting old towels (by cutting them into smaller pieces) and washcloths won’t cost you a dime, or buy a pack of bar towels. Keep them washed regularly for germ-free, greener alternatives to paper.  

3. Lunch Supplies

Ditch those plastic baggies and plastic lunch pails, and treat yourself to a bento box. Not only are these super cool and trendy, but they’re amazingly practical. There are stainless steel versions you can pick up and they come complete with little compartments to separate all of your lunchtime goodies. Plus, the grid-like perfection arranging each grouping of food is eye candy for people like me who have a touch of the obsessive compulsive.

4. Laundry Detergent

With an overload of perfumes and chemicals in traditional laundry detergents, I have long since switched to a free and clear eco solution made by Seventh Generation. Apparently, though, you can take this a step further by using soap nuts. Research led me to this option, and it’s something I plan to try.

The berry shells of the Sapindus mukorossi (soap berry) contain a natural surfactant known as saponin. Eco Soap Nuts are said to be ideal for sensitive skin and are safe for those with nut allergies. In addition to the organic properties of the soap nut, they are reusable for up to ten washes and make your clothes noticeably softer and fluffier, while also extending the life of your fabrics.

5. Storage Containers

Ditch plastic Tupperware and canisters in favor of glass. Not only is it easier to clean, in my opinion, but it also doesn’t stain or hang onto weird food smells that have a tendency to linger on plastic. Glass can be used forever, and it’s possible that you won’t have to pay a dime for your containers if you reuse empty jam, pasta, or pickle jars. Another idea is to make a small investment in a magnet strip and a set of jars with metal lids that you can affix under your upper cabinets. This saves interior cabinet and counter space.

6. Menstruation Supplies

Yes, yes, and more yes to reusable pads and menstrual cups. With chlorine bleach and several other undisclosed chemicals being used to treat regular drugstore pads and tampons, cloth pads and period cups that can be washed and reused are great economical and greener alternatives. Cloth pads are easily found and are often made from organic cotton, while the DivaCup is made of medical grade silicone that’s safe for your body. Both of these products will save you money and seriously cut back on waste, especially when you consider that the average woman will use up to 16,000 disposable menstrual products in her lifetime.

Even if the progress seems slow-going or small, it all adds up over time to something truly meaningful and worthwhile. With this worthy slew of greener alternatives to everyday products, we challenge you to come up with one of your own. Once you do, share it with us over on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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If you’re ready to help the planet while also improving yourself, then you’re going to love our earth-friendly New Year’s resolutions.

Eating healthier, exercising more, and cutting out the procrastination may be at the top of your New Year’s resolutions list; and while we applaud your desire to be a better person (from the inside-out), we implore you to take things one step further by incorporating Mother Nature, too. Not only will our suggestions benefit you, but they’ll also help green your planet in small ways, bringing a greater sense of holistic living to your life.

1. Eat Less Meat

Current figures say that global animal farming is responsible for nearly a third (or almost 30 percent) of all emissions worldwide. Furthermore, in addition to making you healthier, an Oxford Martin School research study finds that a widespread switch to vegetarianism would reduce food-related emissions by 63 percent. Start by participating in Meatless Mondays, and ask yourself if you really need a meat or dairy product present at every meal of the day — three meals a day multiplied by seven days means consuming meat 21 times a week. Not only does this slow digestion, but it also raises cholesterol and causes premature aging.

2. Ditch Plastic Bags

It’s time to ditch the plastic bags in favor of reusable totes – but, like, for real this time. Only around two percent of plastic bags get recycled annually, while the rest just sit, and sit, and sit some more in our landfills and oceans. Throw those cloth bags in the car and keep them there, so you don’t forget them at home, or try something even more practical, like a roomy (and stylish) backpack for carrying on small trips that you can then fill with your merchandise after paying at the register.

3. Upcycle Your Textiles

With the rise of fast fashion (and fast lifestyles), the average citizen now throws away 70 pounds of clothing and textiles each year, which means this waste also accounts for five percent of all landfill space. With numbers like that, it’s important to come up with solutions. Clothing swaps are great (and fun, and free) ways to do away with gently used stuff in your closet, all while having an excuse to get together and drink wine with your girlfriends. And don’t forget about all of the amazing upcycling potential your clothes have.

4. Pledge To Recycle

All it takes is a small step, a little action, to really get things moving in the residential recycling department. For curbside pickup, check with your local ordinance and get the bins you need. Next, head to the store and pick up one extra garbage can to start with, and begin with a product like plastics, or aluminum, or paper, or glass. Just focus on recycling one category to begin with, and watch your passion grow. Apparently, recycling 100 cans could light your bedroom for two weeks. Imaging the difference you could make!

5. Compost Your Scraps

If you make a conscious decision to compost at home, you could break down the egg shells, banana peels, and other organic waste that would otherwise sit contained in a plastic garbage bag sealed off from the earth and soil it could otherwise nourish. This process is as simple as setting up an outside receptacle that fits your needs (the setup is usually the most intensive, if you can call it that), collecting your scraps after cooking (and some other activities), and placing them in the outside bin where they will decompose, rendering you a rich, fertile compound that can be added to your garden.

6. Grow Something Edible

Even if it’s as small as an indoor herb garden, there is real power behind growing your own food. Edible plants and gardens will not only save you money and potentially improve your health, but they offer a sense of accomplishment for your efforts, and help reduce widespread farming issues. Build (or buy) a small raised garden bed outdoors and get to planting, or research all of the delicious herbs and fruits and veggies you can grow indoors — you may be surprised at the (yard-less) possibilities!

We hope you’ve enjoyed our suggestions for a cleaner planet and body. As always, we want to know what you think, so be sure to let us know your New Year’s resolutions on the EcoSalon Facebook page! Here’s to a safe, healthy, happy, and greener start to 2017!

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Still need some great Christmas decorating ideas? We’ve got several hacks that will reuse, repurpose, and incorporate sustainable materials and methods — all while looking fabulous!

Not to sound like a total Scrooge or anything, but it’s probably important to know that according to the EPA, “the volume of household waste in the United States increases 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day – about 1 million extra tons.” That means it’s up to us to reduce the amount of waste we produce this year.

But don’t worry, it’s a lot easier than you think. Not only does the EPA have some seriously good ideas on how to accomplish this, but we have the scoop on sustainable decorating ideas that will help when excessive waste is at its peak. Fortunately, when it comes to decorating ideas, you don’t have to skimp on the festive touches around your home — all it really requires is a little bit of creativity and some elbow grease to accomplish these DIY ideas. Don’t believe us? See for yourself!

Tree Ideas

If you want to avoid chopping down a healthy tree this year, and opt out of buying better, yet still full of harmful chemicals, fake trees, then choose a hip DIY version.

1. Chalkboard Tree

Have a chalkboard wall in your house? Need an excuse to have one? Well, your Christmas wish came early this year, because we can’t recommend this sketched tree and vintage light accompaniment enough. The possibilities for this are endless, and doesn’t have to stop at Christmas. Thanks to A Goode House for the inspiration.

2. Repurposed Ladder

Pull out that old wooden ladder and get to decorating. Use vines, lights, pine cones, burlap, and even some ornaments to recreate this rustic, shabby chic “tree” a la Funky Junk Interiors. The best part is that when it’s not lighting up your life, you can still keep the ladder around for its intended use.

3. Scrap Wood Tree

Who knew trees made from scrap wood could be so stunning? Simple, yet impactful, these Christmas trees use leftover wood to mimic the real thing. Although lacking in the green and bushy department, it’s still very warm, inviting, and seriously festive. Plus, it can be used year after year. Check out A Beautiful Mess for the blog’s Christmas tree DIY.

Garland Ideas

Deck your halls with strands of beautiful handmade garland. Ranging from natural fruit and spices to glistening rounds of leftover gift bags from Christmas past, then you’ll adore these ideas.

4. Food Garland

Cooking Channel TV has some super cool ideas for food-based garlands that can be composted, munched on, or repurposed when you’re through. The contrast of the popcorn and black licorice strand looks very modern and hip, the orange slices appear very fresh and lively, while the cinnamon stick and cranberry pairing lends a traditional Christmas touch. It’s hard to pick a favorite, so we’ll let you be the judge!

5. Pine Cone Garland

Pine cone garland is beautiful, rustic, and practically free! Hop on over to Bob Vila for instructions on how to make some of your own. From how to prep them (cleaning and baking) to how to hang them, they’ve got you covered. Make it as full or as sparse as you’d like and get creative — a dusting of gold leaf would add a festive touch.

6. Upcycled Garland

Use the tutorial at Paper Daisy Design if you want to sew your garland, otherwise just glue them together, plain sides touching over a piece of string, twine, or thread. She uses store bought paper, but you can easily use old book pages, leftover holographic gift bags, or wrapping paper scraps.

Gift Wrap Ideas

The gifts under your tree can add a lot of pizazz to your overall Christmas decor aura. Whether you choose fabric or paper, there’s an option for each, with some embellishment tips to boot.

7. Cloth and Fabric

Use the furoshiki method that originated in Japan and you’ll be able to use things like cloth dish towels, bandanas, upcycled fabric scraps, and even old sweaters (like the beautiful gray cable knit seen over at Boxwood Clippings) to bundle up your gifts.

8. Natural Embellishments

Green clippings, twigs, pine cones, twine, and burlap make for beautiful decorating ideas. Gather your embellishments from your own back yard and take a moment to relax while you’re out there. Absorb all of the great examples and load up your inspo arsenal over at 79 Ideas and My Cozy Retreat.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our sustainable, and sometimes unconventional, Christmas decorating ideas! Let us know which ones you liked the best on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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With a few simple upcycling projects, you can take those old coffee grounds and expired coffee beans and turn them into some pretty useful DIY products.

Coffee is like the peanut butter to my jelly, the milk to my cookies, the Kim to my Kanye. Coffee is the wind beneath my wings, and I would be completely useless without it. Yet, every day I seem to do away with its waste. Old grounds and beans get treated like second class citizens, and ya know what? That needs to change. My coffee deserves more respect, dammit, which is why I’ve found you these totally cool and useful upcycling projects using your leftover coffee stuff.

1. Under Eye Cream

Coffee-infused under eye cream is said to be life-changing. Apparently, this miracle working concoction will help reduce puffiness, reduce the appearance of dark circles, and help with fine lines.

In addition to the coffee oil, which you extract yourself, it calls for a variety of other skin nourishing carrier oils and butters – almost all of which I have used personally at one time or another and have had nothing but positive results. Soap Deli News shares the tutorial you need to conquer this project.

2. Bar Soap

The next upcycled DIY looks super simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of hard-to-find ingredients, precise measurements, or time. Plus, if you like the idea of French vanilla coffee, then you’ll love the smell of this vanilla extract-infused soap.

With just old coffee grounds, glycerine bar soap, vanilla, and equipment, like a muffin tin, you can create an exfoliating and deodorizing soap to help invigorate you morning, noon, and night. Clearly Natural makes a good bar soap that I’ve used before, and is a glycerine-based product that I think would work well for this project. Check out the full tutorial over at Popsugar.

3. Decorative Balls

Everyone needs a decorative ball or two or ten in their lives, but the storebought types are expensive, and can be kinda wasteful. Instead, I’ve got a hybrid project for you (fully upcycled if you use old tennis balls) that uses styrofoam orbs and old coffee beans.

The blogger actually uses beans for eating, but if you follow her instructions over at Love Sweet Love, then I’m confident you can use the expired coffee assortment you have on hand. It’s basically a layer of coordinating paint (brown in this case), some hot glue, and some patience. Other decorative uses for old beans would be filler for jars, and as a base layer in which to nestle your candles.

4. Scented Candle

Speaking of candles, this DIY project is guaranteed to make your house smell like a vanilla latte all day long. The tutorial from Hello Glow calls for using your own gorgeous glassware, reusing unscented candles (or you can buy wax chips), a wick, whole coffee beans, and chopped vanilla beans. I can’t believe how beautiful these look. They would make awesome gifts and the aesthetic possibilities are endless!

5. Face Mask

Take the benefits of coffee to your face by making and using this simple ground face mask. Yes, it might look a little silly at first, but if it’s true that coffee reduces redness, increases circulation, and exfoliates the skin, then it’s totally worth it.

Beauty Banter uses whole ground coffee beans, but you can simply apply the grounds from this morning’s coffee. Combine these with a few other natural ingredients like honey, lemon juice, cocoa powder, and milk or almond milk, and you’ll be ready for your close-up in no time.

6. Wood Stain

If you’re turned off by the idea of using a stinky, toxic commercial wood stain, then you’ll love this new medium. DIY Vintage Chic has a great tutorial on how to create and use a coffee and vinegar based wood stain. The results are subtle at first, but after allowing it to sit for a week, the finished product is quite impressive. Not only that, but it’s natural, uses your old grounds, and doesn’t emit any noxious chemicals.

I hope you’ve been inspired by these upcycled projects that utilize old coffee beans and grounds. If you go through as much coffee as I do, then you know just how useful these can be. Let us know you thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post 6 Upcycling Projects that Turn Coffee Waste into Something Cool appeared first on EcoSalon.

A vegan lifestyle often goes beyond abstaining from certain foods. For many, like the four individuals below, it becomes a chance to spread awareness about animal, social, and environmental issues through the use of their talent and individuality.

Veganism is essentially defined as a person who does not consume any meat, dairy, eggs, cheese, or any other food that is animal derived. They also eschew animal-derived textiles in clothing, shoes, and accessories, and avoid products tested on animals such as personal care products and makeup. Usually, along with a lifestyle that specific come misconceptions, stereotypes, and other judgments. And while a vegan lifestyle isn’t for everyone, the folks you’re about to meet prove that one can not only survive, but thrive.

1. Leilani Munter

Although Leilani has been named “one of the top ten female race car drivers in the world” by Sports Illustrated, there’s even more to this caring and compassionate woman than just her accomplished career. In addition to her competitive side, she’s also been described as “the face of activism” by Vegan Lifestyle Magazine. Munter has not only adopted a plant based diet, but she’s also made many strides and sent numerous messages using her publicized profession as the vehicle – literally and figuratively – for spreading awareness.

Originally a biology major, Munter has a long list of achievements, including placing “green” and eco-friendly advertisements on her race car, being the first race car driver to travel 2600 miles, to her match oil free in her Tesla Model S, and becoming the first team in history to run their pit box on 100 percent solar power. In addition to this, she has delivered more than 80 keynote speeches, sits on two environmental advisory boards, and is said to be launching a vegan clothing line this year.

2. Jehina Malik

This incredible athlete is the first ever International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Pro card holder to compete as a lifelong vegan! Malik has certainly broken boundaries and stereotypes, especially when it comes to naysayers believing that people who live a vegan lifestyle can’t and won’t get enough nutrition and protein in their diets. The lean muscle on her well-honed physique says otherwise!

Competing since the age of 19 and a vegan since birth, this formerly self-proclaimed “skinny” girl wasn’t always praised for her musculature. Being thin and teased is actually what prompted her to begin weight training. Dedicated and disciplined, Malik works out 12 to 14 hours per week, takes several vegan vitamins and supplements, sticks to very clean eating during season, and says her favorite food in her prep diet is the cashew.

3. Dexter Thomas

According to LGBTQ Nation, “Transgender rights activist Dexter Thomas is the first out trans man to compete for the title of PETA’s Sexiest Vegan Next Door.” Hailing from from Salt Lake City, Utah, Thomas adopted a vegan lifestyle at the age of 17 and “championed changes” at his high school by including vegan lunch options before dropping out due to difficulties transitioning from his junior to senior year as a transgender teen. Fast forward 17 years, and this 34-year-old summa cum laude graduate and Ph.D. student of social psychology is a transgender activist, advocate for animals, advocate for homeless sexual-minority youth, has protested rodeos, and is continuing to be helpful, hands-on, and impactful in his daily life.

Thomas shared this sentiment with PETA on part of what drove him to go vegan at such a young age: “I learned first-hand that people are capable of immense cruelty toward others who they perceive to be inferior to them. When I started to realize that this attitude drives transphobia, homophobia, sexism, and so on, I also realized it fuels outdated attitudes toward other animals.” As a deeply compassionate and caring human being, in addition to his charming good looks, it’s no wonder Thomas went on to win PETA’s male title of Sexiest Vegan Next Door 2016.

4. Amy Guidry

After adopting a vegan lifestyle for more than a decade, it only made sense that animals would one day become this artist’s inspiration. An interview with Vegans Are Cool revealed that Guidry first became a vegetarian while doing research for a college ethics class, but realized that dairy and eggs still contributed to the slaughtering of animals, thereby influencing her decision to go vegan. And although she didn’t transition until later in life, her passion for art began at an early age.

Truly brilliant, this surrealist artist has honed her craft over the years into beautifully depicted and detailed paintings. Her most recent series titled In Our Veins focuses on various animals which are widely anthropomorphized in one way or another. According to Guidry, this series “explores the connection between all life forms and life cycles.” She goes on to say that this study includes the “interdependence of the human race to each other and to the rest of the animal kingdom, as well as the planet itself.  One cannot exist without the other, therefore it is of the utmost importance that we care for each and every living thing.”

Whether you’re a vegan or not, we hope you’ve found inspiration from these four alternative leaders, and take away with you the notion that being who you are is the best choice you can make, even when facing adversity or combating your fears. Share your thoughts with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Earth Day is here once again, but it can often feel like there’s no rhyme or reason to the plethora of Earth Day activities. So instead of just winging it, we’ve provided you with some surefire ways to get a real annual Earth Day tradition underway like all the other legit holidays. From creating your own calendars to throwing parties, we’ve got something for everyone!

1. Hit the Streets

Some might agree that there’s not much better for you than getting some fresh air in the great outdoors – even if that means a city or urban area – which is why one of our Earth Day tradition suggestions is to take alternative transportation. Walk the block from your house for breakfast, take the bus or subway, and even consider carpooling to work – organizing the group rides may stick around beyond the occasion. Another option is to incorporate some exercise simultaneously by taking your bike, hoofing it, or even busting out those dusty rollerblades that have been sitting in the garage. Whatever you choose, try to avoid using your car alone.

2. Earth Day Shindig

Ok, so this isn’t all about literal “digging” per say, but it does involve a lot of fun, food, and friends while also celebrating Mother Earth. We’re suggesting an Earth Day party with a few of your closest, or people you feel may need a little enlightening this year. Screen environmental documentaries, such as “An Inconvenient Truth”;  “Blue Vinyl”; or “Earthlings,” and ask guests to bring an item to donate to a food bank or other good cause as their entry fee.

Additionally, we would suggest serving vegan or vegetarian food and organic wines and liquor to really get the party started. Compostable plates might not be a bad idea either. And if you’re feeling really ambitious, have guests create Earth Day themed costumes using recycled materials for a fun contest. Good times and environmental awareness all at once – what’s not to love?! This will be an event friends look forward to year after year.

3. Plan Ahead Calendar

If you’d rather have a nice quiet evening at the house, then consider picking up a calendar – made from recycled materials, of course – or use your phone’s calendar to proactively create reminders for the year ahead that will help you accomplish the small, medium, or big goals that will help you feel like you’re making the world a better place. Whether it’s as simple as swapping your light bulbs for something more efficient, upgrading your appliances to ones that use less energy, or a project as involved as eliminating meat from your diet, or setting up a composting station outside, we believe in you! This is an ideal tradition for years to come, especially fun to plan activities for littles in your life as well.

4. Lend a Helping Hand

Volunteers are crucial when it comes to spreading awareness and lending a hand. We think spending Earth Day helping one of your favorite environmental organizations is a great way to have a productive and feel good tradition that can take place year after year, as well as throughout. VolunteerMatch.org is a great place to start looking for opportunities near you – they have over 10,000 opportunities through the United States – wow! Meetup.com is another resource to find local groups. The activities range from sustainability, environmental awareness, and new urbanism, to alternative energy, green home, green living, and vegan and vegetarianism. Go out there are discover something or someone new – like-minded people working towards similar good for the planet goals.

5. Get Down and Dirty

Get down and dirty for Earth Day – right in your own backyard! Take that idea however you wish, but know that we’re talking about getting your hands dirty by planting a few trees or starting that garden you always dreamed about. If you’re short on space or don’t want a gargantuan tree in the yard, then try an Eastern Redbud, Crape Myrtle, Serviceberry, Paper Birch, or Japanese Cherry to name just a few. Vegetable gardening might seem a little daunting, especially if you’re like me and can kill a cactus, but we’ve got a handy little guide from Gardener’s Supply Company to get you started – add a new vegetable every year and you’ll have a thriving food source for you and your family.

How do you feel about our ideas for Earth Day? Do you have any traditions already in the works? Let us know on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post 5 Earth Day Activities to Turn Into Annual Traditions appeared first on EcoSalon.

Turn your backyard into the oasis you’ve always dreamed of having with ten of the coolest – and easiest – outdoor DIY projects for spring.

We’ve scoured the do-it-yourself depths of the internet for several of our favorite and user friendly projects that should take no more than a day or two to complete for the most complex and just thirty minutes or less to put together for some of the simplest. There are also tutorials and examples provided in the title for each venture. We hope you enjoy our picks and get inspired for spring!

1. Branch Chandelier

Create a conversation piece for your next outdoor dinner party with an amazingly elegant and earthy halo-shaped branch chandelier. The key to this project, according to the tutorial, is to find trees with long, slender branches like the elderberry. And don’t worry if it’s already in bloom, the foliage and/or flowers will give it a lovely touch of color.

2. Small Fire Pit

Create the chic, modern, and super simple fire pit from the tutorial we’ve provided with just a few materials and a little patience. The instructions call for a traditional gel flame, but you can make it more eco-friendly by opting for the Ecoflame gel found here. It’s a completely biodegradable and non-toxic ethanol warming gel committed to sustainability.

3. Tree Swing

Every adult needs a tree swing, right? Right! So head on over to the tutorial for one of the simplest and easiest to follow DIY projects. Use a piece of salvaged wood to make this project more sustainable and follow up with the TriCoPolymer VOC free non-toxic lumber sealer for a finish that can withstand the elements without harming the environment.

4. Cinder Block Planter

Have fun with building blocks for big people – cinder blocks, that is! The small funky version of the concrete planters from the tutorial would look great tucked into a cute little corner. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, create a larger version with protruding “mini planters” popping out sporadically along the wall’s span. Use what you can from leftover home projects or take the unwanted blocks off other people’s hands for a DIY that will cost very little.

5. Outdoor Orb Lights

Outdoor lighting can become super pricey in a heartbeat, but the clever tutorial over at The Art of Doing Stuff has solved that little problem for just a few dollars. With a few thrifted white glass orbs from old ceiling mounted light fixtures filled with Christmas lights, you’ll have a garden full of modern ambiance.

6. Wood Garden Edging

This salvaged wood garden edging project is super cute and looks hella easy to execute. With some wood, a saw, a few screws, and some non-toxic paint, you can have cute little picket fence-like border around your garden. Simply darling!

7. Simple Bird Bath

The bird bath tutorial in the link above is nothing short of thrifty genius. With wooden dowels and virtually any sort of shallow tray that you have on hand (she used one from Ikea), you can totally conquer this sweet, modern birdbath.

8. Cement Block Bench

With twelve cinder blocks, a generous helping of heavy duty concrete glue, four pieces of 4×4 lumber, paint, and some cushions, you can recreate the stunning and vibrant bench seen in the tutorial. This is perfect for spring and the colors couldn’t be any lovelier. Although it can be done, if you’d rather avoid having to add a “back” to this seat, plan to have a wall somewhere in your yard serve as the backrest.

9. Tire Table

A simple, yet completely functional outdoor DIY is this tire table project. Check out salvage yards, Craigslist, or landfills for old tires that you can snag to complete this project. Don’t have a large, thick piece of glass? Try locating one as part of a table at a thrift store or yard sale. Paint the tires, if you wish, and then pop on the glass, which you want to be heavy enough so that is does not tip over once it’s in place

10. Cabinet Potting Bench

Probably one of our favorites is this revamped china cabinet project that features a boldly colored hutch that’s been transformed into the perfect little place to tend to your plants and store your supplies. Have fun with this – from the color to the functionality details – because the possibilities are endless. Not into gardening? Then transform it into a mini outdoor bar slash serving area instead.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our (almost) instantly gratifying outdoor DIY projects for spring. Let us know which one if your favorite over at the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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The post 10 (Almost) Instantly Gratifying Outdoor DIY Projects to Try for Spring appeared first on EcoSalon.

Want to build the energy efficient home of your dreams without the hassle, high cost, and long wait of the traditional material and building process? Then you’ll love getting your hands on one of these amazingly stylish eco-friendly modular homes.

Due to the endless choices of building materials and customizations, the propensity for going over budget, the oftentimes arduous building process, and other unforeseen delays such as inclement weather, permitting problems, and sometimes erratic contractor availability, building a new home from the ground up may feel like it’s taking a lifetime to complete.

However, modular prefab homes, which means mobile, or easily transportable, factory fabricated homes, are quite the opposite. With a narrowed down, yet attractive, list of design options, and a well-honed and efficient manufacturing and site assembly process, it’s not uncommon for an eco-friendly modular home to be completed in just six short months, or six to twelve months sooner than a site built home.

Additionally, these little (or large) gems are really designed to please the gamut of clients wishing for something within their budgets, relatively fast, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing. Some modern fabrication systems can reduce the building waste in a prefab home by up to 50 percent and may even use 50 percent less energy than existing homes. Plus, the premium materials and casework, in tandem with some very well thought out design details, offer clients the ability to make the home their own without feeling lost in a sea of never ending options.

Ranging from around $37,000 to $775,000 and up, there’s sure to be an eco-friendly modular home within your budget from one of these five manufacturers.

1. Eco Cottages

Starting at $37,000, these miniature homes, ranging from 250 to 513 square feet, would work well as tiny abodes, or as studios, offices, guest homes, vacation bungalows, and even workshops. Each Eco-Cottage is built to local residential codes or to RV code for use in a park or resort. Owned by Nationwide Homes, each of the prefab homes offered has a minimum standard of sustainable features which meet the National Association of Home Builder’s (NAHB) Bronze certification and the Energy Star Certified program requirements.

2.GreenPod

GreenPod’s modular home collection begins at $60,000 for around 300 square feet, but can exceed $175,000 depending on the model and features. Beautifully designed, these small dwellings are as versatile as they are eco-friendly. Things like efficient design, minimal site disruption, durable materials, energy and water efficiency, passive solar design, and non-toxic and recycled materials all contribute to the company’s high standards for sustainable living.

3. maModular

Homes from this prefab builder will run you about $150 per square foot, making some of these houses even cheaper than the aforementioned. With seven plans to choose from, these contemporary abodes are perfect for the modern family or individual. Bamboo flooring options, low-voc paint, Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KMCA) cabinet certification, and energy star appliances are some of the eco-friendly features found within these homes. maModular also notes that the prefab homes can go from “zero-to-house in 180 days.”

4. Blu Homes

The economical Origin Pod’s California base price starts at $195,000, while the other available prefab home models continue to climb in price into the high $700,000 range. These homes are brimming with eco-friendly features such as motion sense faucets, FSC and Greenguard certified products, LED lights, zoned heating and cooling, and so much more. Blu Homes even offers a prefab garage for all of your stylish storage needs.

5. Method Homes

With eight different homes series, there is something to fit traditional, rustic, and contemporary tastes. $130,000 will buy you the smallest turnkey modular home from Method. Prices can climb well into the $600,000 bracket for larger and more luxurious options. According to the company, sustainable design is a core value for Method. The residential dwellings can be “built to obtain LEED, Energy Star, Living Building Challenge, Passive House, and other environmental certification standards.” Additionally, building these homes off-site allows the business to minimize construction waste to less than 10 percent.

Now that you’ve gotten the dirt on where to find your new digs, we want to hear from you. What’s your favorite feature of a prefab home – size, style, affordability, or something else? Are eco-friendly modular homes a good fit for you? Or would you rather go through the traditional site built home process? Why or why not? Let us know your thoughts on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Image of Modular Cabin Home via Method Homes

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Decorating with houseplants may seem daunting to those without a green thumb, but rest assured the benefits and ease of taking care of a few low-maintenance indoor plants delivers many advantages in terms of indoor air quality and design. 

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is defined exactly as it sounds, and when the quality of your indoor air is poor, it may have detrimental effects on your health. According to the EPA, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, second hand smoke, and radon are just a few of the dangerous chemicals that can pollute the insides of our homes.

While it is highly important to take the state of your home’s air quality seriously, decorating with houseplants is a good place to begin. Not only will your home look great, but it will be healthier, too. Just remember that in order for their benefits to be effective, you’ll need one 6- to 8-inch diameter plant for every 100 square feet.

Health Benefits of Houseplants

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, or InterNACHI, claims that indoor air is often far more polluted than outdoor air due to off-gassing from within the home. However, phytoremediation, or the removal of environmental toxins with the aid of plants, is well within every homeowner’s reach. Fortunately, a few strategically placed houseplants will rid your air of carbon dioxide in no time, but the benefits don’t end there.

Specific plants are shown to remove specific chemicals, according to two studies – one conducted by NASA and the other by the government of India. Their findings concluded that some plants removed four major chemicals from the home, while others were able to reduce eye irritation by 52 percent, respiratory conditions by 34 percent, headaches by 24 percent, lung impairment by 12 percent, and asthma by 9 percent.

Houseplant Cautions

Although houseplants will aid in improving your indoor air quality, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Cats and puppies like to nibble on leafy greens, so make sure that the plants you choose won’t harm your cohabitating pets. And be sure that the moisture in the air remains regulated after introducing houseplants, as they can potentially cause mold growth due to the humid conditions.

Which Plants to Choose and How to Place Them

Here is a mini-guide on which plants to choose to accommodate your lifestyle, along with the best nooks and crannies to place them. Not only can they improve your health, but plants can brighten, beautify, and add much needed style to your home.

Succulents

The aloe vera plant is great for filtering formaldehyde and benzene out of the air, plus it’s handy for healing cuts and burns. Not all succulents have the pollution clearing properties like the aloe plant, but they are resilient and beautiful nonetheless. Aloe needs indirect sunlight and deep watering, but requires ample time in between for the soil to dry as well.

Decorate with succulents by creating a sweet little garden beneath the kitchen window, opt for something more minimalist and dramatic with a row of concrete planters filled with succulents, or dangle them from the ceiling in a grouping of little clay planters.

Also try: Echeveria, Pencil Cactus, and String of Pearls.

Foliage

Boston ferns are an excellent choice for indoor decorating. They work very well when spilling their lush green foliage over the edges of hutches, kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, and even strategically placed free-standing decorative planters.

These ferns need bright, indirect sunlight, and frequent misting, depending on ambient humidity. They are easy to propagate, act as natural air humidifiers, and can remove formaldehyde from the indoor air.

Also try: Chinese Evergreen, Spider Plant, and the Baby Rubber Plant.

Herbs

Although herbs aren’t prized for cleaning indoor air, they do still boast many benefits. Having fresh, homegrown herbs at your disposal year-round, the fragrant aromas they emit, and the colorful foliage are all advantages to growing indoor herbs.

Have fun with an herb garden in the windowsill of your kitchen or breakfast area, or choose other locales for herbs that can handle indirect sunlight. Rosemary and thyme can tolerate indirect sunlight, so place these in groups in front of your kitchen’s grocery list chalkboard, as seen above, or better yet, paint chalkboard labels on your herb pots and write in the variety so you will always know what’s what.

Also try: Mint, Parsley, and Oregano.

Palms

Indoor palm trees are a beautiful, tall, and dramatic addition to any interior. Be sure to choose a palm that’s to scale with your space. The Areca Palm is one of the easiest to grow indoors, is relatively disease-free, and is one of the best rated on NASA’s study of the 10 best air purifying plants.

Place this palm near a southeast or west facing window, as they need filtered sunlight. Indoors it averages 6 to 7 feet tall. These would look beautiful tucked into the corner of a dining room near the end of a buffet, adjacent to your living room sofa near a picturesque window, or on the floor in your home office to boost your work performance. Have fun with the pots – choose something bright and colorful or chic and modern to coincide with your space.

Also try: Pygmy Date Palm, Bamboo Palm, and the Lady Palm.

Flowers

Chrysanthemums are a sweet, colorful way to decorate your home while simultaneously cleaning the air. According to NASA’s study, chrysanthemums are excellent at removing benzene from the home. They are also said to absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen into the atmosphere.

Place these beauties in bright light. Try grouping them, odd numbers are best, near a kitchen window sill or in your laundry room, light permitting. A sofa side table is nice spot for a flowering chrysanthemum – choose a color that picks up the hues from your favorite throw pillow or rug for a pleasant, cohesive appearance.

Also try: Gerbera Daisy, Peace Lily, and the Moth Orchid.

After absorbing a few of our helpful tips for improving your indoor air quality and decorating with houseplants, we want to hear from you. What’s your favorite part about decorating with houseplants? Do you have any favorite tips or plants you’d like to include? Share your ideas with us on the EcoSalon Facebook page!

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Images 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 via Shutterstock

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Happy New Year, and by the way…what’s next for socially responsible companies?

Sometimes it seems like the world is on fire. The politics of the USA, the politics of the world, Ebola, elections, wars, hunger, pain, suffering, sadness, gun violence in the US, the Monsanto monster, drought, floods, homelessness, mental illness, cruelty to animals, fraud, deceit, and I could go on for a long time but you get my drift here. Hopeless? I don’t think so. All of these and more imbalances exist and yet, there is an opposing force(s) working to neutralize them. It is made up of dedicated people, organizations, institutions, professionals and the like. Most powerfully, it is made up of you and I.

OK the “I” part. I guess that’s me. The man in the mirror, the hombre. What answers do I have? Good question! I try to do my part, my politics are balanced (at least I think so), I get a flu vaccine each year, I vote, I meditate for world peace, I once started a group in Central Florida to fight world hunger, I try to inspire others, make people laugh, give them hope, hug them, let them know they are not alone. I grow an organic garden in big giant pots on our back patio, I love animals, got a dog from Humane Society last year (best decision I ever made, I think). I promote gun safety and gun education, try to be honest in all my endeavors, and conduct my business with the highest principals I can attain, knowing that there is always room for improvement.

Business? What does that have to do with it? I am in the manufacturing business. It is part of who I am. Our small, family owned company, Soothing Touch, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, creates various skin care products for the natural industry, massage and spa industries, massage schools, consumers, and anyone else who wants, what we think, are very good, effective skin care products at good prices. My point is, our company gets a chance to participate in all of the above ways to change as well. We do our best to take care of our employees, provide them with a nice, safe workplace, with lots of support and some fun to go with it. Manufacturing can be tough work and it usually is but if you are singing with a little dancing in your day, well, it’s just more fun, trust me on that.

We work hard to be among the ranks of the growing number of socially responsible companies, but it seems every time we look at things, we find more we can do. We cut down on waste every chance we get. It is amazing how much gets thrown away if we are not careful. What can we reuse that for, is a common question.

In the past year or so we have introduced ten retail products that carry the USDA Organic seal. We are proud of that. We have introduced four Ayurvedic body lotions that aren’t organic but are completely free of petroleum by-products whatsoever. All the ingredients are plant-based with a paraben free/ petroleum free preservative system. We are committed to organics and know that is a good start to our contributions to the planet, the organic industry, the small family farmers, ourselves, and to our customers. After all, what goes onto the skin goes into the body. Have you thought about that lately? What are the ingredients in your favorite product you put on your skin every day?

Our latest massage lotion, Ayurveda Massage Lotion, is also completely free of any petroleum by-products, parabens, phthalates, PEG, TEA, formaldehyde releasing agents, and propylene glycol. It is one of the first of its kind in the massage industry.

As a company we are cruelty free, work hard to keep GMOs out of our products and we are also vegan except in a handful of topical pain relief balms and gels that contain beeswax.

There is so much opportunity in business to make changes, improvements, and contributions.

With all we have done, we know there is so much more we can do to get better, to improve people’s lives, to make a difference, to affect change, to create the change we want to be as individuals.

I also know that what we do in business, how we make a living, is an extension of what we do and who we are in our individual lives. At least it should be in my opinion.

The cool thing about the concepts here is that it does not matter what business you are in. You can make a difference every day. If you sell cars, do it honestly with passion; if you work as a school teacher, educate yourself and teach well; if you answer phones, do it with integrity and good service in mind. Each and everyone one of these service touch people’s lives and that is exactly the point where the difference is made. That difference can literally change our lives.

So I guess my point is, even with all the challenges around us every day, we can make a difference. We can commit to higher ideals. We can be positive in our outlook. We can be better people and better companies. We can affect global change by focusing in our small, little lives and remember to allow the great multipliers of the universe do their thing ( 1 x unknown = unknown and unlimited). One thing leads to another, to another, to another…

I am grateful for all that I have received on this planet and commit to making a difference one breath at a time, one person at a time, one customer at a time. If we join together, we can truly move mountains or anything else we want to accomplish. I look forward to meeting you along the way!

Gurukirn Khalsa is co-owner and sales manager of Soothing Touch, a family-owned massage lubricant and body care manufacturer located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Organics is a big passion of his, he has been growing various organic vegetables since college, and now he is bringing that passion into Soothing Touch as they transition to more and more organic ingredients. He believes that small organic farming is the answer to many of today’s health and environmental challenges. His family is most important to him, and he has a beautiful wife, 4 grown children and 7 incredible grandkids. 

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