April 18, 2008
Did you know litter for cat boxes is strip mined and has a negative impact on the environment? Eep. Then after it's used, you dump it into your garbage where it's sent to bulk up landfills. Is there a more eco-friendly alternative? One that removes litter from the scenario? (Environment aside, it's a pain just to have to change the litter in those cat boxes all the time.)
Well, the folks at Cat Genie believe they have a good solution.
The company's cat box uses washable granules that need not be thrown away. And you don't have to wash them yourself either. You simply hook this bad boy into your plumbing (apparently it's easier than it sounds--a one-time 10-minute project) and cold water flushes the waste away, just as with a toilet. For the solid stuff, there's a raking scoop thing that liquefies the waste for easy removal.
So, if you're tired of changing cat litter for your furry friends, maybe it's time for an automatic system that takes care of the mess for you (and is better for the environment).
Under $300 at SmartHome:
Cat Genie Self-Cleaning Litter Box
April 9, 2008
If you're looking for an eco-friendly, low maintenance decking option, you might want to check into rubber composite decks.
Made from a mix of polyethylene resins and recycled tires, these heavy manufactured deck boards were first used in commercial projects but are now available for residential decks as well. The rubber decking has a smooth or natural traction surface and is supposed to do a good job withstanding extreme heat and cold. It also resists damage from insects and solar rays.
A downside to rubber decking is that it isn't yet widely available, so you may need to special order.
Rubber composite decks last about 25 years and are low maintenance, requiring only periodic cleaning with water. Costs run about $3-$4 per square foot (not installed). Colors you're likely to find are terra-cotta, gray, and black.
March 18, 2008
If you're looking for a versatile coffee table that provides storage and can easily be moved out of the way when company is over (hey, you never know when you're going to need a dance floor in the middle of the living room), then take a peek at Tim Wigmore's Spin Coffee Table.
As the name implies, the round table can be spun around (to hide or reveal the storage areas) or moved across the room on its castors. As a bonus for your green living types, the coffee table is made from sustainably grown hoop pine and finished in an eco-friendly oil.
$2160 from New Zealand's Unless
March 15, 2008
If you're looking for some rugs to cozy up your hardwood or laminte floors, then you might want to consider pieces made from recycled materials. Hey, why not buy something earth-friendly as long as you're just looking for something to walk all over anyway?
These rugs from Etsy seller, North Woods Weavers, are hand-woven on an Amish loom and made from recycled upholstery fabric ends. The rugs are machine washable (line dry) and are supposed to be heavy and durable so they'll last and last.
Prices start around $32 and custom sizes are available:
Etsy
March 14, 2008
With the rising costs of heating, cooling, and home energy in general, it makes more sense than ever to build "green" or eco-friendly homes that are well-insulated, employ recycled materials, and rely on alternative energy sources. In some parts of the world, it's even possible to find companies that specialize in mortgages for green homes.
This is very helpful, since eco-friendly homes tend to cost more to build (expect to spend tens of thousands on elements such as solar panels), though you do tend to make back your money in the long run on lower costs for energy bills. So if you've been thinking of building a home from scratch and want to incorporate green elements, you may want to research lenders that offer these types of mortgages.
Unfortunately, the green mortage market isn't likely to grow much in the near future (according to a story on this UK-based Mortgage quote comparison site), due to the current troubles in the housing market, but there are a few companies out there still offering them (check that article for a couple links), so do your research if you're interested!
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