<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Frugally Green &#187; Do It Yourself</title>
	<atom:link href="http://frugallygreen.org/category/do-it-yourself/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://frugallygreen.org</link>
	<description>Saving Earth one dollar at a time</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:29 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1</generator>
		<item>
		<title>5 Ways To Bring New Life To Old Credit Cards</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/5-ways-to-bring-new-life-to-old-credit-cards/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/5-ways-to-bring-new-life-to-old-credit-cards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Having Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1943</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sure, it may only be a 2.125” high by 3.375” wide piece of plastic. Pretty small, right? Yes, but what is not small is the number of credit cards in circulation; an estimated 2.7 billion by the year 2015! Unfortunately, when they expire or need to be replaced, many people just chuck ‘em. However there are some crafty ways [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-support-fair-trade-in-your-day-to-day-life/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Support Fair Trade in Your Day-to-Day Life'>How to Support Fair Trade in Your Day-to-Day Life</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/4-ways-to-be-green-and-save-money-with-your-hvac-system/' rel='bookmark' title='4 ways to be green AND save money with your HVAC system'>4 ways to be green AND save money with your HVAC system</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sure, it may only be a 2.125” high by 3.375” wide piece of plastic. Pretty small, right? Yes, but what is <em>not</em> small is the number of credit cards in circulation; an <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/global-credit-cards-circulation-reach-2-7-billion-160128437.html" target="_blank">estimated 2.7 billion</a> by the year 2015!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, when they expire or need to be replaced, many people just chuck ‘em. However there are some crafty ways you can bring new life to your old credit card. Here are 5 ways you can re-use them for something else.</p>
<h2><strong>1. Jewelry</strong></h2>
<p>That may sound crazy, but do a Google search for “credit card jewelry” and you will see there are tons of pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that can be made from them. But more surprising is that many of them actually look pretty cool! Many make creative use of the person’s name that was embossed on the credit card. Meanwhile, others make a pop-culture statement on status by crafting American Express Gold and Platinum cards into chic accessories.</p>
<h2><strong>2. Ice Scraper</strong></h2>
<p>Have you ever been caught in a snowstorm without an ice scraper? As someone who grew up in Michigan, trust me, it’s not fun! Thankfully the time it happened to me, I had a couple credit cards in my pocket. Obviously they aren’t the ideal tool for the job, but I was successful nonetheless in using them to scrape ice from the windshield. You never know when your spouse, relative, or friend might borrow the scraper from your car and forget to put it back. So if you live somewhere it snows, you may want to shove a couple old Visa or MasterCards into that glovebox.</p>
<h2><strong>3. Artwork</strong></h2>
<p><strong></strong>At the Graphic Design Museum in the Netherlands, there&#8217;s an astonishing mosaic that&#8217;s completely made of credit cards. It takes up an entire wall and the cards are arranged by color. But if you think mosaics are the only thing you can make, think again. Check out <a href="http://www.crookedbrains.net/2009/09/design_28.html" target="_blank">the mosaic and more</a> to see the dozens of different ways people have incorporated these pieces of plastic into their artwork.</p>
<h2><strong>4. Phone Stand</strong></h2>
<p>I love my iPhone, but what I don’t love is the fact that there’s no built-in stand. Fortunately it’s as simple as folding a credit card in two different places and voila! You have a fully adjustable stand. Best of all, this <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-and-Quick-Portable-iPhone-PMP-stand/" target="_blank">cheap and quick iPhone stand</a> can be assembled in a matter of seconds, wherever you may be. The author on the aforementioned link notes that it’s the perfect stand for flying, since it’s so compact and portable.</p>
<h2><strong>5. Construction</strong></h2>
<p>This is another use I can personally vouch for, because I&#8217;ve used old credit and debit cards on a number of occasions. How so? Well it&#8217;s the perfect rounded edge for caulking and a straight edge for plastering (i.e. fixing nail holes in your wall with a dash of plaster). In fact, during the last occasion, I actually found my old Bank of America debit card to work better than my $6 edging tool from Home Depot.</p>
<p>So there you have it… 5 ways to give your old credit card new life. It’s worth pointing out that not only will these uses work for bank cards, but also just about any plastic card you can think of. Everything from an old Walmart gift card to an expired YMCA membership card. So next time you find yourself with one that’s no longer needed, save it for later use.</p>
<p><em>Mike owns and operates CreditCardForum, which is a message board for <a href="http://creditcardforum.com/" target="_blank">comparing credit card deals</a> and what people are saying about them. His most recent review was of the <a href="http://creditcardforum.com/blog/walmart-money-card-review/" target="_blank">Walmart Money Card</a>, which he gives a big thumbs down to. Rather than paying the high fees on it, he recommends using it for any of the five purposes above!</em></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-support-fair-trade-in-your-day-to-day-life/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Support Fair Trade in Your Day-to-Day Life'>How to Support Fair Trade in Your Day-to-Day Life</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/4-ways-to-be-green-and-save-money-with-your-hvac-system/' rel='bookmark' title='4 ways to be green AND save money with your HVAC system'>4 ways to be green AND save money with your HVAC system</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/5-ways-to-bring-new-life-to-old-credit-cards/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Wintertime</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/make-your-home-energy-efficient-for-wintertime/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/make-your-home-energy-efficient-for-wintertime/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:56:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1933</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ This year’s end promises to be a particularly cold one. Early Winter is upon us, yet already portions of the U.S. have been wracked by mid-winter style snowstorms, with temperatures dipping well below freezing. Reactionary home owners might be tempted to crank up their heaters in anticipation for further chilly weather, but environmentally (and financially) [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/making-your-home-energy-efficient/' rel='bookmark' title='Making Your Home Energy Efficient'>Making Your Home Energy Efficient</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/15-no-brainer-ideas-for-an-energy-efficient-home/' rel='bookmark' title='15 No-Brainer Ideas for an Energy Efficient Home'>15 No-Brainer Ideas for an Energy Efficient Home</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong> </strong>This year’s end promises to be a particularly cold one. Early Winter is upon us, yet already portions of the U.S. have been wracked by mid-winter style snowstorms, with temperatures dipping well below freezing. Reactionary home owners might be tempted to crank up their heaters in anticipation for further chilly weather, but environmentally (and financially) conscious homeowners should stop and think before touching the thermostat.</p>
<p>There’s no use avoiding the fact that going green in the wintertime might be a little tougher than in the warmer months. With less daylight and constant cold temperatures, homeowners will have to use all their resources to safeguard their homes in order to stay warm. Less sunlight also means that solar energy sources won’t be producing electricity at optimum levels, so those who subscribe to green energy companies will see their bills rise during wintertime. But there are ways to cut energy costs this season without allowing your house to turn into an icebox.</p>
<h2><strong>Dress for warmth inside</strong></h2>
<p>Ok, this might not seem like the most enlightening piece of advice, but you’d be amazed at how much money you can save by wearing extra clothing in your home. When you feel a chill in you house, try putting on some thick wool socks, pajama pants, or even a comfy beanie to combat the cold. Your body heat will stay trapped against your skin when you bundle up; simply walk around your house for a bit while fully clothed and you might just reconsider turning on the heater. Keep your warm clothes on when you go to bed at night and you might not even have to touch the heater!</p>
<h2><strong>Inspect and make safe sources of heat</strong></h2>
<p>It’s critical that you check all major heating sources before the serious winter season sets in so you can warm your house safely when the temperature outside starts dropping dramatically. If you have a functioning fireplace, for example, check that the flue (the inside of the chimney) is clear and unobstructed by sooty buildup before you consider starting a fire. Most chimney related hazards could be avoided by taking a few minutes to ensure a clear passage for the smoke from your fire.</p>
<p>Also be sure to check your water heater and water pipes to ensure that they’re winter proof. Exposed pipes should be wrapped and secured in insulation or heating tape to prevent from cracking in freezing temperatures. As a preventative measure, a large thermal blanket should cover water heaters in order to shield them against the cold. A well-insulated water heater won’t have to work as hard to produce hot water, an effort that ends up saving you money in the long run.</p>
<p>If you don’t feel up to these tasks yourself, there’s no shame in hiring an experienced plumber to check and properly pad your water pipes and water heater. The fee you’d pay the plumber to secure your house’s heating system pails in comparison to the money and trouble you’d go through to repair your pipes if they broke during particularly icing weather conditions.</p>
<h2><strong>Seal and reinforce your windows</strong></h2>
<p>Homeowners in older homes should pay close attention to this tip. Oftentimes older homes retain their original windowpanes, frames, and fixtures that have deteriorated over time. It’s highly likely that these decrepit windows allow much more cold air into your home than you’d expect, keeping temperatures inside your house low despite the heater.</p>
<p>Like I suggested with pipes and water heaters, you can ready your windows for the winter in two ways: do it yourself or hire a professional. If you’re looking to save money then you could simply seal off cracks between windows and their frames, or invest in some heavy curtains or drapes to trap in some of the intrusive cold air. If you’re especially industrious you could purchase and install replacement panes for your windows. But if you don’t have the time to manage the repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to call a trained window repairman to update your windows. Well-crafted windows won’t only keep out the cold during the winter; they’ll also keep your house cool in the summer. Updating your windows could be the wisest investment you make in your hose this season.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">By-line:</span></strong></p>
<p><em>This guest post is contributed by <strong>Lauren Bailey</strong>, who regularly writes for <a href="http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/">best online colleges</a>. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: blauren99ATgmailDOTcom. </em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/making-your-home-energy-efficient/' rel='bookmark' title='Making Your Home Energy Efficient'>Making Your Home Energy Efficient</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/15-no-brainer-ideas-for-an-energy-efficient-home/' rel='bookmark' title='15 No-Brainer Ideas for an Energy Efficient Home'>15 No-Brainer Ideas for an Energy Efficient Home</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/make-your-home-energy-efficient-for-wintertime/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Save Money on Organic Products</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-save-money-on-organic-products/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-save-money-on-organic-products/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1901</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By now you probably know that most organic products are better for you, your family, and the environment than their non-organic counterparts. You also know that they tend to cost more. It&#8217;s for this reason that many folks haven’t yet found a way to fit organic items into their budget. If this sounds like you, [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/5-tips-to-feed-your-baby-organically/' rel='bookmark' title='5 Tips to Feed Your Baby Organically'>5 Tips to Feed Your Baby Organically</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/7-steps-to-simple-organic-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables'>7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-your-own-skin-and-hair-care-products/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products'>How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By now you probably know that most organic products are better for you, your family, and the environment than their non-organic counterparts. You also know that they tend to cost more. It&#8217;s for this reason that many folks haven’t yet found a way to fit organic items into their budget. If this sounds like you, don’t give up on organics just yet. You&#8217;ll be glad to know there are many simple ways to save money on organic products.</p>
<h2><strong>Watch for Sales</strong></h2>
<p>With organic products being as popular as they are, supermarkets would be silly not to offer sales on them. Be sure to pick up the weekly ads from all of the grocery stores near you. From there you will be able to see what organic items are on sale each week. Often times stores will offer “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” sales on organics, which can save you a lot of money. If you find that the products you want are included in the sale, by all means take advantage of it. Just be sure to check dates and be logical when purchasing. If your household won’t use the product, don&#8217;t purchase it just for the sake of it being on sale. Only buy what you will use.</p>
<h2><strong>Find and Use Coupons</strong></h2>
<p>You may not think that coupons exist for organic products, but the truth is they do. You may have to look a little harder for them, but it is usually worth it. Besides checking your Sunday paper, be sure to scan your supermarket ads, as they sometimes include coupons for various products. If you have certain organic products in mind, check the manufacturers’ websites. Many companies that produce organics put coupons online. All you have to do is print them out and take them shopping with you.</p>
<h2><strong>Buy in Bulk</strong></h2>
<p>Although they may not offer a huge selection, some warehouse-type stores have begun carrying certain organic products. If you find that a product you use is available in bulk for a better price, pick it up. Buying in bulk will not only save you money, but trips to the store as well. If you have more of something, you will not run out as quickly.</p>
<h2><strong>Grow Your Own Organic Produce</strong></h2>
<p>A surefire way to save money on organic produce is to grow it yourself. Organic gardening is relatively simple, and the results will be well worth your time and effort. You basically grow a garden as you normally would, just remember to use organic pest control products, as well as organic fertilizers. When you grow your own organic vegetables and fruits, you should have enough to freeze, can, or store for future use. Not only will you have a year-round supply of organic produce, but you will save a great deal of money as well.</p>
<h2><strong>Make Your Own Organic Cleaning Products</strong></h2>
<p>You may think that food is the only thing that can be organic, but the truth is household cleaners can be as well. Non-organic cleaners contain many harsh chemicals that truly aren’t necessary for keeping your home clean and free of germs. Unfortunately organic cleaners on the market can cost a lot of money. You will be happy to know that it is possible to make your own organic household cleaners with simple ingredients that you may already have on hand. Things like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can all be used to easily create organic cleaning products. There are many recipes that can be found online, so doing a simple search will bring up many results. Your house will be chemical-free and clean, and the stress on your wallet will be greatly reduced.</p>
<p>These are all wonderful ways to save money on organic products. The savings will allow you to provide yourself and your family with safer things to eat and use on a daily basis. After discovering how easy it is to save money on organic products, you may wonder why you did not find these tips sooner.</p>
<p><em>Guest post from Adam. Adam writes for FrugalDad.com, an <a href="http://frugaldad.com/coupons/" target="_blank">online coupon</a> site.</em></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/5-tips-to-feed-your-baby-organically/' rel='bookmark' title='5 Tips to Feed Your Baby Organically'>5 Tips to Feed Your Baby Organically</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/7-steps-to-simple-organic-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables'>7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-your-own-skin-and-hair-care-products/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products'>How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-save-money-on-organic-products/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Greening Up Your Home this Fall</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/greening-up-your-home-this-fall/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/greening-up-your-home-this-fall/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Oct 2011 13:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doing the Right Thing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1881</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Though we typically think of reds, oranges and lovely golds when it comes to fall colors, when September rolls around, the color we can’t forget is green.  While winter and summer typically get all the excitement for “green season prep,” that’s not to say that fall and spring don’t have ample opportunity to grasp a [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-a-home-buyer-can-lower-their-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint'>How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/make-your-home-energy-efficient-for-wintertime/' rel='bookmark' title='Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Wintertime'>Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Wintertime</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/making-your-home-energy-efficient/' rel='bookmark' title='Making Your Home Energy Efficient'>Making Your Home Energy Efficient</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Though we typically think of reds, oranges and lovely golds when it comes to fall colors, when September rolls around, the color we can’t forget is green.  While winter and summer typically get all the excitement for “green season prep,” that’s not to say that fall and spring don’t have ample opportunity to grasp a hold of and run with.  So, this fall as we prepare to return to routine, break out the warm cardigans and enjoy the rich smells of baking apples, consider these easy tips for greening up your home this fall.</p>
<h2><strong>Transform Fresh to Lasting</strong></h2>
<p>If you haven’t tried your hand at canning yet, it’s one of the very best ways to green up your home this fall.  You’ll be able to take advantage of the flood of fresh produce that is available to us during the fall months and preserve it to get you through the winter months when the only other way to get it would be to purchase something shipped from across the globe.</p>
<p>Craving raspberries in December?  Then you will <em>love </em>your homemade canned raspberry jelly.  Peaches?  Canned!  Drying is another great option.  Apples are one of my favorites to eat dried, and since they are abundant in fall, this is the prime time to stock up and stockpile dried stashes.  Nothing beats your own fruits and veggies in the middle of winter that you didn’t have to sacrifice your green principles for.</p>
<h2><strong>Switch Out Those Light Bulbs</strong></h2>
<p>With the start of fall comes the beginning of shorter and shorter days and you’ll naturally be using your lights for more hours each day.  Switching to energy efficient light bulbs might seem like a small thing, but if you haven’t done it yet already, this can go a long way to saving energy.  CFL (fluorescent) bulbs can even be up to 80% more efficient than the typical bulb.</p>
<h2><strong>Pesky to Perfect</strong></h2>
<p>You know those leaves that pile up so quickly in the front yard, the back yard, the side yard….  They seem pesky and annoying and often get a bad rap for taking up too much time and killing the grass underneath.  But, with a green mindset, those pesky leaves can become the perfect spring fertilizer.</p>
<p>Skip raking the leaves and ditching them in garbage bags on the side of the street and contributing to more energy use and consuming more landfill space.  Instead, shred them up and add to your composting bin.  Come spring, you’ll have a lovely, rich organic fertilizer.</p>
<p>And remember!  Rake, don’t go out with a leaf-blower.  One gas-powered leaf blower running for an hour is equivalent in emissions to driving 350 miles.  Other great green leaf uses?  Frame a few for fall décor or turn them into a potpourri.  Just crush, store in mesh bags and spread them throughout your house for the ultimate smell of fall all season long!</p>
<h2><strong>Add Some Green Inside, Literally!</strong></h2>
<p>Fall is the perfect time to move your “garden” from outside to inside.  Plant an herb garden for your windowsill.  You’ll get to keep that summer feeling going all year long with fresh mint in your tea, newly picked rosemary for those portabella burgers and perhaps even spinach.</p>
<h2><strong>Start Prepping Insulation </strong></h2>
<p>As soon as those daily temps start dropping, it’s absolutely appropriate to start “winterizing” your home.  There’s no need to wait for the first snowfall (in fact, that’s a really bad idea); plenty of us live in locales where fall most certainly calls for early effort to save precious heat.</p>
<p>Get prepped with draft blockers for the doors and for behind your light switches.  Insulate the hot water heater.  Consider caulking or double-checking the caulk all around sneaky spaces like windows, pipes, wires, etc.  You might want to look into getting a programmable thermostat that will automatically turn down and off at the appropriate times, relieving your less-than-perfect memory of the responsibility.  Change out all of your furnace filters.  As they become dirty, the airflow gets restricted, meaning more energy needed to push through.</p>
<p>And of course, you can get your own “insulation” invest in some good warm, heavy sweaters so you can keep that thermostat set low!  Stock up on propane, de-ice and any winter products you might need, <em>now,</em> before price increases to meet demand.</p>
<p><em>Freelancer Jocelyn Anne writes about greening up the home on a regular basis.  Her favorite fall methods include canning lots and lots of apple pie filling and thoroughly playing in the leaves before composting.  At the moment she’s promoting the efficient, energy saving <a href="http://www.air-n-water.com/product/g70.htm">G70 garage heater</a> for the winter season.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-a-home-buyer-can-lower-their-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint'>How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/make-your-home-energy-efficient-for-wintertime/' rel='bookmark' title='Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Wintertime'>Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Wintertime</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/making-your-home-energy-efficient/' rel='bookmark' title='Making Your Home Energy Efficient'>Making Your Home Energy Efficient</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/greening-up-your-home-this-fall/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Add a Little Green to Your Halloween</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-add-a-little-green-to-your-halloween/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-add-a-little-green-to-your-halloween/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Clothing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Having Fun]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1863</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is something more terrifying about Halloween than all the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins of the world running amuck for one frightful night &#8211; the price tag of doing so. Every year, Americans spend an average of $4.75 billion on Halloween costumes and decorations, with each participating person spending around $56.31. Also, costume manufacturers rely [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-green-choices-in-the-grocery-store/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Green Choices in the Grocery Store'>How to Make Green Choices in the Grocery Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-a-home-buyer-can-lower-their-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint'>How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/3-steps-to-a-frugally-green-spring-clean/' rel='bookmark' title='3 Steps to a Frugally Green Spring Clean'>3 Steps to a Frugally Green Spring Clean</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is something more terrifying about Halloween than all the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins of the world running amuck for one frightful night &#8211; the price tag of doing so. Every year, <a href="http://www.nrf.com/modules.php?name=News&amp;op=viewlive&amp;sp_id=790">Americans spend an average of $4.75 billion on Halloween costumes and decorations</a>, with each participating person spending around $56.31. Also, costume manufacturers rely on huge profit margins during the holiday season. So, the costumes you buy probably won&#8217;t survive the holiday, and they will probably be over-priced.</p>
<p>While parents might feel just fine &#8220;throwing something together&#8221; for their office party, children can be very sensitive about homemade costumes. They want to be their favorite movie character and impress, or at least blend in, with their friends.</p>
<p>So, we&#8217;re not suggesting gluing a cotton ball to your child&#8217;s rear end, calling her a bunny and sending her on her merry way. But there are many ways that you can add a little green to your holidays this year.</p>
<h2>Compromise With Your Children or Yourself</h2>
<p>There&#8217;s something about the psychology of wearing a store bought costume and, as much as your frugally focused mind might not want to admit it, you have to compromise with your children to get them on board. But this doesn&#8217;t mean that you have to go out and buy an expensive full costume. Especially with <a href="http://www.halloweenexpress.com/movie-costumes-c-221.html" target="_blank">movie Halloween costumes</a>, there&#8217;s usually one defining piece of the costume that makes the whole thing come together. So, you might consider buying the one defining piece at the store and frugally handling the rest. For example:</p>
<ul>
<li>Leonidas from 300 &#8211; The Spartan Helmet</li>
<li>Jason from Friday the 13th &#8211; The Hockey Mask</li>
<li>Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean &#8211; The Pirate Hat</li>
</ul>
<p>Always think of ways to cover both ends of the problem with Halloween costumes. While you might want to save money on your Halloween costumes, there&#8217;s nothing wrong with purchasing a single item for your child to help preserve their self esteem.</p>
<h2>Holiday Costumes Entirely From Scratch</h2>
<p>There are also <a href="http://cltampa.com/dailyloaf/archives/2010/10/15/green-diy-make-your-own-halloween-costume#.TlaVXKjw8ow" target="_blank">movie costumes that can be made entirely from scratch</a> with a bit of ingenuity, like:</p>
<ul>
<li>Indiana Jones from Raiders of the Lost Ark</li>
<li>Harry Potter from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</li>
<li>Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz</li>
<li>Woody from Toy Story 2</li>
</ul>
<p>For portions of a costume (or entire costumes) that you would like to treat frugally, use the following techniques to put together costumes that look good, without requiring you to shell out that $56.31.</p>
<p><strong>Make a list of what you need:</strong> Ask your child (or yourself, of course) what he or she would like to be for the upcoming holiday. Ask him or her to make a list of the possibilities. Then, use these to start on your own list. Find a picture of the character and start making a list of all the items that make the costume come together. For example, if you want to be Jack Sparrow, you might make the following list:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pirate Hat</li>
<li>Red Bandana</li>
<li>Long Black Wig (with multicolored beads)</li>
<li>Black Makeup</li>
<li>White Shirt</li>
<li>Blue Vest</li>
<li>Belt with Large Buckle</li>
<li>White and Brown Sash</li>
<li>Brown Pants</li>
<li>Black Boots (or spats)</li>
<li>Sword and Sheath</li>
</ul>
<p>You now have a shopping list (or scavenger list) for all of the costume items. If you have multiple people to dress up, consider convincing them to wear complimentary costumes (like a vampire and his victim) to cut down on both costs and shopping time. Take this list and a picture of the character with you as you hunt for the necessary items.</p>
<p><strong>Check your own closet first:</strong> You&#8217;d be surprised what you can <a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycled-halloween-costume-470708" target="_blank">find in the forgotten depths of your own closet</a>. A loose white shirt can easily become part of Jack Sparrow&#8217;s ensemble. That old berry picking basket would be perfect for Dorothy or Little Red Riding Hood.</p>
<p><strong>Visit the local thrift shops:</strong> Thrift shops are obviously a gold mine for Halloween costumes. While you would never wear or own a frilly white shirt, for example, you might be able to find one at the thrift store. Keep an eye out for extra items that you didn&#8217;t think of in the first place too. For example, you might find some garish rings that look like the ones Jack Sparrow wears in the movies. But be careful &#8211; it can be easy to accidentally spend much more money than you anticipated at the thrift store. Sometimes you can even end up going over the original store-bought budget.</p>
<p><strong>Alter existing items:</strong> If you have a hard time finding one item, consider using a bit of creativity to make another one work. You might not find boots that fit you for your costume. But, by cutting out the bottoms, you can make some spats to wear over normal black shoes. This works best with boots that don&#8217;t have laces. Along the same lines, if you can&#8217;t find a cheap whip for your Indiana Jones costume, consider simply wrapping a piece of rope in a loop on your belt. It doesn&#8217;t have to be a fully functioning whip to be an effective accessory. If all else fails, try just going without. Can you look like Captain Sparrow without donning a black wig?</p>
<p><strong>Take advantage of seasonal sales:</strong> If you just can&#8217;t get creative, ask around to see if anyone has old Halloween costumes in their attics. Or, buy your costumes right after the holiday, when they are priced up to 80% off. This tactic is best for costume accessories rather than whole costumes (children grow out of clothes quickly). Also, you very well might find yourself wearing that Indiana Jones hat to keep the sun out of your eyes while you work in the garden during the year &#8211; giving you an extra bonus.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-green-choices-in-the-grocery-store/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Green Choices in the Grocery Store'>How to Make Green Choices in the Grocery Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-a-home-buyer-can-lower-their-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint'>How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/3-steps-to-a-frugally-green-spring-clean/' rel='bookmark' title='3 Steps to a Frugally Green Spring Clean'>3 Steps to a Frugally Green Spring Clean</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-add-a-little-green-to-your-halloween/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Frugally Green Summer Tips</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Sep 2011 13:00:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1841</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Even though summer is now on it&#8217;s way out, it&#8217;s still hot out and there are many frugal ways in which we can go green and save some money. The summer weather does tend to bring with it some motivation and inspiration that&#8217;s quite hard to find during the winter months, so it’s vitally important [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/5-green-living-tips-to-fatten-your-wallet/' rel='bookmark' title='5 Green Living Tips to Fatten Your Wallet'>5 Green Living Tips to Fatten Your Wallet</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/10-tips-to-save-money-and-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='10 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint'>10 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/35-tips-for-sustainable-gardening/' rel='bookmark' title='35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening'>35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Even though summer is now on it&#8217;s way out, it&#8217;s still hot out and there are many frugal ways in which we can go green and save some money.</p>
<p>The summer weather does tend to bring with it some motivation and inspiration that&#8217;s quite hard to find during the winter months, so it’s vitally important that we make the most of it. Here are 4 great ways to get greener this summer.</p>
<h2>Dry Your Clothes Outside</h2>
<p>This goes without saying but once the sun comes out, we should all make use of it by drying our clothes outside instead of using an electric dryer.</p>
<p>You’ll save money on electricity and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment at the same time. Use a simple washing line inside or if you have the room, hang your clothes outside on a line to get the full use of the sun’s rays.</p>
<p>Not only will this save you money on your energy bills but your clothes will smell and feel better for having been dried outdoors.</p>
<h2>Grow your own fruits and vegetables</h2>
<p>A lot of people think that growing your own fruits and vegetables can be difficult and time consuming, but not if you follow some very basic guidelines and if you have the weather on your side!</p>
<p>Foods like tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, eggplants, peppers and even corn, grow fantastically well during the summer months so why not give them a try and see what happens. You can save some money and there will be a real sense of satisfaction when you are eating the food that you have grown yourself.</p>
<p>You will probably be able to find the seeds for your own fruit and vegetables at your local store or market, do some research or follow the instructions on the packs and see how you get on, you may surprise yourself.</p>
<h2>Enjoy fresh produce from your local markets</h2>
<p>I’m not sure what it’s like by you, but I have some fantastic local markets by me that offer fresh produce at great prices. Local farmers markets are great for finding fresh meat, but depending on what they have in stock, they can also be great for baked goods, cheeses and more.</p>
<p>Try out more than one local market to make sure that you are getting the most from your money as prices in your local area will most likely vary.</p>
<h2>If you’re really hot, use fans instead of air conditioners</h2>
<p>We all know that air conditioners do a very good job, but they&#8217;re expensive to run and take their toll on the environment. A more frugal way to keep cool could be to use a fan as these also do a great job too and use less energy than air conditioners.</p>
<p>Fans can circulate cool air around the rooms indoors instead of keeping the air trapped in a single room as an air conditioner does. It’s better for the environment and cheaper for you too, so why not give it a try?</p>
<p>I hope that these frugally green summer tips will help you to save some money and do your bit for the environment too this summer.</p>
<p><em>Les Roberts writes for moneysupermarket.com, the UK’s number one comparison website that can save you money with low-rate loans and <a href="http://www.moneysupermarket.com/credit-cards/balance-transfer/">balance transfer</a> offers.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/5-green-living-tips-to-fatten-your-wallet/' rel='bookmark' title='5 Green Living Tips to Fatten Your Wallet'>5 Green Living Tips to Fatten Your Wallet</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/10-tips-to-save-money-and-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='10 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint'>10 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/35-tips-for-sustainable-gardening/' rel='bookmark' title='35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening'>35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Healthy Family Food on a Budget</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/healthy-family-food-on-a-budget/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/healthy-family-food-on-a-budget/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:00:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1836</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you have many mouths at home to feed, you&#8217;ll understand how difficult it can be to cook for a family on a budget. There&#8217;s a fine balance between cooking foods that will make your kids say &#8220;yum&#8221; but don&#8217;t add up to a supermarket bill that makes you say &#8220;yikes.&#8221; When you add the [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/7-steps-to-simple-organic-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables'>7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Frugally Green Summer Tips'>Frugally Green Summer Tips</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-an-eco-friendly-raised-garden-bed/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed'>How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you have many mouths at home to feed, you&#8217;ll understand how difficult it can be to cook for a family on a budget. There&#8217;s a fine balance between cooking foods that will make your kids say &#8220;yum&#8221; but don&#8217;t add up to a supermarket bill that makes you say &#8220;yikes.&#8221; When you add the fact that each meal needs to be nutritionally balanced and healthy, the challenge can sometimes be overwhelming. However, don&#8217;t give up! Cooking for your family on a budget is possible, and it can even be fun and tasty when you get into the swing of things.</p>
<p>Here are a few ideas for money-saving dishes that everyone young and old will enjoy:</p>
<h2>Make-Your-Own Pizza</h2>
<p>What child doesn&#8217;t love eating pizza? The homemade version is a lot healthier, cheaper and more fun than eating it in a restaurant because everyone can be involved. If you have time, you can make the dough from scratch the night before which will save you even more money. If you don&#8217;t want to buy a pricey jar of sauce from the store, just find a cheap tin of tomato sauce and jazz it up with salt, oregano, black pepper, and any other spices that you enjoy. Buy some cheap mozzarella cheese, green peppers, olives, mushrooms, pepperoni, and anything else that you and your kids like on your pizzas. Separate the dough into individual pizza sizes, and cook it for a short time in the oven to prevent it from becoming soggy. Now for the fun part, as your little ones get to assemble their own pizzas by hand!</p>
<h2>Casseroles</h2>
<p>A delicious and hearty casserole should be on your menu for cold winter nights, as these healthy dishes are easy to cook, well loved, and save you money because they allow you to use some of the cheaper and tougher cuts of meat at the supermarket. These tough cuts will soften after being simmered in the oven for several hours, and become juicy and flavourful. Casseroles should be cooked for most of the day, so plan your ingredients in advance and prepare them in the morning. Simply combine your ingredients such as meat, vegetables, beans, and pasta or rice in a casserole dish and place in the oven to cook. By the time dinner rolls around, the house will be filled with a delicious smell and you will have a nutritious and delicious one-dish meal waiting for you!</p>
<h2>Soups</h2>
<p>Soup is very easy to make and a hearty homemade soup from leftover vegetables can feed a family for next to nothing. If you grow your own vegetables, soup is even cheaper! Kids love the comforting warmth of soup, but you might have to remind them not to slurp! There are no rules when it comes to making soup. Start with a hearty stock which can be homemade with leftover meat or created with soup stock cubes. Next, add anything you desire including vegetables, barley, rice, pasta, and spices. Serve it with some nice bread or dinner rolls, and you will have a happy and well fed family!</p>
<p>These are just a few ways that you can treat your family to healthy and hearty meals for much less money. There are many possibilities when it comes to cheap meals, so use these suggestions as a jumping-off point to experimenting with your own ideas and creating your own recipes!</p>
<p><em>Barry Hardcastle writes about money matters on Devon Money Man, and has worked on behalf of such financial brands clients as <a href="http://www.ulsterbank.ie/roi/business.ashx">business banking</a> specialists Ulster Bank.</em></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/7-steps-to-simple-organic-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables'>7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Frugally Green Summer Tips'>Frugally Green Summer Tips</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-an-eco-friendly-raised-garden-bed/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed'>How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/healthy-family-food-on-a-budget/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/how-a-home-buyer-can-lower-their-carbon-footprint/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/how-a-home-buyer-can-lower-their-carbon-footprint/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:25:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doing the Right Thing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1850</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A lot of people are starting to realize the effect that their actions are having on the environment. Many of these individuals are making the decision to change their lives and start adopting behaviors that are a whole lot more environmentally friendly. If you would like to join this club and start doing more things [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/10-tips-to-save-money-and-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='10 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint'>10 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/greening-up-your-home-this-fall/' rel='bookmark' title='Greening Up Your Home this Fall'>Greening Up Your Home this Fall</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>A lot of people are starting to realize the effect that their actions are having on the environment. Many of these individuals are making the decision to change their lives and start adopting behaviors that are a whole lot more environmentally friendly. If you would like to join this club and start doing more things to enhance the environment then you have come to the right place. Here are a few ways that a home buyer can lower their <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_footprint">carbon footprint</a>. Keep in mind that you can apply these steps to every stage of your property journey; be it when you are buying your first home, upgrading to a larger home, <a href="http://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/refinancing-debt-consolidation.aspx">refinancing</a> your existing home loan or even getting your next <a href="http://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/investing-in-property.aspx">investment property</a>.</p>
<h2>Unplug your appliances</h2>
<p>You probably are not aware of the fact that all of your electronics and appliances are using up power even when you are not using them. These items may use less power in standby mode but they are still running up your utility bill and harming the environment. You can help to save the environment around you by unplugging these items when not in use. Disconnect your laptop cord, cell phone charger, electric shavers, televisions, DVD players, and gaming systems to conserve energy.</p>
<h2>Make your home energy efficient</h2>
<p>You can start by making sure that your home is properly insulated so that it keeps cool air in during the summer months and keeps heat in during the winter. This will save your furnace from running all of the time. Switch to reusable filters as well so you no longer have to keep disposing of old filters every few months. Change all of your light bulbs over to compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs are known for being energy efficient and have the EnergyStar seal of approval.</p>
<h2>Start recycling</h2>
<p>Everyone should recycle in this day and age because it is easy to do and the right thing for the earth. You can recycle bottles, paper cups, paper bags, paper plates, and aluminum foil. Set up two bins in your kitchen. One container will be for all of the items that you have which are recyclable and one for the items that are not. Most neighborhoods even have trucks that will come around once a week and dispose of these items for you.</p>
<h2>Plant a garden</h2>
<p>Planting a garden at home will keep you from having to drive to the store to purchase your vegetables and produce. Many of the items that you buy at the grocery store have to travel a great distance to get to you. Buying less vegetables and produce from the store will reduce the amount of gases that the transportation trucks emit delivering food to your local grocer.</p>
<p>All of the above steps are easy to incorporate into your everyday life and will make you feel better because you will know that you are doing your part to reduce carbon pollution.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/10-tips-to-save-money-and-reduce-your-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='10 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint'>10 Tips to Save Money and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/greening-up-your-home-this-fall/' rel='bookmark' title='Greening Up Your Home this Fall'>Greening Up Your Home this Fall</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/how-a-home-buyer-can-lower-their-carbon-footprint/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-an-eco-friendly-raised-garden-bed/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-an-eco-friendly-raised-garden-bed/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:00:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1810</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Growing fresh vegetables is fairly easy to do, and is becoming more popular all the time. With the rising price of store-bought vegetables, it&#8217;s no surprise people have become more inclined to do it themselves. In addition to the fresh-from-the-garden taste, you also get the convenience of enjoying home-grown organic vegetables when you want them. [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/7-steps-to-simple-organic-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables'>7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/35-tips-for-sustainable-gardening/' rel='bookmark' title='35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening'>35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/an-explanation-of-eco-friendly-cars/' rel='bookmark' title='An Explanation of Eco-Friendly Cars'>An Explanation of Eco-Friendly Cars</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Growing fresh vegetables is fairly easy to do, and is becoming more popular all the time. With the rising price of store-bought vegetables, it&#8217;s no surprise people have become more inclined to do it themselves. In addition to the fresh-from-the-garden taste, you also get the convenience of enjoying home-grown organic vegetables when you want them. That pleasure is over and above the financial savings. Following are a few tips on how to make an eco-friendly raised garden bed.</p>
<h2><strong>What Is an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed?</strong></h2>
<p>Basically, an eco-friendly garden bed is a vegetable patch that is grown without using chemicals or pesticides. An eco-friendly garden uses natural fertilizers and composting. Having the garden bed raised has a couple of advantages: you can fill the garden with the type of soil you prefer and direct the water exactly where you want it to go is easier. Raised garden beds are also easy to make aesthetically pleasing. The ornamental aspect is fun and looks good, too.</p>
<h2><strong>Building the Garden Bed</strong></h2>
<p>The actual construction of a raised garden bed can be as easy or difficult as you choose to make it. There are no strict rules or regulations; you are simply raising your garden bed above the level of the surrounding ground. Choose a spot that gets plenty of sunshine, and then gather your materials. It would be advisable to put hardware cloth or landscaping fabric beneath the area of your garden to help prevent pests from getting to your vegetables from below. The sides of your raised garden bed can be constructed of brick, cement blocks, wood, or even recycled materials. The idea is to enclose an area and then fill it with soil, thereby raising it above ground level. Your raised garden bed can be as large or small as you want it to be. Look at it as a giant flower pot&#8211;you build your pot as big as you want, fill it with soil and allow a place for water to seep out.</p>
<h2><strong>Benefits of an Eco-Friendly Garden</strong></h2>
<p>Most eco-friendly gardeners insist that not using chemicals or pesticides improves the taste of your herbs and vegetables, and they are better for your overall health. Growing herbs and vegetables organically retains more of the natural vitamins and minerals that have proven to be better for you. This is in addition to the savings you will get by not having to pay high prices at a grocery store. There&#8217;s also another benefit; if you store these eco-friendly herbs and vegetables correctly, you can enjoy them year round.</p>
<h2><strong>Planting Your Eco-Friendly Raised Garden</strong></h2>
<p>Before planting your garden, it would be a good idea to do some research so you will know how to care for your vegetables. Ask your friends and neighbors who have experience in gardening for some tips. Most people who grow organically are passionate about it and will be more than happy to share their knowledge. You may also want to take classes in organic gardening.</p>
<p>After you&#8217;re content that you know enough about eco-friendly gardening to get started, collect the seeds you will use. Of course, you will be using organic seeds, which come from plants that have not been genetically altered. These are generally called heirloom seeds. The next step is to prepare the soil, which could take up to a year to do it correctly. Mix compost and natural fertilizers, which will draw leftover chemicals from the soil, thereby stimulating the nutrients in the soil. This will help establish a healthy root system. You will need to check the pH level of the soil. Ask your more experienced friends to help in the soil preparation process in order to make sure it&#8217;s done the right way.</p>
<h2><strong>Caring for Your Eco-Friendly Raised Garden</strong></h2>
<p>Once the planting is done, you need to care for the garden on a daily basis. The plants need to be watered and properly fertilized. You should pull weeds as necessary. Depending on how high you made the walls on your raised garden, the actual care may be easier than having to get down on your hands and knees to pull weeds. In order to keep pests out, such as deer and rabbits, you could put a fence around it. Just make sure you leave access so you can water the plants efficiently.</p>
<p><em>Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for <a href="http://www.businessinsurance.org/">www.businessinsurance.org</a>.</em></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/7-steps-to-simple-organic-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables'>7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/35-tips-for-sustainable-gardening/' rel='bookmark' title='35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening'>35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/an-explanation-of-eco-friendly-cars/' rel='bookmark' title='An Explanation of Eco-Friendly Cars'>An Explanation of Eco-Friendly Cars</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-an-eco-friendly-raised-garden-bed/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Make Soap, Save Dough</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/make-soap-save-dough/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/make-soap-save-dough/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:00:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clothing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1796</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are lots of ways to save the planet and tons of ways to be environmentally correct. And everyone wants a good deal, so how about combining the two? If you&#8217;ve chosen to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, and you want to save some money in the process, one of the easiest ways to do so [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-green-cleaning-supplies/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Green Cleaning Supplies'>How to Make Green Cleaning Supplies</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-your-own-skin-and-hair-care-products/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products'>How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-save-money-on-organic-products/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Save Money on Organic Products'>How to Save Money on Organic Products</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div>
<div>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">There are lots of ways to save the  planet and tons of ways to be environmentally correct. And everyone  wants a good deal, so how about combining the two?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">If you&#8217;ve chosen to live an eco-friendly  lifestyle, and you want to save some money in the process, one of the  easiest ways to do so is by making your own laundry detergent. You can  mix up a batch that&#8217;s liquid or powdered on the cheap, and keep it safe  for the planet. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">If you&#8217;ve ever read the label of  your detergent, you&#8217;ll find things like alkyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanols,  diethanolamines and subtilisin. Aside from the fact that no one can  pronounce these toxins, they&#8217;re bad for the environment. When you make  your own detergent, you know it&#8217;s better for the planet and for your  family—not to mention your wallet.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">Aside from the harmful ingredients,  a recent report by Consumer Reports found that many of the mass-produced  and so-called green cleansers on the market aren&#8217;t doing the job. So  it may be your best bet to just make your laundry detergent yourself.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><strong>The recipe for liquid laundry  detergent:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">1 quart boiling water</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">2 cups grated bar soap</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">2 cups borax</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">2 cups washing soda</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">Turn the heat down to low. Add  the finely-grated soap to the boiling water and stir until the soap  is melted. Pour the soap water into a large, clean pail and add the  borax and soda. Stir well until dissolved. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">Keep the pail covered, or you  can transfer it to smaller containers. Use 1/4 cup per load of laundry.  Be sure to stir the soap before each use, since the mixture will gel.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;"><strong>The recipe for powdered laundry  detergent:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">2 cups finely grated soap</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">1 cup washing soda</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">1 cup borax</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">Mix well and store in an airtight  plastic container. Use 2 tablespoons per full load. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">If you&#8217;ve got hard water, add a half  cup of baking soda or vinegar to the wash. For tough stains, pre-soak  your laundry with one cup hot water, a half cup each of baking soda  and hydrogen peroxide, then wash as usual.</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">If you do choose to make your own  detergent, keep in mind that:</span></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">You can use Fells-Naptha, Ivory  Soap, Sunlight bar soap, Kirk&#8217;s Hardwater Castile and Zote brands. Don&#8217;t  use a heavily-perfumed soap.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">Washing soda and borax can be  found in the cleaning and laundry aisles at your local grocery store.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">Save a couple of your old store-bought  laundry detergent bottles to store your homemade soap in. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">If you find the soap isn&#8217;t rinsing  clean from your clothing, or if you find a soapy buildup in your washer  or hoses, add some vinegar in a fabric softener ball with each wash.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: small;">This guest article is courtesy of <a href="http://www.americaoneunsecured.com">AmericanOneUnsecured.com</a>.  They help consumers obtain <a href="http://www.americaoneunsecured.com/loans/PersonalLoanMenu.aspx">unsecured  personal loans</a> and a variety of other unsecured loan solutions  that are available nationwide.</span></p>
</div>
</div>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-green-cleaning-supplies/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Green Cleaning Supplies'>How to Make Green Cleaning Supplies</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-your-own-skin-and-hair-care-products/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products'>How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-save-money-on-organic-products/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Save Money on Organic Products'>How to Save Money on Organic Products</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://frugallygreen.org/make-soap-save-dough/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

