Archive for the ‘Get Green’ Category

Well, the hydroponics system is growing food. We have held off on publishing the information for the hydroponics system because, though it may grow food it is not nearly as effective as we would like it to be.

We are now working on moving from a DWC (Deep water cycle) system to an ebb and flow hydroponics system.

Though the current DWC system seems to work we have had an issue with root rot and stunted growth. Keeping the PH balance in the current system has been difficult and not very user friendly.

Everything I have read leads to me believe that the issue is a PH buffer in the water or nutrients system we are using.

Though we have used reverse osmosis water, the PH still seems to be a problem even after I have balanced it and after adding the nutrients into the system.

We will publish a how-to on both systems as soon as I have a way to fix these issues. I don’t want to encourage anyone to build a system that is clearly faulty.

With the current system the plants seem to cycle between healthy and happy and wilting and sickly.

If you have any suggestions please drop us a note in the comment area, the sooner we can get this up and 100% functional the sooner we can post our build with the results.

Soap Nuts are getting more talk through the green channels for it’s use as an alternative to laundry detergent. Using these nuts is an organic and non-toxic way to keep your clothes fresh and clean, plus they are 100% biodegradable.

So, what are soap nuts?

Soap nuts are the dried fruit from the Chinese Soapberry Tree. The reason they are used in laundry is because they contain saponin which is a natural cleanser. The saponin oils cover the outside of the fruit/nuts which ripen and then fall from the tree. The fresh fruit has been used as a natural shampoo both Chinese and Indian cultures, just has the soap nuts(being the dried fruit) has also been used to cleanse everything from the body, clothes and home.

You can get soap nuts in American at most area Whole Foods Markets or other local organic shops, or you can purchase them online through sites like www.laundrytree.com.

Technorati Tags: green ways to wash, organic laundry wash, soap nuts, soapberry tree

In the day and age of Febreeze and other commercial products used to freshen things up around the house, there is a better and healthier way to get your environment smelling better in a green way that won’t harm your house hold items or your health.

Green Carpet Freshener

In a glass jar, or other container you can use for storage place three cups baking soda, 1/2 cup of cornstarch and 1 cup dried/crushed lavender or other organic scented herb.

Mix together and let the combination sit for a couple of days to settle. Once done, sprinkle around the house and sweep or vacuum carpets and other fabric items like curtains or the couch. *You can also use essential or fragrance oil instead of dried herbs just shake well and still let the mixture settle before using. The amount essential used depends on your personal scent needs.

Technorati Tags: diy, Green Cleaning, green freshener, make your own