This week, instead of doing a green room audit, we’re looking at green renovations for your yard.

Today let’s look at your actual lawn. Following are some tips I picked up from a local Oregon green resource newsletter and my collection of organic gardening books.
While not all the tips are specific to my region, a good tip is to check with your local natural gardening specialists for your city or state. Some regions will have very specific issues related to organic yard care and gardening. For instance, in New Mexico we were focused on water conservation, but in Humboldt the tips …read more

We use far too many chemicals hunting down, trapping, and killing bugs. Over 300 pounds of insecticides a year are used — in homes. Homes with kids. Homes with humans. That’s just not ok; not for the planet and not for our own health.
Here are a just few ways to get rid of pests without exposing your family to harmful chemicals.

Fight ants by not allowing them inside in the first place. Sprinkle chili powder or dry peppermint along doorways and cracks where ants might get inside.
By the same token you can plant mint by doorways and on windowsills.
If …read more