Sustainability

10 Easy-to-Find Secondhand Staples (and How To DIY These Thrift Store Finds)
Here are 10 secondhand staples you run into at thrift stores all the time, and 10 corresponding DIY projects to modernize them. Most are simple projects that are both do-able and transformative. Keep them in mind the next time you are wandering around a flea market, or in your favorite Goodwill. Mismatched Plates: These DIY tiered stands are inexpensive to make, and a great way to use old dishes.
Dabney Frake
Jan 16, 2020
This Sustainable Lampshade Will Make You See Veggies In a Whole New Light
Equally functional as they are eye-catching.
Nicoletta Richardson
Jan 14, 2020
Shoppers Call on Target to Stop Using Disposable Plastic Shopping Bags
"We can bring our own bags."
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 30, 2019
Ugly Christmas Sweaters Are Contributing to Plastic Pollution
There's nothing uglier than pollution.
Mia Nakaji Monnier
Dec 26, 2019
Try This DIY Project!: Turn an Old Box Spring Mattress into Stand Alone Bed Frame
This DIY project is a great use for older box springs, and an affordable way to have a “brand new” bed. It only requires about four yards of upholstery fabric, and can be done in just a couple of hours… Katy from The Clever Bunny had a hand-me-down mattress which was relegated to her guest room. In lieu of a bed frame she chose to cover the box spring with fabric and add legs.
Dabney Frake
Dec 20, 2019
Before & After: An Exterior Renovation in Seattle
My favorite Before & Afters are when talented people buy tired old houses and breathe new life into them. This 100-year-old house in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle shows that a thoughtful approach to design can be modern and sustainable while still fitting in with the surrounding neighborhood.Todd Smith, of Syndicate Smith, along with his wife Julie bought their 1911 fixer-upper in 2004 and have recently completed an extensive exterior renovation.
Lauren Zerbey
Dec 19, 2019
Before & After: Stevie’s Back Patio
Let me introduce you to Stevie who lives in Vancouver. Since 2004 Stevie has been transforming the back garden into something wonderful and taking readers of Garden Therapy along for the ride.Some basic background info about the garden transformation from Stevie:“While there is a wonderful mountain view from the deck, we decided to build a low, enclosed patio to gain privacy from the neighbours and some outdoor living space.
Rochelle Greayer
Dec 19, 2019
Kelly and Erik’s Urban Farm
Name: Kelly Coyne and Erik KnutzenLocation: Los Angeles, CA (Echo Park/Silver Lake area)Years lived in: 13 Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen didn’t set out to become back –and front!– yard farmers. But once this Los Angeles couple discovered the pleasures of making things by hand and living close to the natural world, one thing led to another and today their ever-evolving urban homestead (if we dare call it that) is a true inspiration in the heart of the city.
Emily Han
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make Soap
Handmade soap is an easy and effective way to add a personalized touch to your bathroom. Whether you’ve got sensitive skin and want to know exactly what ingredients are going into your soaps, or you want to give your guests that ’boutique hotel’ experience while they’re staying with you, it’s fast, fun and totally worth the investment. You can purchase soap making kits that come with everything you need, or gather your supplies individually.
Ashley Poskin
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make Handmade Scrap Fabric Twine
Do you have an over abundance of fabric scraps that you are holding on to, “just in case”? Cintia from My Poppet was doing just that, and then she came up with the clever idea of turning her scraps into pretty twine. You can find the simple tutorial below. Scrap fabric strips in assorted lengths (max 1″ wide) Something to wind your twine on to Scissors For more pictures and the full tutorial, head over to My Poppet.
Kate Legere
Dec 19, 2019
Christopher & Merete’s Truly Tiny Home on the Range
Name: Christopher Smith & Merete Mueller Location: Hartsel, Colorado Size: 127 square feet Years lived in: 3 months; Own Christopher and Merete own a tiny house on some of the most beautiful land in Colorado. One hundred miles southwest of Denver, fifteen minutes down a gravel road just outside Hartsel, sits a 127 square foot home. It’s cozy, efficient and costs hardly anything to power, but most importantly: it’s theirs.
Ashley Poskin
Dec 19, 2019
Evelyn Lee’s Sustainable Starter Apartment
Name: Evelyn LeeLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NYSize: 1,185 square feetYears lived in: 2 years; OwnedMeet Evelyn and her cat, Sam. Evelyn’s Williamsburg apartment was her first project directly out of Parsons’ Interior Design program (yes, she’s LEED accredited); and where she was able, she used sustainable materials to create a relaxing haven she calls home.
Beth Bates
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy and Robert’s House of Festive Flair
Name: Nancy and Robert SalzLocation: Berkeley, CaliforniaYears lived in: 25 Nancy Salz says her home is devoid of architectural interest. But over the past 25 years, she and her husband Robert have embellished their three-bedroom family lair with lovingly crafted DIY projects and intriguing collections, making it one of the most colorful and creative homes in Berkeley, California. The first floor flows easily from room to room showcasing vibrant surprises around every corner.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
BJ & Megan’s Traveling Farmhouse Homestead
Name: Megan & BJLocation: Chatham County, NCSize: 1,800 square feetYears lived in: Renting for over 2 years Traveling homestead? you ask. Isn’t that an oxymoron? Well, in the case of BJ and Megan’s 1917 farmhouse, that’s exactly what it is. After contentedly nestling itself into the soil of Burlington, NC for the better part of a century, the owner had it relocated 30 miles away to save it from demolition in 2002.
Katie Gard
Dec 19, 2019
Holly and Ryan’s Vintage Minimal
Name: Holly, Ryan and their son AugustLocation: Portland, OregonSize: 1200 sq ftYears lived in: 5 Holly is one of Portland’s most celebrated fashion designers. After photographing the sweet shop she co-owns, I had a hunch that the qualities I found in her clothing line—romance, inspiration from past eras and subtle palette—would be echoed in her home. I hunched right! Join me for a tour of a mellow, beautiful home. Holly and Ryan have a great touch in their home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Penelope and Nathan’s Full–Hearted Eclectic
Name: Penelope, Nathan and Bell MillerLocation: Portland, OregonYears lived in: 2 Penelope and Nathan turned a broken down house in North East Portland into a handmade palace full of personality and joy — the perfect spot to raise their 20 month old daughter, Bell, and even have leftover room for guests and grandparents. When Penelope needed a bit of peace and contemplation, they built an outdoor lounge room completely from reclaimed, tossed–aside materials.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
“Found, Free & Flea” Author Tereasa Surratt’s Rustic Camp
Image: Bob Coscarelli for CS Interiors magazineName: Tereasa Surratt and David HernandezLocation: Wandawega Lake Resort, Elkhorn, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 Author Tereasa Surratt (A Very Modest Cottage) and her husband David Hernandez know about reusing and recycling with style. In Tereasa’s new book, Found, Free & Flea: Creating Collections from Vintage Treasures, she shares her style advice, using the couple’s idyllic lakeside getaway as a setting.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019
Canvas & Ochre Founder Andrew Corrie’s Island Home
Name: Andrew CorrieLocation: Shelter Island, New YorkSize: 2,400 sq. ft.Years lived in: 6 Andrew’s Shelter Island home has just weathered two storms – first, Hurricane Irene, and second, the constant motion of three children under the age of four. Yet between the casually simple style and the sweeping water views, the home feels tranquil, “part beach shack, part Scandinavian cottage.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Lyndsay and Fitzhugh’s Summer Cottage in the City
Name: Lyndsay Caleo and Fitzhugh KarolLocation: Brooklyn, New YorkSize: 1,350 sq/ftYears lived in: 4 years, owned Lyndsay and Fitzhugh have always loved designing interiors. When the artistic couple graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, they tackled their first joint project: their own home. Flooded with light and studded with rich woods and soft stone, the airy apartment feels like a summer cottage in the city.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Nancy & David’s Restored Ranch
Name: David Florimbi and Nancy SimonLocation: Santa BarbaraYears lived in: 6 Nancy and David moved into a single story ranch style home in the hills of Santa Barbara, California six years ago. They preserved the bones, but opened up many of the rooms and gave the whole thing a coat of fresh white paint. The open floor plan, combined with large windows and a vibrant color palette, give this home an air of exotic getaway.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Ros and James’ English Countryside California Cottage
Name: Ros Wyatt (of Green Plum Design) and James VernonLocation: Kensington, CaliforniaSize: 2,100 sq/ftYears lived in: 9, OwnedWho else lives here: Jack, Mischa and Alfie In classic English style, interior decorator Ros Wyatt’s San Francisco Bay home features a multitude of pretty prints. A plaid throw drapes over a wing chair, gingham rambles across a coverlet, mod poppies blossom beside a bed, and cabbage roses bloom in the medicine cabinet.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
Wallpaper Designer Kimberly Lewis’ Brooklyn Alcove
Name: Kimberly Lewis of Kimberly Lewis HomeLocation: Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, NYYears lived in: 1 Kimberly’s line of wallpapers are absolutely stunning—their colors, repeats and scale are so fresh and inspiring—so when she agreed to a green tour, I was thrilled!
Landis Carey
Dec 19, 2019
Kirsten & Kyle’s Restored Bungalow
Name: Kirsten and Kyle NiemanLocation: NE Portland, Oregon Years lived in: almost 4Kristen is a home decor maven with an eye for upcycling and reclaiming cast away items from Craigslist, garage sales and friends. Her home is relaxed and beautiful with a predominate palette of grayish tones, whites, neutrals and pops of yellow. Join us for tea and a tour of this 1925 Portland, Oregon bungalow.Kristen’s interest in decor and styling is apparent in every room of her home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Julie’s Unbelievable Airstream Trailer, Shed and Art Studio
Name: Julie Montgomery and son, Henry Location: Carpinteria, California Size: 400 square feet Years lived in: 3 Julie and her young son, Henry, were offered the chance to live at the base of a tropical fruit farm in Southern California, about a mile from the Pacific ocean. Included in the deal was a small studio within the packing facility to create her large–scale abstract paintings. Too good to be true, right? The only catch?
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Joan & Jim’s Lovely, Artful Home
Name: Joan and Jim TannerLocation: Santa Barbara, CaliforniaSize: ampleYears lived in: 45 Joan and Jim live in one of the most artful, layered homes I’ve ever come across. It is at once cozy, enchanting, exuberant, chic and family-centered. Their space is truly a reflection of what full, vibrant lives Joan and Jim have led as an artist and a doctor. Join me in the hills of Santa Barbara for a unique glimpse into a remarkable home.
Leela Cyd
Dec 19, 2019
Johnelle’s Mignonne Maison
Name: Johnelle Mancha (Founder of Mignonne Décor)Location: Oakland, CaliforniaSize: 980 sq/ftYears lived in: 5 months, rented Stepping into artist and designer Johnelle Mancha’s Oakland cottage is like entering one of the great salons of 1920s Paris. Welcoming rooms, outfitted in exquisite vintage decor whisper of European aristocracy, Middle Eastern adventures, and the joys of classic American recreation.
Celeste Sunderland
Dec 19, 2019
Anil and Shannon’s 655-Square-Foot Two-Bedroom Loft
Name: Anil & ShannonLocation: New York CitySize: 655 square feetYears lived in: 5 years, owned How do you hide two bedrooms in a 655-square foot studio loft? With one Murphy bed in the living room and a second revealed by a sliding kitchen wall, which skims the floor on ceiling tracks. Moving a kitchen wall sounds daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. As seen in the photo above, just clear off the counter, scoot over the rolling kitchen table, and give it a tug.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Toni and Rick’s Serenity in Stone
Name: Toni and Rick SturtzLocation: Neillsville, WisconsinYears lived in: 8 years, owned Toni and Rick Sturtz live in a cozy stone farmhouse nestled between a restored prairie and miles of towering fir and birch trees. They see themselves as stewards of the farmstead—caretakers of their 120-year-old home and the natural resources that surround it. As they carefully adapt their home to modern living, they make changes with sustainability in mind.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019
Alison & Jeff’s Eclectic Williamsburg Railroad
Name: Alison Feldmann of TeenAngster and Jeff Bergstrom, as well as cats Bug and DagmarLocation: Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New YorkYears lived in: 1 year Perched on the top floor of a Williamsburg walkup, Alison and Jeff’s eclectic railroad was filled with warm afternoon light the day I visited. Streaming in with unobstructed access, it lit surfaces and highlighted textures, softening the space this couple has made their own.
Landis Carey
Dec 19, 2019
Matthew and Emma’s Eco Environment
Name: Matthew and Emma McGregor-MentoLocation: New York, NYSize: 650 sq/ftYears lived in: 6 months When Matthew and Emma bought their 6th floor apartment in the East Village, they knew they wanted it to be filled with natural living things and to convey the sense that “nature was taking the apartment back, like a small plant growing from a crack in the sidewalk.
Cambria Bold
Dec 19, 2019
Lauren’s Tiny 400-Square-Foot Cozy Apartment
Name: Lauren Yarmuth Location: New York CitySize: 400 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5, owned Lauren’s 400-square-foot apartment was classic New York real estate: a sliver of space in an old brick building, with little light and even less charm. But in just three weeks, she gave it a clean and natural makeover, putting every inch of space to use with clever storage solutions. When she bought it, Lauren explained, the building “was a dump.
Liz Vidyarthi
Dec 19, 2019
Jennifer’s Vintage Glam Loft
Name: Jennifer White Location: McGregor, IowaSize: 800 square feetYears lived in: 13, rented Jennifer White’s friends refer to her colorful, antique-filled loft as “the flamenco palace.” We’re pretty sure the “flamenco” has to do with the prodigious amounts of ball fringe, and the “palace” with the richness of retro-ocity in every corner.
Therese Maring
Dec 19, 2019
How To Make Your Own Reusable Food Wrap
Sorry Costco, but I don't buy Saran Wrap in bulk anymore.
Edith Zimmerman
Dec 18, 2019
How To Clean and Season an Old, Rusty Cast Iron Skillet With Salt and Oil
Cast iron skillets get better with age- as long as you’re consistently cooking with them, and as long as you don’t clean them with soap. If it’s been ages since you’ve actually used your skillet, chances are it’s in need of some TLC. Covered in rust, you say? No problem! Reach for these three simple kitchen staples to help you return your pan to its former glory. Coarse saltOil (vegetable, olive- even Crisco works!
Ashley Poskin
Dec 5, 2019
Alternative Non-Stuff Gift Ideas For ‘No Gifts Please’ People
Last year after Christmas I tried to take two Dutch ovens with me on the plane in my carry-on suitcase. One had been a gift, and the other was a purchase, and I thought that putting them in my carry-on would be the safest way to transport them back to New York. This seemed like a good plan until I tried to go through security……where I discovered that Dutch ovens are considered potential weapons. “You could throw them at another passenger,” the TSA agent told me.
Cambria Bold
Nov 22, 2019
How To Fix a Slow Draining Sink
Our sink has been draining very slowly for months; but, complete laziness has kept us from doing anything about it. Last night when we were brushing our teeth, we realized that we’d let it all go too far.
Stephanie Kinnear
Sep 23, 2019
Sara and Rogan’s Delightful Dorm Oasis
Name: Sara Jade Pesek and Rogan KershLocation: Manhattan, New YorkSize: 1,350 sq/ftYears lived in: 2.5 years In New York University’s Goddard Hall, on Washington Square Park, most doors open on the chaotic lairs of 200 college freshmen. But door #702, dotted with notes and nametags, reveals an unexpected oasis, the tranquil home of “dorm parents” Sara and Rogan.
Liz Vidyarthi
Jul 31, 2019
13 Super Secret Stair Storage Ideas
Underneath the stairs lies a great abyss known as unused space in most homes. Check out this list of 13 inspirational ideas to kick-start how to use your stairs, steps, and angles to your best small space advantage!In no particular order, here are our favorite 13 ways to efficiently use your staircase space: Stair Drawers: When you think about it, directly underneath your steps are layers of unused space. So why not add functionality to those common rectangles by transforming them into drawers?
Tiffany Finley
Jul 1, 2019
The Secrets Behind Great Small Spaces
Everyone has a bit of a different take on small space living: it’s all about purging your stuff. No, it’s all about organizing your stuff. Wait, it’s all about storing your stuff! But one thing is for sure: you know an amazing small space when you see it. Small spaces are king on Re-Nest. Yes, we love them for their lower energy and heating bills, and yes, we love them because they force us to edit, organize, and reduce our accumulation of stuff.
Cambria Bold
Jul 1, 2019
Use That Booze: 10 Ways to Clean With Vodka
Whether you’ve resolved to lay off the libations in January (Anyone out there giving Drynuary a try this year?), have just a few drops left in a bottle, or are stuck with bottom-shelf booze after a big bash, we’ve got some great alternatives to pouring the party down the drain—clean with it!
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean a Fireplace
No matter how clean a room may be, a dirty fireplace can make it look messy and unkempt. Tidying up can take time and effort, but the end results are rewarding, and will help keep your fireplace in great working order. More than likely you’re only dealing with some soot here and ther—and if that’s the case, your cleaning adventure won’t take all that long. But if you’ve inherited a neglected fireplace like mine, prepare to put in some time and serious elbow grease!
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
Scrub A Dub Dub: How To Make a Natural Cleaning Paste For The Tub
Over the years I’ve been guilty of occasionally buying whatever bath cleaner is on sale at the store -could be all-natural, could not. The moment I try to settle into a nice, relaxing bath I immediately start thinking about what chemicals I’m being subjected to and majorly regret my decision.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Clean A Wool Blanket With Snow
Wool blankets are one of the most coveted finds at flea markets these days. They are practical, durable, and fashionable. And we’ve found a great way to clean them that costs only your time —and maybe your comfort if you don’t have a big warm winter coat. People have been cleaning with snow for ages.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Remove an Ink Stain with Milk & Vinegar
Sometimes we find ourselves in the most cliché nerd predicament: a leaking or exploding ink pen (where was your pocket protector when you needed it!?). But you can put away your inhaler, because removing an ink blob is easier than you think. Just grab some milk and vinegar and get to the stain ASAP! 2 parts whole milk1 part white distilled vinegarLarge bowl 1. Place your garment in a bowl at the most shallow part, allowing it to be covered completely with the mixture. 2.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Make Your Own Wood Polish
If you’re tight on space and don’t want a bottle of rarely-used wood polish hogging the shelf, don’t buy it! Wood polish is easy to make in small, single use batches, so you don’t have to worry about trying to jam yet another bottle away under the cupboard. Depending on the size lemon you use, the polish ends up being around about 1/2 cup of liquid.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Naturally Clean a Bathtub with Grapefruit and Salt
Lemons and vinegar are the great dynamic duo of green cleaning, but there’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh grapefruit. It’s fresh and sweet, and can give your bathroom that extra boost of freshness that is usually only obtained with heavily scented candles and other cleaning products that aren’t so earth-friendly. I recently moved into a home that had sat empty for a year and while it was in great condition, the old cast iron tub looked pretty rough.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
How To Make a Fruit Fly Trap To Get Rid of Fruit Flies
We’ve all experienced it at one point: fruit flies, first a few then an infestation surrounding your fruit bowl. They’re pesky little critters, but we’ve found the best way to rid your kitchen of them. Here are our quick instructions for making a fruit fly trap with just a few simple materials. Vinegar, fruit or wine (apple cider vinegar works especially well) Glass or jar Sheet of paper Tape Find a suitable glass or jar.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
All We Are Saying, Is Give Bees A Chance: How To Grow a Pollinator Garden
Red Fox We’re probably not the first to tell you that bees have been disappearing from their hives, never to return, at alarming rates. Colony Collapse Disorder has been an issue here in the US since the 1990s and it’s now occurring all around the world. Among the super-bummer factors believed to be causing CCD is habitat loss. While this is a really large scale issue, there are a few things the average gardener can do to help out.
Ashley Poskin
Jun 5, 2019
5 Common Myths About Composting at Home (It’s Easier and Less Smelly Than You Think)
In honor of National Composting Day on May 29, we spoke to some experts to help break down common myths about composting, including how to do it in an apartment.
Ashley Abramson
May 29, 2019
Andrea’s Mini Urban Farm
Name: Andrea Bellamy and Ben Garfinkel, their daughter Lila, and Schnoopette the cat Location: Vancouver, British ColumbiaYears lived in: 5 yearsAndrea Bellamy and Ben Garfinkel grow plants in every nook and cranny they can find around their urban townhouse. Potted tomatoes and herbs grace their balcony and front patio, the couple share raised beds with their neighbors above their parking garage, and they planted a woodland garden in their cozy back patio area.
Willi Galloway
May 21, 2019
How To Clean Your Jeans Without Water (In the Freezer!)
Here’s an oldy but a goody that’s even more relevant now as MORE people are doing it… I recently bought my first pair of “serious” jeans. The reason I know this is because as I was standing at the register about to pay A LOT of money for them, a cool dude who was standing next to me at the register said, “Oh, you’re going to like those.” “Do you have a pair?” I asked him.
Maxwell Ryan
May 21, 2019
How To Prevent & Get Rid Of Pantry Moths
Pantry moth infestations are most frustrating. At the same time, I am committed to using natural, non-toxic, and mostly no-kill methods to deal with pantry moths. Here are the methods we recommend to get rid of them and effectively prevent further infestation. If you suspect you have pantry moths, first inspect everything in your pantry. Although moths tend to infest flours and grains, you should also check dried fruit, candy, pet food, etc.
Emily Han
May 21, 2019
How To: Reuse Tin Cans as a Container Garden
Growing up, we were taught that everything can have more than one purpose. One man’s trash is another’s treasure, some would say; we like to think we just concentrated on the “reuse” part of reduce-reuse-recycle. So when we went home earlier in the week, we snapped this photo of one of our mom’s trash-to-treasure successes. Here’s one small, simple project that you can do at home, whether you’ve got a green thumb or not.
Amber Byfield
May 9, 2019
7 Green Reasons to Use a Bread Machine
You might remember my argument for going back to the basics last year, which is why I fought the idea of a bread machine. But my boyfriend gave me one as a gift and in the last week I’ve been converted. Sure, you can accomplish some of this list by making bread the old-fashioned (or no-knead way), or by purchasing a fresh loaf at your local bakery.
Amber Byfield
May 9, 2019
How to Grow 100 Pounds of Potatoes in 4 Square Feet
On many occasions, we’ve been tempted to grow our own potatoes. They’re fairly low maintenance, can be grown in a pot or in the ground, last a fairly long time if stored properly, and can be very nutritious (high in potassium and vitamin C). Here’s more incentive: according to this article, you can grow 100 pounds of potatoes in 4 sq. feet.
Trent Johnson
May 9, 2019
Before & After: Black and White Stripe Linoleum Floor
Attention, all you renters out there: this is an easy, affordable, and ultra-stylish way to upgrade your dingy rental floors. We have been meaning to do something like this ourselves for quite some time, and seeing this project by Orlando Soria on Design*Sponge totally got us all jazzed up to copy her.
Cambria Bold
May 8, 2019
How To Build an Interior Window
Contemporary homes are built with open floor plans, great rooms, and high ceilings — a result of current tastes, as well as programmatic and structural changes in residential architecture. Unlike homes from the mid-century and prior, the contemporary home incorporates the previously private kitchen into the public living space and capitalizes on longer span beams to create rooms that flow together.
Julia Brooke Hustwit
May 8, 2019
How To Remove Jar Labels and Odors
We reuse jars and bottles everywhere in the home – to store bulk grains, dish soap, buttons, nails, you name it. Removing the sticky labels and any odors (most often from foods like tomatoes, pickles, and garlic) from the jars is a mundane yet satisfying task. Here’s how we do it.MaterialsHot waterDish soapSponge or steel woolVegetable oil or peanut butter (optional)Sunshine (optional)Vinegar (optional)Baking soda (optional) ToolsHair dryer (optional) To remove labels1.
Emily Han
May 8, 2019
The Best Interior Paints are Low-VOC and Inexpensive
A lot has changed with paints—even in the last year more paint companies have changed their formulas from high-VOC to low-VOC and even to no-VOC. And they’re probably not the big name eco-friendly paints you’ve heard about. Leave it Consumer Reports to put all the paints to the test, and find out their results after the jump.
Rachel Wray Thompson
May 8, 2019
A Bathroom That Opens Into The Kitchen: Awkward?
If you live in an old building or a rental, you’ll understand where we’re coming from: our last apartment’s bathroom opened up directly into the kitchen, as did our apartment before that. In fact, we grew up in a home where the toilet room (just the toilet.. the sink and bathtub were separate) was basically in the dining room, a few feet away from the table…and our guests eating dinner. For anyone entertaining or on a date, this can be veeeerrrrry awkward.
Cambria Bold
May 8, 2019
Warm Up Your Bath Towels…Without a Towel Warmer!
The other day, I was talking to some friends about our dream bathrooms. A sunken tub, said one. A shower for two, was another vote. His and Hers sinks, was on a third friend’s wish list. Top of my list? A towel warmer. I got that one covered, said my sunken-tub-wishing friend. Really? I’d been to her house recently and I didn’t remember any towel warmer or even any space for one. She shared.
Abby Stone
May 8, 2019
Bricor 0.5 GPM Ultra Low-Flow Showerheads
Bricor claims they are the only manufacturer to create a truly “low flow” showerhead without sacrificing water pressure. Their Ultra Max 100 showerhead has only a 0.5 GPM, yet it has the highest performance value rating of any showerhead tested—more than Oxygenics or Delta. See here for Bricor’s assessment of their FIT rating (Flow Impact Intensity)Technically, “low-flow” is anything under 2.5 GPM, so 0.5 GPM is pretty astounding. How does it work?
Cambria Bold
May 8, 2019
An Excellent Homemade 3-Ingredient All-Purpose Cleaner
You can make your own all-purpose cleaner using three basic, inexpensive, non-toxic ingredients. You can use this cleaner for everything — from streak-free mirrors to wiping out the cat litter box. I keep it pre-mixed in a reused windex spray bottle for easy access. Ingedients 2 cups water 1 cup hydrogen peroxide ¼ cup lemon juice Mix and adjust to suit your needs. Hydrogen peroxide is the key to this cleaner. It’s inexpensive, non-toxic, and readily available.
Kathryn Wright
May 8, 2019
How To Make A Wine Bottle Tiki Torch for Under $4.00
Inspired by the this Recycled Wine Bottle Torch post and annoyed by mosquitoes this week (how is it that they’re already out and there’s been only a few weeks of spring?), we hit up the hardware store and threw together a $3.48 recycled wine bottle torch filled with citronella. While it’s not as classy as the real thing (nor as safe), it keeps the bugs at bay and looks pretty good. And it was quick and cheap.
Trent Johnson
May 8, 2019
5 Eco-Friendly Watering Cans (Including One DIY Project)
Using a watering can instead of a hose is a good way to save water when you’re watering plants. We’ve gathered up a list of the best eco-friendly watering cans, from those made with recycled materials to Nicolas Le Moigne’s cool design for a spout that attaches to a reused water bottle. There’s also a DIY project to turn a laundry bottle into a sprinkling can. Details after the jump.Shown above, from left to right:1.
Adele Peters
May 7, 2019
5 Homemade DIY Natural Fabric Softeners
It should come as no surprise that fabric softeners have a long list of artificial ingredients and chemicals in them. So if you want that cozy, soft feeling without the headache-inducing scent, you can try one of these natural alternatives:1 Baking Soda: Add a 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water in your washer and let it dissolve. Add your clothes.2 Vinegar: Add 3/4 – 1 cup of vinegar to either the wash or the rinse cycle.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
A Visit to Mrs. Meyer’s Headquarters in Minneapolis
As I shared yesterday, last week I got on a plane and flew to Minneapolis to tour the Mrs. Meyer’s headquarters and meet the fabulous 79-year-old Mrs. Meyer in person.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
Before & After: Lisa’s First House, Revamped On a Budget
Just as the markets started crashing in September of 2008, Lisa Hoffman and her husband bought their first house in Oakland, California. Thankfully, they weren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, dig in, and do most of the work themselves—all on a very tight budget. The photo above is the sad-looking living room prior to their renovation. (Check out that wallpaper!
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
How To Calculate The Amount Of Paint Needed For A Space
One of the easiest ways to live a green lifestyle is to simply buy only what you need. This is especially true when it comes to painting your spaces. Sure, it’s nice to have a small amount for touch-ups down the road, but that doesn’t mean you want rogue half gallons (or even whole!) sitting in your garage taking up space! Eliminate the waste and buy the correct amount to begin with. Here’s how:MaterialsToolsMeasuring TapeCalculator 1.
Sarah Rae Smith
May 7, 2019
How Can I Properly Dispose Of My Old Carpet and Pad?
Q: I’m getting new carpet in my house and trying to find out where in my local area I can dispose of my old carpet and pad properly? I live in Macomb, MI, and have over 1300 sq feet of carpet and pad to dispose of.Sent by LynetteEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide have to say:Answered by Cynthia Phakos of Koffka Phakos Design: My first step in finding carpet recycling options in your area was to visit the website for CARE, the Carpet America Recovery Effort.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
Before & After: Grandma’s Hutch Makeover
Hutches are weird things. They take up a great deal of space, and although they display your collectibles well, unless the vibe of the piece really fits your home, they feel monolithic and out of place. So when Brooke’s friend passed along a hutch from her Grandmother, she set out to make it her own and all we have to say is, “Wow!”Brooke over at The Crafting Chicks really did a bang up job on this transformation.
Sarah Rae Smith
May 7, 2019
What’s the Best Green Way to Clean Tarnish Off Antiques?
Q: As a student in interior design I was taught to use naphtha for cleaning antiques. Now I am more concerned about being green. What is best?Sent by BrendaEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide say.Answered by Jennifer Davidson, J. Davidson Design & Consulting Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the metal surface you want to clean.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019