Stuck inside on a rainy, dreary day? Have a hankering to start a new, crafty project? Using random objects and materials from around your home, these fun and eco-friendly DIY projects will cost you little to nothing.

Scrap Paper Notebook
You have a scrap paper galore in the drawer next to your desk, but this clutter is starting to get out of control. No problem! Stack your scrap paper to make all of the edges …

Tags: craft , crafting , creative , decor , DIY , howto , reuse , upcycle

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Are fuel costs stressing you out? Can’t spring for a new fuel-sipping ride? When you seek to improve the fuel-efficiency of a vehicle, the journey must start inside your own head. When you learn to control emotions on the road, you reduce the impulse to stomp on the pedals. Eliminate those aggressive tendencies and you’ll experience a significant improvement in your vehicle’s mile per gallon (MPG) average.

Of course, while that mantra might sound swell and dandy, does it really work when you’re stuck in traffic twice a …

Tags: car , driving , fuel efficiency , gas mileage , how to , howto , tips

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True, we are still living in a material world, but cotton grown with pesticides is no longer the fabric of our lives.

The green movement is making huge strides replacing toxins and waste in the marketplace with organic fibers like bamboo and hemp, as well as good old corn starch, throw-away cork and used paper.

The brave, new soldiers of eco industry believe enough is enough when it comes to creating more waste and adding to our grossly overflowing landfills and plastic islands. Bet you do, too!

Instead, the …

Tags: bamboo , cork , corn , furniture , greenest materials , guide , hemp , how to , howto , materials , organic , PET , plastic , reference , resource , textiles , upcycled

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We’re halfway through 2009 – how are your greening efforts going? By now, you’ve switched to energy efficient lighting, kicked disposable water bottles to the curb, bought a reusable shopping tote and you’re hungry for more.

Here’s some extra eco wisdom to make this year your greenest (and most bank-account-friendly) yet:

Replace your chemical-ridden cleaners with natural alternatives.

Put up a clothes line and hang your clothes out to dry. This simple …

Tags: going green , how to , howto , saving money , tips

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How often do you have to stop and fill up your tank? Frequent trips to the gas station may be a sign that you’re not maximizing your car’s fuel efficiency. As it turns out, trading your ride in for a hybrid isn’t the only way to improve your gas mileage. Here are some simple pointers to get started.

Lighten your load. Take out your golf clubs, toolbox and other heavy items when you don’t need them. Any extra weight reduces your car’s fuel efficiency….

Tags: cars , driving , fuel efficiency , howto , hypermiling , lifestyle , tips

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Buying a new toothbrush every three months may be dentist recommended, but it sure isn’t eco approved. Yeah, strict oral hygiene is important, but it still seems a bit wasteful to us green gals who rack our brains for ways to reuse things before tossing them in the trash. To spare you the headache, here are some ideas.

Dusting my keyboard has never been easier than with the help of an old toothbrush. This precise tool makes it a cinch to clean between the keys….

Tags: eco friendly , hack , howto , reuse , tips , toothbrush

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What do you picture when you think about summer barbeques? If visions of greasy burgers, CO2-emitting charcoal and trash bags filled with disposable plates, napkins and wasted food come to mind, here are some green tips to celebrate this seasonal milestone with respect for Mother Nature.

The centerpiece of any good BBQ is the grill, so invest in an eco-friendly one. What are your greenest options? Gas and charcoal versions both have their drawbacks: gas grills rely on non-renewable resources, while charcoal grills release carbon …

Tags: barbeque , green , grill , guide , howto , lighting , summer , tips , vegan , vegetarian , Verterra

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Got the itch to redecorate but limited funds? If you’re in need of some inexpensive decor, just look outside. Plenty of options can be found in your own backyard, compliments of Mother Earth. Our friends at Apartment Therapy Re-Nest recently compiled a list of Natural Objects You Can Use In Your Home, and I came up with some more to get your scavenger hunt started.

Stones and Pebbles

Fill a bowl or small glass vase with pebbles or stack stones to …

Tags: decor , free , green , howto , nature , reuse , rustic , style

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It’s the perfect summer gathering for the stylish greenie in all of us – the clothing swap. Most of us have more stuff in our closets than we need (or want).

A successful swap keeps our wardrobes simple, timely and up-to-date. It’s a chance to gather with friends, put those great pieces you’ll never wear to good use and pick up “new” duds for free.

Here are a few tips for throwing your very own successful clothing swap:

Send email invites and ask everyone …

Tags: clothing , fashion , how to , howto , recycled fashion , reuse , shopping , swap

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