The home that produces almost zero trash and looks like a catalogue photo set
When I think of the type of home that might be a “zero waste” home — where occupants strive to eliminate the everyday disposables that seem sometimes to be inseparable from living — I guess I think of a home far from civilization. Maybe something handbuilt. The zero waste home in my imagination looks a lot like the permaculture-loving straw bale home we featured in April 2011. It’s woodsy, it’s cozy, it’s clearly inhabited by hippies.
Well, finding The Zero Waste Home blog goes to show me that assuming and stereotyping are no good.
Ultra-natural, high-design treehouses from around the world
We haven’t taken a day to hang out in the forest for a while, and since it’s just good medicine, let’s do that. I’d like to introduce you to Romero Studios, a treehouse-building husband and wife team which has traveled around the world, spreading treehouses, gardens, and sculptures using 98% reclaimed materials.
Drink local for Fluid Friday: take the water from your tap instead of buying it in stores
More than half of all Americans drink bottled water; about a third of the public consumes it regularly. Sales have tripled in the past 10 years, to about $4 billion a year. This sales bonanza has been fueled by ubiquitous ads picturing towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and crystal-clear springs nestled in untouched forests yielding absolutely pure water.
But does bottled water live up to the hype and, more importantly, is it worth the waste?
I just heard off-season tomatoes are seriously bad news — what am I going to eat all winter?!
I recently heard a story on NPR about the tomato industry in Florida, which is surprisingly evil. The fact of the matter is that tomatoes we eat in winter that aren’t hydroponic are probably from Florida, where they were probably picked by actual slaves. HOW?! How can I do it?
Make better use of your kitchen’s resources to waste less food and save more money
Wasting food is a bummer. It’s a waste of money, it’s a disappointment, and it can be prevented. Here are eight ways to waste less of your precious, tasty, delicioso food.
Can someone love food and still love the earth?
I just recently became interested in where my food comes from. I am willing to be more responsible about what I buy, but from what I’ve read, grass-fed beef does not always mean humane, Dole bananas are picked by slaves, tomatoes are killing the earth with pesticides, and milk is made by abusing dairy cows.
So what I’m asking is: what’s fact and what’s fiction, and what can I do!? I feel like I can’t eat anything without feeling guilty about it! Can someone love food and love the earth?
What’s the least water-intensive way to hand-wash my dishes?
How do you conserve water in your houses/apartments? Specifically, I’m most interested in the eco-friendliest, most water conservation-minded way to wash dishes without a dishwasher?
How do I cut paper towels out of my kitchen habits?
We took the dive into a CSA, and it is so fun. However, this influx of new produce has us racing through paper towels — lots of items call for wrapping in damp paper towels for storage.
We’ve started talking about cutting disposables out — but it seems daunting to lose such a convenient product! How do I get started?