Hi all,

One of the cool things that I learned early on was how to can the produce that I grew. I can’t really tell you why I was interested, but in high school I made an offhand comment to a friend’s mother that I would like to learn how to can. She responded by teaching me

It is actually a very easy project to ‘put up’ that which we grow. There was a second benefit for me in that instance – I began learning about the community building process, which is reflected in my life today. In this week’s article, I reflect back on the difference Community Preservation has made.

I have also been busy at work writing several books and an email series on living green. I would be grateful if you would check them out. The first two titles have already been released, with more on the way! Check out “My Ordinary Extraordinary Yard / Fowl Play Book COMBO“. I field a lot of questions about where I live, how the gardens work, how water is managed and how to live more green lifestyle. My Extraordinary Yard answers these questions and more, in a short 28 page read. “Fowl Play” is about chickens. If you’ve ever thought about raising chickens (I do for eggs), know someone who does, or have run into the odd hurdle, than this book is for you! 2 books for a great price. Read more about this offer.

Don’t foget aobut my awesome RePEaT Bamboo Utensil Set & Holder deal. These sets are perfect for your lunch-on-the-go and make uniquely great gifts, too. Find out more here!

Have a great green day!

Greg

Technorati Tags: canning, food, preservation, preserves, Preserving food

Hi all,

One of my favorite building materials is free. Yes, I said free, and it is available literally by the ton just waiting for us to pick it up.

“But wait, there’s more!” The best part is the owners are usually thrilled to let us haul it off. It is affectionately called “urbanite” and is a mixture of broken up and discarded concrete pieces. From sidewalks to pool parts these concrete cast-offs make great flooring or, as I did here at the Urban Farm, stacked from pieces into a nice retaining wall.

In this week’s article, I explore a few different ways that you can create your own urbanite masterpiece.

On a separate note but just as planet-friendly, I have put together a fantastic deal on our RePEaT bamboo utensil set and holder. The cutlery is made from quickly renewable and natural bamboo. The holder is made from recycled pop bottles. Lunchtime has never been so green and our sets are a great complement to your stainless steel lunchbox.

Have a great green day!

Greg

Technorati Tags: concrete, construction, flooring, reclaiming, recycling, urbanite, walls

Hi all,

One of the things I play with at the Urban Farm is “passive solar”. Essentially, passive solar is the concept of using solar strategies to light, heat and cool your home. Most people take advantage of passive solar by starting with something as simple as shading your west-facing windows in the summer and letting that sun into your space in the winter.

Letting the sun in to my space is always at the top of my list. So a few years back I installed a tubular skylight and I love it! The skylight lets in sunlight while not letting in the heat from the sun and it saves on my electric bill as I don’t have to turn on a light during the day.

Unlike traditional skylights, tubular skylights may be used two floors down from the roof and even in your basement. They don’t fade your art on the walls, either. In this week’s article, Maura Yates explores the different aspects of tubular skylights.

For a quick read on more Urban Farm approaches to living a more green lifestyle, check out our new book series, starting with My Ordinary Extraordinary Yard / Fowl Play COMBO. Only $10 for the two, including shipping. And if you need to quench your thirst over lunch or when on the go, our 18oz. Espresso-Color Travel Mug is stainless steel, BPA free, lead free, and looks great, too.

Have a great green day!

Technorati Tags: daylighting, light, skylights, Solar Lighting, tubular skylights