This weekend I spent my days observing Earth Day 2012. First I went to Lowe's Home Improvement Center and bought an Apricot Tree, Cement Building Blocks and some flowers.
Went home and started my project. Here are some pictures of it.
This is the area where I added the planter and tree.
Here is the finished planter with blocks, tree, and flowers. I think it came out pretty nice and it balanced off the side yard. I did this for $60 total. I got a 10% coupon off Lowe's Realtor Benefits too.
Added some new flowers to the current planter to freshen it up.
Planted a few more new plants to brighten up the yard.
Later I cleaned out my closets and took some items to the Good Will for donation.
Went to the recycler near my house and dropped off cans, bottles, and glass.
Dropped off paint cans at my local City Yard where the firemen take it for proper disposal.
Also took some cardboard from my garage to the City Yard.
Went home and sprayed my yard with a non-chemical substance on my plants, trees, and flowers. I just put some mouthwash and shampoo in a sprayer and hook to my hose. Everything is cleaner, bugs have been washed off and I did not use any harsh chemicals on my yard.
Next Week:
SCEdison is picking up my extra refrigerator I have been keeping it in my garage as a back-up since I bought a new one last year. It takes a lot of electricity especially since is it not a Energy Star Appliance like the newer one in my kitchen. Edison is even giving me a rebate for calling them and they will be hauling it away also.
Next 6 Months:
Replace my dishwasher and stovetop with a newer model that is a Star-Saver appliance. They were purchased in 2000 and the newer ones are more efficient and take less power.
Things to do to become more Green:
Replace your appliances to save on energy: Water Heaters, HVAC, Stoves, Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Microwaves, Stove Tops, Washers & Dryers, Pool Equipment, and Solar Panels. The Gas and Electric Companies are giving rebates for recycling and replacement of these items.
Replace Light fixtures in your home. Also replace the light bulbs with the newer ones.
Get rid of any cans of paint and harsh chemical substances in your garage or sheds “legally”. Do not put these items in your TRASH.
Did you know you are not supposed to put discarded batteries in your trash? You are supposed to save them up and take them to the Recycler.
Get rid of your old computers, televisions, stereo equipment, VCR’s, DVD’s, cell phones, printers, and scanners at the recyclers also. Do not put these in the trash.
Most cities now have their own recycler program and they give you a can to use; our can is Blue. Put in cardboard, paper, cans, bottles, and food products that have your states recycling code on it. You can contact your local trash company for a more detailed list as to what you can recycle.
Instead of buying harsh chemicals for your yard, there are some organic choices to use to protect the environment. Chemicals will kill off your earthworms in the soil, harm the backyard birds, and can cause your pets to be poisoned or later have cancer.
*Here are my little helper while I was gardening for Earth Day 2012.
Just remember, Earth Day should be celebrated every day of the year and not just one weekend. There are so many ideas on the web to find how you can help to make our world better for the future generations.
These pictures were taken in Redlands & Loma Linda, CA by Kristin Hamilton.
If you are looking for a professional agent, I am just a click away. Google me at Kristin Hamilton-Real Estate Agent. Homeowners and Buyers both will find my services top notch and successful. Call me to sell your home. I am waiting for your call!
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