As the leaves fall and the temperatures drop, I just want to stay inside, snuggle up, and read a good book. Being energy sensitive I can't justify cranking up the heat, but I also don't want to be sporting a "Snuggie" if you know what I mean. So what is an eco-friendly girl to do? No worries. There are myriad eco-chic choices for staying warm this winter. I prefer a cozy throw that can add a touch of "lux" to your decor and some warmth on those chilly nights. Here are some Eco-Chic picks.
Vivaterra Lambswool Throw
Modern Organic Throw
Crate & Barrel Alpaca Throw (Persimmon)
Also check out last month's email for eco-friendly fireplace options to warm up your space.
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Sealin' up the Cracks
I am not much of a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to home maintenance, but I thought I could at least handle the installation of foam outlet insulators. Some of you might be scratching your heads and asking what is a foam-outlet insulator? It's a little piece of foam cut to fit an electrical outlet or switch. Since I am on a quest to make my home as energy efficient as possible, I headed out to my local hardware store and purchased a pack of six for under $2.00. They were really easy to install. The only problem is that my local hardware store didn't have any to fit the Rocker plates which seem to be everywhere in my little house.To order Rocker insulators, go to Reduce My Energy
If you think that this little step won't save any energy try this on a cold, windy day: Remove a switch plate that sits on an exterior wall and feel the breeze.In the GutterAs the rains and snows approach, homeowners climb ladders, and clean out gutters (maybe youshould think about hanging the Christmas lights while you are up there ... LEDs please). If you used the Rain Tube you might never have to clean your gutters again. The tube fits into your existing gutters and allows the leaves to sort of keep on floating on.
Green gutter cred:
- Fits your existing gutters
- Cradle-to-Cradle certification
- 100 percent recycled HDPE
- Sustainable - virtually indestructible
- Transferable warranty
- Won several eco awards
Roll out the Barrel
Roll out the Barrel - that is, a rain barrel. California has had drought conditions for the last few
years so using a rain barrel to capture water during the rainy season just makes good eco-sense. Check to see if the rain barrel is "food safe" if you plan to use the water for your edible garden plants. A rain barrel provides many advantages:
- Inexpensive way to capture water
- Easy to make for the do-it-yourselfer
- Can link several together for increased capacity
- Provides free water for you garden
- Provides free water to wash your car, boats, etc.
- Reduces your water bill because you are using free water
- Diverts rain water and run-off from drains and sewer systems
For more information, visit Gaiam
Green Art Los Angeles-based artist Robert Fotenot gives new life to costumes and textiles that were"deaccessioned" from the Los Angeles County Museum.
Check out all his work at Recycle LACMA Costume repurposed as a car-seat cover |
Decorávore ™*
Decorávore is for those who crave unique home decor. We come to your home with unique,upcycled, and eco-friendly accessories and furnishings. Environmentally preferred accents with a designer touch.Here are a few items that are currently available through Decorávore:
Eco-friendly chair | Custom wine bags | Decorator pillows
Host a party and earn design credits (my time for free) just by entertaining your friends. All you
have to do is:
- Pick a date and time
- Prepare a guest list
- Show up
During the pilot program, for every $100 in purchases you will receive one hour of design time or
you may use your credits to buy products (e.g., $100 in purchases will give you $25 in product
credit).
Party Add-ons
- Eco-Friendly wines ($4 per person)
- Hors d'oeuvres - Foods sourced locally when possible (price varies)
* Current Pilot available within 50-mile radius of Lincoln, CA only
Sincerely,
Marie L. Brown, LEED AP
Eco-Chic Design
916.240.3724 |
