The Autumn Leaves
One of my favorite childhood memories of the fall season was raki ng leaves. Well not actually the raking part, more like the jumping in a pile of leaves part. Of course that meant that I had to rake them up all over again. But it was so worth it.
Today I don't have any leaves to rake because all my trees grow in pots now. I am always offering to help my friends rake their leaves. They look at me like I must be kidding or maybe a little crazy. The truth is that raking leaves bring back memories of Saturdays spent with my Dad who never minded that I messed up the pile after raking. Back then we piled those leaves into large plastic bags (that memory is painful) and put them out to be collected with the trash. I hadn't yet learned about composting.
Today we know that composting leaves is an excellent way to get some free fertilizer. Using leaves as fertilizer can save you from $20 - $50 (when purchasing fertilizer) depending on the size of the tree.
If you have never composted with leaves check out this vid by P. Allen Smith
 | | Composting Leaves |
Don't have a composter? Check out this trash can turned composter.
|
 | | Image credit - girlstomom.com |
Scare Up Some Fun Food for Halloween
Halloween doesn't have to be just about the candy. Here are some great ideas for creating some healthier treats.
 | | Image credit - rustyandrosy.com |
 | | Image credit - tasteofhome.com |
|
Detox Your Home
This month's toxic offender is........the vinyl shower curtain.
Although this first came to light in 2008 it is a good reminder as we may be replacing items this season before all the holiday visitors.
Do you remember opening the "plastic package" and releasing that lovely new shower curtain smell? These vinyl curtains generally of the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) variety can release a variety of chemicals into your home. Although the chemical content can vary, these curtains may include such chemicals as toluene, ethylbenzene, phthalates, ketone and xylene. Vinyl chloride has been linked to liver cancer and it is so simple to remove this potential risk from your home or office.
One of the healthiest alternatives is a hemp shower curtain. Many of these curtains can be used without liners due to the quick drying properties of hemp. Hemp may seem a little pricey. But consider how many of those $15 dollar vinyl curtains you have used and tossed in the last few years. A hemp curtain really is an economical choice because it will last for years with the right care.
|
Feedback Always Welcome
Eco-Chic Design would like your feedback. Please email marie@eco-chicdesign.com and tell us what topics you would like to see in your monthly newsletter. Sincerely,
Eco-Chic Design 
|
