'Upcycling' Water?

This might sound like a ludicrous notion, but in reality all water is 'upcycled' or recycled. It all goes back to the three part system I learned in grade school. Water is always in one part of the water cycle or the other, it is either part of a body of water on the ground, evaporating/ed and floating above our heads as clouds, or falling to the ground as a type as precipitation.

This is not quite as complicated. Here I am speaking only about reusing rainwater on a small scale. Rainwater can be collected and redistributed to your garden very simply. Instead of letting rainwater run from the gutters into the street and into the city storm water system, it can be gathered in rain barrels and used when most needed. 

Here are some places for learning about how to make your own rain barrels:

How to Build a Rainwater Collection System

Simple Rain Barrel Plans

As you can see from the plans a spout is attached to the base to attach a hose and make watering easy.

Another fun water use for the garden:

A bird bath!

Happy Gardening!

Nikki

This 'N That Creations

Wasteless Wednesday~ "Grow Green"!

This Wasteless Wednesday, we offer you another week's worth of tips~ this time for "growing" GREEN!

How does your garden grow? How about your lawn or yard? Do you have plants in your home? How do you care for them? Do you use fertilizers? Pesticides? Do you overwater because you aren't using indigenous species?

Every bit of green you surround yourself with will help sustain our planet but only if you do it without wasting resources while keeping it green!

Here are our tips for the week:

1. Instead of a typical houseplant in a container~ imagine having a little slice of Earth in your home...a terrarium!

Bear Pair Bowl Terrarium by DoodleBirdie

2. Try raising your plants on air instead of water...

Air Plant Dance Valentine's Day Terrarium from Roots in Rust

3. Use organic or natural pesticides~ Did you know fleas can be repelled by Eucalyptus? There are plenty of home remedies to control insects and pests, just make an effort to find them!

Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil from Natural Earth

4. Consider carefully when you landscape your yard! Use indigenous, zone hardy and low maintenance plants. Use ground cover species instead of grass. Create ecological habitats for birds, bees and butterflies to encourage pollination.

Garden Mosaic Birdhouse from Winestone Birdhouses

5. Create a "Rain Garden" to catch the potential polluted run-off or stormwater from your property.

5. Use upcycled garden decor or statuary in your yard, patio or outdoor areas~

Yellow Flower Metal Art Sculpture from Metal Art Dude

Metal Flower Garden Candle Holder by Tink and Designs

6. Support and consume organically grown foods and products. Local if you can, but always consider the source!

Gourmet Chinchilla Yummies from Brizel4theAnimals

7. Encourage others to grow their own or "Grow Green"!

Veggin' Out Seed Kit Gift Basket from Humble Seed

We hope you found a way to Waste Less last week and PLEASE spread the word about Wasteless Wednesday~ Have a great week!