Your Greener Yard

When greening up your yard this summer, here are a few “green” alternatives to consider.

Try Xeriscaping your yard. Xeriscape is a way to landscape your yard without requiring additional irrigation. This technique is heavily promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water, and as climate patterns shift is also catching on in other areas too. Which plants do you use when xeriscaping your yard? It all depends upon your local climate.

Keep and maintain surroundings that favor the naturally occurring beneficial insects, as well as those that you are releasing. Food, water, shelter, and a poison-free environment are their major requirements for survival and good performance. Remove toxic chemicals from the equation. Realize the hazards associated with the use of Pesticides. Learn about natural alternatives to pest control, that really work. Ant problems? Try damp coffee grounds, or squeeze lemon juice on the area. Fleas or ticks driving your pooch crazy? Try a rinse with rosemary. Boil 2 pints of water, add two tablespoons of Rosemary, and let soak twenty minutes. Drain and let cool. Wash your pet as usual, with soap and warm water. Towel dry and apply the herbal rinse. Apply this to the pet with a spray bottle or sponge, and let it dry completely, on its own before letting your pet out.

If aphids are eating vegetable garden, Ladybugs offer a natural solution and Praying Mantis will eat any insects they can catch.

Looking for more Green Alternatives?
Discover, learn about, and shop for environmentally-friendly products on the Amazon Green page.

Summer Vacation Tips

Tips for Green Summer vacation savings

Its about that time of year. Summertime, the time of year when Americans meet the asphalt. And a lot of the driving public share a common concern, how will their wallets be affected by skyrocketing fuel prices.

Traditionally the demand for fuel rises in the warmer weather, and unfortunately with an increased demand comes increased prices at the pump.

Here are a few tips for cutting your fuel spending.

• Pick a closer destination. An obvious solution, but sometimes a great vacation in our own backyard is overlooked.
• Be sure your auto tires are properly inflated, the oil and oil and air filters are fresh, and the air-conditioning is working properly.
• Avoid road rage. Jack rabbit starts, speeding and abrupt braking is dangerous, and it significantly increases your vehicle’s fuel consumption.
• Use the octane recommended for your vehicle. Regular fuel is cheaper and unless you've got a high-performance engine, premium usually won't improve your fuel efficiency.
• Try to pack light and if at all possible, the heavier the baggage the lower the miles per gallon.
• Avoid putting anything on top of your vehicle. This increases drag, in turn lowering fuel efficiency.
• If you're renting a car, choose a fuel-efficient model, such as a subcompact, compact or economy car. A bonus is these models are usually cheaper to rent than the larger cars.
• Rent a hybrid like the Toyota Prius, Camry or Hyundai Sonata, which average 31 miles per gallon or better.
• Plan your driving and have a road atlas in the car, or opt for an electronic navigation system (also known as a GPS) and avoid excessive driving around lost.

Compared to a year ago, many more hotels are offering guests a greener alternative, from low-flow toilets to biodegradable cleansers. KLTA produced a Video on Green Hotels which highlights some things hotels are doing. So, what are "Green" Hotels? They are environmentally-friendly properties who have programs to save water, save energy and reduce solid waste.

The Green Hotels Association encourages travelers to green up their travel, and offers several tips on their website. Thinking of staying at an eco-motel? Green lodging listings can be found on Greenhotels.com and GreenSeal.org.

And you can more about Ecotourism at SustainableTravelInternational.org.

Have a safe and healthy green summer vacation, and drop a postcard :)