The summer months are coming to a close and students and parents alike are looking towards the start of a new school year. Typically, back to school time entails lots of shopping and preparation. The “starting on a clean slate” mentality engenders cravings for new school supplies and clothes. However, in today’s day and age, it is becoming increasingly important and fashionable to save resources, monetary and otherwise. Luckily, with the development of new and more creative ways to conserve it’s easier than ever to go green while remaining on a budget. Approximately 56 million children will attend elementary and secondary schools this year and each one will produce approximately 240 pounds of waste, so it’s important to save and reuse where we can. Here are some helpful ideas and products to help you save this school year.
The first important step to leading a greener lifestyle is to stay organized. Make a list of all the things you need (or think you will need) before doing any shopping. This will keep you from going overboard when you see all the shiny new equipment offered at Target or Staples.
Secondly, take stock of what you already have. Most times, at some point another, you’ve overbought pencils, pens, paper, notebooks and other school supplies. Using them now will not only save you money this year, but will also free up the house of a little clutter.
If you must purchase new back to school products, there are plenty of ways to go green. Everything from lunch boxes and pencils, to clothing and backpacks exist in an environmentally-friendly form and include such developments as a solar paneled backpack from Voltaic that can charge your cell phone, laptop or iPod while you walk. Big name brands have also embraced the green trend; just check the labels and avoid excessive packaging.
Avoid PVC when buying new items like binders and lunch boxes. This chemical is both harmful to the planet and to children’s health. It is an unnecessary toxic plastic that is dangerous at every point of its lifecycle so just by looking for products that are not made of plastic, you’re maintaining the environment and your child’s health. For a complete list of PVC-free products and how to further avoid products containing PVC, download the Center for Health, Environment and Justice’s Back-to-School Guide.
Leftovers from last night’s dinner make great lunches. A little over preparation the night before will guarantee a lunch that your child will not only look forward to eating the next day but will also cut down on waste. Additionally, eliminating pre-packaged foods will save a lot of landfill space and are typically a healthier decision in the long run.
Walking, biking and carpooling are simple and easy way to save gas money, time and the environment. Using a single-occupancy car to drive your child the short distance to school is an incredible waste of resources. Talk to families in the area and see about organizing a carpool system, or even a chaperoned walk to school. Biking is always a good option for longer distances too, and your children will get some exercise in the process. And last, even though buses get less than a mile per gallon of gas, they still have large capacities, making them another environmentally friendly option.
Lastly, don’t set up your new eco-friendly lifestyle to fail. Getting too ambitious can often lead to disaster, so start small and set goals that you can accomplish throughout the year. While we would all like to single-handedly save the planet, it is true that small changes can make a big difference over time.
We are all aware of the country’s dire need for clean water. The summer months are especially tough for dry southern areas, including southern California and the entire southwest. A few simple changes can affect your overall water use immensely. This summer, make the most of your water consumption with the following tips on water conservation.
Turn off the faucet – Whether you’re brushing your teeth, shaving or cooking, simply turning the water off when you’re not directly using it can save untold gallons.
Reuse where you can – Catch the water your shower wastes while you’re waiting for the temperature to warm up. This water can be reused to water houseplants or for pets.
Go natural – Collect rain. Water collection units are a great way to catch and store 40-80 gallons of water at a time. Additionally, these units can serve as decorative accents and are easily camouflaged so they will not ruin your outdoor aesthetic.
Work with nature, not against it – Water the lawn early in the morning. By getting up a few minutes earlier, you cash in on the help provided by natural dew that accumulates on grass and other plants and can save up to 25 gallons of water a day.
Wait – Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes. By just waiting for enough dirty items to accumulate you can save 15 to 50 gallons of water per load.
Get in and get out – Shortening showers by only one minute saves up to 5 gallons a day.
Sweep -Â Use a broom to clean off sidewalks and driveways. Hosing them down just wastes water that can be used for the lawn or washing the car. It also adds more sewage to storm drains which ultimately flow into the ocean. Sweeping helps save water and prevents water pollution.
Fake is great – Install artificial grass. With ever expanding technology, artificial turf looks better and feels more natural than ever before. Plus, it goes without saying that it requires absolutely zero watering to maintain its color and quality.
Take a page from Mother Nature’s playbook – Use native plants in your outdoor landscaping. Plants that are indigenous to your area typically require little care and water. Save yourself time and save the community some water while still maintaining a natural outdoor feel in your backyard or patio.
Take up space -Decorative fountains can be a great centerpiece for a patio or lawn and can take up space where grass might normally be needed. While fountains do require some water initially, they require little refilling and provide aesthetic appeal and soothing tones while not wasting water.
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To be sure, one individual or household is not expected to take advantage of 100% of this advice. However, if everyone does a little to help conserve water, we will all be doing ourselves, our communities and our planet a big favor. Do your share this summer to ensure that our water sources are around for generations to come.
As the summer months drift lazily on, there are more and more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether entertaining guests in your backyard or simply sitting solo with a good book into the evening is your style, you’re certain to run into a classic summer problem: the weather is still warm and comfortable, but the sun has gone down, forcing you to retreat indoors. Once again, Backyard Xscapes has the answer to your most vexing questions – the use of solar lights can easily and cost-effectively solve your outdoor lighting dilemma.
Solar lights capitalize on one of the Earth’s most reusable resources –the sun. A solar panel within the unit “stores” the energy from the sun’s rays during the day and subsequently emits this energy through LED light bulbs at night. Most solar lights turn off and on automatically with the help of  high-tech darkness sensors, making them both easy to use, waste free and an integral part of any intention to “go green.”
To make your life even simpler, solar lights don’t require a connection to the house power source and therefore do not require any confusing wiring or outlet planning. Positioning is the only tactical consideration as the bulbs require direct sunlight during the day in order to operate at full capacity at night. They usually consist of two or less parts making them easy to assemble, easy to move and easy to install.
To add to the growing list of benefits to solar lighting, they will not add to your electric bill, produce environmentally harmful emissions or become dangerous in any way. Children and pets cannot be electrocuted or burned because there is no electricity involved and the bulbs are always cool to the touch. The lights can be placed anywhere that is lit by direct sunlight during the day, with no consideration for potential water spills or contact with upholstery or other flammable materials.
Because these lights are so safe, they are also extremely versatile. Solar lights can be used as “place markers” to illuminate potentially dangerous objects like rocks or piping at night, they look great lined up along walkways or down stairs and can even be used to create ambient light for party or dinner areas. They come in enumerable styles, shapes and colors, so you’re sure to find one perfectly suited for your lighting needs.
At Backyard Xscapes, we are always looking for ways to make your life easier, more cost effective and more environmentally friendly. The installation of solar lights is not only a clean and safe alternative to electrical lighting, but will also wind up saving you money in the long run. The environment will thank you too.
Each year after the Earth Day fair, San Diego Earthworks holds an awards ceremony recognizing individuals who have made a greener difference in the community, which is then followed by a dinner and silent auction. Backyard X-Scapes was invited to attend the festivities and to donate an eco-friendly product for the auction.
In keeping with the motif, the event was completely waste -free. All the drink containers and serving devices were 100% biodegradable and all food waste were separated into a bin for land fertilizer, rather than being sent to the landfill.
In addition to enjoying great food, good times and some friendly auction competitiveness, we got to see and experience all of the other wonderful green ideas sprouting up in the San Diego area. One great auction item was for a business membership to the Green Chamber of Commerce, a business network “supporting the development of sustainable business practices, and advocating for a green public policy.” With the recent environmental devastation surrounding the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, we also believe that now more than ever, businesses need to be more aware of the environmental impact we make, and in which ways we can help each other to be more kind to the planet.
One of our goals at the beginning of this year was to be more involved and to meet more of the community. Between the Padres Block Party, Art on Adams and currently now at the San Diego fair, we’re spreading the Backyard X-Scapes vibes everywhere and we hope you’ll check back frequently for pictures/ updates and also stop by at these events to say hi!
It’s nearly impossible to not hear about going green, the 3 Rs (reduce reuse recycle) and the infinite ways in which you can help the planet. For your next home decorating or landscaping project, we wanted to give you 5 reasons why we are buzzing about Bamboo and what makes it so great!
1) Bamboo is STRONG
Different species of bamboo are stronger than oak, harder than cedar and have the tensional strength comparable to steel. By purchasing bamboo, you’re getting a quality building material at a fraction of the cost, and is also incredibly versatile.
2) Bamboo is GREEN Being that bamboo is not a woody tree but in fact a weed like grass, it grows at an incredibly fast rate. Unlike traditional trees that can take years or decades to grow, Bamboo can be grown and harvested at a much quicker rate. It’s a renewable resource that serves as an alternative material that can be used for an infinite number of possibilities for goods.
3)Bamboo is VERSATILE From sheets to cutting boards, fencing, tiki bars, furniture and so much more, Bamboo is being used world wide in various types of production. You can even customize your own building project with rolls of fencing or individual poles.
4)Bamboo is AFFORDABLE Let’s face it, economic times have not been at their greatest in the past few years and investing in upgrading your home or landscape can be a hefty investment. Bamboo offers an affordable way to instantly give your home and garden that tropical or zen revival. Replacing a wall or fencing around your yard can also be quite expensive but at times necessary if you’re looking to sell your home or are required by home associations; Bamboo fencing can offer a cost effective and easy solution.
5)Bamboo is an ECONOMIC SOURCE Rural and tropical environments are prime places for Bamboo to grow, but some of these areas are also some of the poorest areas in the world. Bamboo has become a viable economic resource for developing countries, providing jobs and a livelihood for many people. In addition to the economical benefits, the ecological ones are extremely prevalent as well, by reducing industrial and urbanization impacts.
The advantages and possibilities when it comes to bamboo are endless. The support and promotion of eco friendly products helps individuals today have a viable livelihood, while it is also a renewable resource that will also preserve natural resources for future generations.
Floating in the Great Pacific is an enormous patch of garbage in which is composed of 80% plastic and said to be twice the size of Texas. Also known as the “Pacific Trash Vortex”, the garbage in these areas of water are so dense with debris and garbage that have been collected by the water currents of the North Pacific Gyre. Water samples taken from recent years in comparison to collected samples in the past, shows an increase in the abundance of broken down plastics in the water.
“Researchers believe this enormous trash zone accumulated over many years from trash being dumped off boats and ocean-going ships, and from trash accumulated on beaches, where it eventually washed in the Pacific Ocean and into the huge zone.” ~cnn.com
Water bottles and plastics from consumer packaging rarely make it to the recycling bin and are the largest contributors to our landfills and in our waters. The pollution of plastics in the ocean not only presents eco-system and environmental concerns but also health risks as well. Larger plastics breakdown into smaller pieces in which small fish eat and as they are eaten by larger animals and fish, the toxicity concentration of the plastics multiply by the time they reach our food supply.
The Great Pacfic Garbage Patch on Good Morning America
Because of the abundance of debris, and the constant accumulation of more trash, cleaning up the waters is becoming a near impossible task. The best way to start is to prevent the further build up of pollution in our oceans. The next time you’re at the beach or by a river, be mindful of the garbage left and dispose of trash properly. Save money buy investing in a re-usable water bottle!
Americans buy an estimated 29.8 billion plastic water bottles every year.
Nearly eight out of every 10 bottles will end up in a landfill.
It is estimated that the production of plastics accounts for 4 percent of the energy consumption in the U.S.
HDPE and PET bottles showed the highest recycling rates of any plastic bottles types, at 27.1 and 23.1 percent, respectively.
Less than 1 percent of all plastics is recycled. Therefore, almost all plastics are incinerated or end up in a landfill.
Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60-watt light bulb for up to six hours.
It is easy to forget that minor decisions we make create a great impact on this earth that we live in and that the damage eventually cycles back to harm our health as well. The food we eat, the air we breath and the water we drink is all impacted by the environment and what we dump in it.
Support the use of renewable resources such as Bamboo, that can be re-grown, re-cycled and re-used for multiple purposes. For your next purchase, whether it’s a desk from Ikea, a new computer from Apple, or even a book or CD, pay attention to how much packaging is involved in your purchase and try to recycle. Support stores and companies that make conscious decisions to be green.
It’s an uphill battle, but we have to start somewhere so that future generations can enjoy this planet.
All over the news and media recently is the disaster that has struck Haiti just around the Port-Au-Prince area. An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the richter scale has left what is feared to be thousands dead and many more homeless and in devastation. Homes, buildings, roadways and more have been destroyed and the country is in a severe state of emergency.
Although no one can plan for natural disasters, we can come together and offer aid during times as such. The Green Revolution is not only about recycling or preserving resources but helping our planet as a whole, including its people.
To promote social awareness, we are donating to assist in providing aid to those in need in Haiti.
Here’s how you can help.
For US residents:
You can text Yele (the Haiti Earthquake Fund)Â to 501501 which will automatically donate $5 on your behalf.
You can also donate and find our more ways you can help through
The trend of eco-friendly living has spawned the positive trend of using Bamboo and a building material. Incredibly versatile, bamboo is being used commercially to produce everything from roofing and bridges to towels, bedsheets and cutting boards. What makes bamboo “green” is it’s ability to grow incredibly fast, unlike traditional woods.
We wanted to focus on one specific product that can be versatile to use in an infinite amount of ways. Here are 5 different ways in which Bamboo fencing can be used.
In Place of Traditional Fencing
Rather than going through the hassle and costly efforts of replacing an old fence, bamboo fencing is a cost effective way to give your old chain link fence or brick wall a brand new look. The rolled bamboo fencing is connected by a sturdy galvanized wire, so bending it and customizing it to match various landscape terrains is easy. Installation takes a fraction of the time that installing a new fence would, and bamboo offers a unique look which is different from the traditional planked wood fencing.
Accenting Your Patio
Your front or backyard patio serves as a place for you to escape from the rest of the world and relax on those beautiful Sunday mornings or after a hectic day at work. Rather than the typical white picket fencing, try adding a bit of tropical flare by using bamboo as fencing for your front porch, or even as a roof for your patio. Typical awnings and wood floorings are not only expensive but can be costly and time consuming to replace or maintain as well.
Adding Feng Shui to Your Home or Garden
Although many of us cannot take off at a moment’s notice for an across the world getaway, you can create a place of Zen at home. It is said when enhancing the Feng Shui in your home, that bamboo and water have both healing and energy balancing properties. Simple elements such as live bamboo plants, a pond or rock garden and bamboo fencing to enclose your garden, can instantly create an exotic place for you to escape to.
Decorating Walls
The common misconception is that bamboo fencing is meant for outdoor use. The magic of bamboo is it’s versatile ability to enhance and adapt to any decor. Rather than committing to a color of paint and spending a day prepping your walls, try accenting with various colors of bamboo fencing and hanging your favorite artwork. In addition to adding a new look to your room, you’ll also be adding a textural dimension to your walls.
Using Your Imagination
As we mentioned earlier, bamboo can be used for an infinite amount of things. When you purchase a roll of bamboo fencing, you are not limited to just outdoor fencing uses. Our bamboo fencing can be used in place of driveway gates, as room dividers, accenting ends of a baby crib or even as decorative roofing.
No matter your decorating style, modern, industrial, classic or contemporary, by incorporating bamboo, you are infusing a unique and tropical look while also promoting the use of a renewable resource.
Happy New Year everyone! It’s that time again for resolutions, starting fresh and of course putting away the holiday decor, which for some reason always seems a lot more arduous then putting it up. This year before you pack everything up, or trash your tree and broken ornaments, support the green movement by re-using or recycling the holiday decor.
After each holiday season, one of the biggest items to unfortunately end up in the landfill is Christmas trees. The ideal solution is to promote the use of artificial trees that could be re-used or keep a tree planted that can not only be re-used but also grow with the family. If you have a cut tree that is in need of disposing of, look up local recycling centers that you can drop your tree, wrapping paper, paint and more to be recycled.  If you can trim your tree down to smaller pieces, many areas now offer recycling pick up.
Over the years of holiday decorating, many of us end up with mis-matched ornaments or even broken ones from storing and moving. Rather than throwing them out, or purchasing new matching sets each year, take broken ornament pieces and fill a vase with other mixed ornaments to reflect color and create a surface centerpiece for any table.
Instead of buying new art, why not create it? Pick up a canvas at your local art store, spray with adhesive and sprinkle varying sizes of the broken ornaments to create an abstract and colorful art piece. Re-use your candles for dinner parties, as bathroom or even kitchen accents.
Holiday colors such as greens, reds, silvers and blues work wonderfully in contemporary color schemes.
Many home decor stores often sell pricey decorative balls to fill vases, accent bowls, or even hang from ceilings. They are made from wicker, bamboo, wire and more. Rather than purchasing abstract decorative items, save money and take the DIY (do it yourself) route. Take the string of holiday lights that have burn out bulbs, cut off the lights and use the green wire to create various sized balls that you can make into a wreath for the following year or just as a table or wall accent.
Stringed lights can be used for more than just your roof and Christmas trees. Restaurants such as Rubios use white or colored LED lights to accent their tropical decor or dinner setting. You can line them under your Thatch Umbrella to provide dining light at night and add ambiance.
So with this New Year, in addition to your resolutions and plans, take time to support going green and re-use or recycle your holiday decor.
After a week’s worth of work, weekends are typically thought of as a time to relax, spend time with loved ones or just enjoy the free moments available. Though it seems that with our daily routines and endless lists of errands, weekends seem more about catching up on tasks then relaxing.
The truth is that although your home is an escape and a piece of paradise away from the rest of the world, there is a lot of work that can go into the upkeep especially when it comes to the landscape. Having natural grass as part of your backyard landscape can provide a lot of enjoyable features, but also produce an array of chores in maintenance. Spending weekend mornings lugging out the lawn mower to mow the lawn, worrying about animals digging or pets ruining the landscape are just a few of the many hassles in maintaining a natural grass lawn.
Artificial grass is a growing trend not just for home owners but for professional sports establishments, golf courses, parks, educational institutions and even theme parks. The increase in demand has brought for the production of varying types of grass to satisfy any need and some that look almost identical, if not better, than real grass.
Benefiting the Environment
Driving a low emission vehicle, switching to low energy light bulbs, using re-usable fabric grocery shopping bags and recycling are some of the ways in which many people are “going green”. While there are many additional things that can be done within the home to help the planet, installing artificial grass can create one of the biggest methods of being more eco-friendly, and also saving money. It is said that the emissions from running a lawn mower for an hour is almost the same amount as driving a car for 100 miles. While cars have features and additions to reduce emissions, lawn mowers do not. In addition to emissions, by installing artificial grass, you will no longer need to water the lawn. 30% of water usage goes to sustaining landscapes. By reducing your water usage you are also helping to conserve a natural resource. Another key element is that you will no longer need to use pesticides and fertilizers which can harm animals and sometimes run off into storm drains.
Saving Money
Whenever assessing costs for landscaping and upgrades for the home, one of the biggest things to consider for any modification is the value you are receiving. Although artificial turf may be a larger investment in the beginning, you will get a return on your investment from the money you are saving in the long run. There is the good old saying “Time is Money” which is a very solid truth. The time in maintaining your lawn could be utilized in other activities. In addition to time, you are also saving money on water, energy, and equipment costs. Sprinkler systems are not only expensive but can be laborious to install and repair. You will no longer need to purchase soil, fertilizer, pesticides or require professional landscaping services. Artificial grass is durable and will last lifetimes longer than natural grass.
All Around Benefits
Not only is artificial grass easy to install but it’s also great for kids and pets. Chemicals, grass treatments, fertilizers and pesticides can not only harm insects but also your pets. Also with turf, you no longer have to worry about insects or pests digging up your grass. Pets can take care of their business on the turf, and unlike natural grass, the urine or feces won’t kill or affect the look of the synthetic grass. The grass is permeable so liquids will flow through and can be hosed off. To clean the synthetic grass you can use a blower or hose whenever needed.
Imagine being able to leave on vacation and not have to worry about mowing the lawn or watering it. Your grass can stay green all season long.
Remember, whatever your upgrade or addition to your home may be, always make a plan first and weigh out all your costs, up front and long term, to decide what may have the better investment.
