Farmers Markets

Are you looking for additional ways to lower your carbon footprint?  Try going to your local farmers market.  Generally, the food is grown closer than the majority of supermarket produce.  That means less fuel is consumed bringing the food to your kitchen table.  Additionally, the food is more likely to be harvested when it is fully ripened and not picked prematurely.

It has been my experience that produce from the farmers market is often more expensive than the grocery store.  I remind myself that these tend to be small oprations and that by shopping locally, I am keeping money in my local and regional economies.  I'm helping my neighbors.

If you don't have a farmers market in your area, petition your local government to start one.

What is the most unique food you have purchased from a farmers market?  I recently purchased kohlrabi which I had never had before.

Welcome Back Grass

Currently, much of the U.S. is experiencing drought conditions. Last month, we had so little rain that the grass at my home began to turn brown. Well, the shady areas still had some green. And the weeds seemed to have no problem with the lack of rain. I even broke down and used a sprinkler to water my two birch trees that were shedding leaves.

As of now, we have had plenty of rain within the last two weeks. The yard is mostly green again. Which brings me to my point, that grass does not need as much water as is commonly believed. According to All About Lawns, one inch of water per week is a general rule to go by.

From my experience, grass that has turned brown will recover on its own once you have sufficient rain. Why waste water irrigating and consequently have to mow your lawn more frequently.

How long can you resist the urge to irrigate your lawn?

Pulling Water Out of Thin Air

If it's dry outside but humid in your basement or bathroom, then you can use a dehumidifier to lower the humidity levels. The dehumidifier essentially cools the air in a small space. By lowering the temperature, the water vapor condenses in water droplets, thereby lowering the humidity level in a room. You can see the same occur when you have an ice cold drink outside on a hot day. When your dehumidifier's tank is full, take the tank out and water some of your plants. While this another way to reduce the amount of tap water used on irrigation, do not use your dehumidifier in rooms with open windows. The humidity levels inside will not decrease by much since you will have more water vapor coming indoors from the outside air. Do you have other ways to reduce the water used on irrigation? Feel free to share. I'd love to try them out.

Washing Fruits and Vegetables

If you are like me, your rain barrel has spent a good part of the summer being bone dry. A simple way to gather water for your plants is to place a large bowl in your sink when you wash produce. When you finish, simply take the bowl out and water one of your thirsty plants. While you won't be able to water all of your plants this way,you will save an equal amount of tap water from being used for irrigation.