Articles by Ellen Bell on ArticleSnatch.com

Cut Out Cookie Recipe Tips: How to Perfect the Holiday Sugar Cookie

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:31:54 -0500

Baking cut out cookies at Christmas is a time honored family tradition in many homes. Most of us have childhood memories of helping mom or grandma flour the countertops, roll out the dough, and choose from an assortment of holiday shaped cookie cutters. It's true that sugar cookie cut outs are quite simple to make, with most recipes consisting of fewer than six ingredients. However, regardless of the particular recipe you choose, there are a few basic principles that should go into making any type of cut out cookie recipe. In this article, we'll discuss a few tips that will help you perfect the art of holiday sugar cookie cut outs. First, follow your recipe to the letter. If it specifies butter at room temp, then make sure you soften your butter well in advance. If you forget, don't think you can simply zap it in the microwave for a minute to make up for forgetting to soften it on the counter. It's also important not to over-mix any dough recipe containing eggs, which most sugar cookie cut out recipes do contain. Next, make sure your dough is adequately chilled. **End Summary** Topics: cut out cookie recipe]]> cut out sugar cookies]]> cut out cookies]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more helpful holiday tips and Christmas storage information , visit the Christmas store at Home Products 'N' More! Find us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/v/vspfiles/V4_Backup/christmas-tree-shop/

Christmas Tree Decorating: How to Design a Show Stopping Tree

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:04:19 -0500

Christmas tree decorating is more than just a family tradition; to some, it's an art form. While it's true that anyone can decorate a Christmas tree, decorating one well does require some talent, forethought and planning, and a good eye for design. To decorate a holiday tree that really stands out from the crowd, there are a few things to keep in mind and a few important design principles to put to the task. Theme: First and foremost, a really well decorated Christmas tree usually has some type of central theme that ties the design together. For example, if you are someone who enjoys baking and cooking, why not decorate a small tree especially for your kitchen. Things like wooden spoons, cookie cutters, small spice jars, and recipe cards can make very charming ornaments, and most importantly, they all serve to anchor the tree to one specified decorating theme. Color: A well decorated holiday tree should not be a pandemonium of colors, but rather, should follow one specified color theme. **End Summary** Topics: Christmas tree decorating]]> Christmas tree decorating ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Need a sturdy new Christmas tree stand this year? The Christmas Tree Storage Shop has a wide variety of stands for live or artificial trees, all with free shipping. Visit us at http://www.christmastreestoragebag.net/

What to Do With Compost - 5 Great Uses for Compost in Your Garden

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 17:18:54 -0400

Compost is one of the richest, most fertile substances in the world, containing all the nutrients needed for trees, shrubs, and plants to grow. Compost has a multitude of uses in landscaping and gardening, one of the reasons why gardeners often have compost bins. Below is a list of five excellent uses for compost in your yard and garden. 1. Improving soil quality If you have poor soil in your area, compost is the ideal way to repair it. Regardless of whether your soil is too sandy, contains too much clay, is too acidic or too alkaline, with compost and time, your soil can go from bad to outstanding. Simply dump some compost on top of the soil and till it in thoroughly. This process is best done in the fall, so as to allow sufficient time for soil improvement before spring planting time. 2. Fertilizing existing plants To fertilize existing plants, shrubs, and trees, simply add some compost to the soil around the base of the plant. If you are dealing with a deep rooted plant, you may be able to till it into the soil ever so slightly. **End Summary** Topics: what to do with compost]]> uses for compost]]> compost tips]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Did you know that compost can also be made with the aid of a composting toilet ? For more information, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Alternative_Septic_Systems_s/44.htm

Gardening Nostalgia from Rural Iowa

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:36:27 -0400

The following article is brief memoir written by my father, Roger Duncan. These are some of his childhood memories of rural Iowa and family gardening: I grew up in the 1950's in an economically depressed area in rural Iowa. We lived on a farm, and my parents grew much of our food themselves. Though I did not realize it or appreciate it at the time, I know now that we had our own type of wealth, and that is the wealth that comes from living independently without having to rely on others to make your lifestyle possible. Each year in February, my father would build what he and my mother referred to as a "hot box" just outside our kitchen. Mom's hot box was a rectangular lean-to built on the south side of the summer kitchen. My father built it using barn planks for the three sides and some old storm windows for the roof. These windows were set on at an angle, forming an approximate 40 degree slope downward that faced south. **End Summary** Topics: coldframe]]> coldframe greenhouse]]> mini cold frame]]> coldframes]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information about using coldframes for gardening, visit Home Products 'N' More and our cold frame gardening page at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Coldframe_s/1725.htm

Rural Retreats with Modern Conveniences

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:48:03 -0400

With all the rush and stress of modern life, more and more Americans are seeking getaway vacation homes in rural areas. The idea of a place where you can't hear horns honking, people talking, or dogs barking is very appealing to urban dwellers. To that end, many people are seeking out homes in "off the grid" locations. The problem with this is the lack of utilities and services available in such areas. While it is nice to get away, most of us don't want make do without basics like electricity and indoor plumbing. So what do you do if you don't have access to these utilities? Lack of Electricity: Generators are one option; however, these do consume a lot of gasoline and can be quite noisy and polluting, which is exactly what most people are trying to get away from when they seek out a rural retreat. A far better and more eco friendly solution is solar power. Solar panels can be purchased for less than you might think, and when hooked up to a battery system to store energy, they can easily power a small home. **End Summary** Topics: composting toilet]]> composting toilets]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on composting toilets and other alternative septic systems , visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/

How to Trim Trees: 4 Ways to Enhance Your View and Your Landscape

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:46:42 -0400

Almost every suburban home in America boasts one or two large landscape trees on their property. These large trees provide us with shade, privacy, and are an anchor for our landscape designs. Therefore, we want to take good care of our trees and maintain them as well as we possibly can. One key to keeping a large tree in good shape is to occasionally trim it back. Trimming a tree requires skill and precision, and if you're unsure about doing the job yourself, it's best to hire a professional arborist to do it for you. However, if you don't trust your tree to anyone but yourself, there are four important methods of tree trimming to familiarize yourself with before you get out your saw. 1. Thinning Thinning is the most common type of tree trimming, and it's what most people usually have in mind when they hire a professional to trim their trees for them. Thinning is a process of removing excess branches and foliage from a tree so that the wind flows through it more easily, making the tree less susceptible to storm damage. **End Summary** Topics: how to trim tree]]> how to trim trees]]> trimming a tree]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> After your trimming is done, you'll need a good leaf bag holder to assist with yard cleanup. Home Products 'N' More offers free shipping on all leaf baggers ! Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Leaf_Bag_Holder_s/24.htm

Curb Appeal Ideas: 5 Ways to Improve Curb Appeal and Sell Your Home

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:50:18 -0400

With so many homes on the market these days, you've got to make yours really stand out from the crowd if you want to sell it quickly. Never underestimate the power of curb appeal at drawing in prospective buyers and generating interest in your home. After all, no one wants to tour a home that looks shabby and poorly maintained from the outside, much less buy it. Sprucing up your home's curb appeal doesn't have to extremely costly. To that end, we've compiled a short list of five things you can do to quickly and easily boost your curb appeal. 1. Clean up your front yard and landscaping. No one likes a yard that is poorly maintained, and a good mowing, trimming, and edging of the lawn can go a long way toward cleaning up your home's outer appearance. If your landscaping is looking shabby, go through and weed thoroughly, trim the bushes, and apply a new layer of mulch. 2. Add some architectural details. A little something on the front of your home can go a long way toward setting it apart from the competition. One good option might be to add shutters, either functional or decorative. **End Summary** Topics: curb appeal ideas]]> improve curb appeal]]> increase curb appeal]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Home Products 'N' More offers free shipping on storm door hardware , shutter hinges , and everything you need to improve curb appeal! Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Exterior_Shutter_Hardware_s/48.htm

How to RV the Eco Friendly Way

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:48:42 -0400

While camping is supposed to be a way to get back to nature, those campers choosing to hit the road in motor homes or RVs are making quite a carbon footprint as they trail through nature. However, there are ways to make your RV vacation more eco friendly while enjoying the great outdoors from the comfort and convenience of your motor home. One of the primary reasons why motor homes are considered to be bad for the environment is because of their poor fuel economy. RVs are heavy, and thus use a lot of gas in transport. In response to this problem, many RV manufacturers are now producing lighter vehicles that get more miles per gallon of gasoline. One thing you can do to improve your fuel economy is to pack light. A few pounds here and there may not seem like much, but by the time you've fully loaded your motor home for a weeklong vacation, all those little things can add up to several hundred pounds or more. If you are purchasing new items for your RV, be sure to consider weight before you buy. Wind drag on the vehicle will also affect your fuel efficiency greatly. **End Summary** Topics: eco friendly rv]]> eco friendly vacation]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To request a free catalog about waterless toilets for RVs, visit the Compost Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/

5 Keys to Making Your House More Eco Friendly

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:58:45 -0400

Living a more eco friendly lifestyle has come into vogue in the last decade. With our country and the world facing many environmental issues ranging from global warming to increased water shortages, people are beginning to realize the full impact of our daily actions on the environment, and ultimately, our lives. If you are among those who desire a greener lifestyle, then this article is for you. We're getting down to basics, with the five keys to making your home more eco friendly. 1. Conserve energy. Energy conservation is one of the most basic forms of going green. We use energy in so many different ways, from turning on lights in our home to driving our gas-burning automobiles. Energy savings can also come in multiple forms. It can be as simple as hanging your clothes out on a clothesline to dry instead of using a gas or electric dryer. Other simple options include opening your window shades to let more light in, so you need less artificial light. Switching to compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent can also make a difference. **End Summary** Topics: eco-friendly home]]> eco friendly home products]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information about waterless composting toilets , or to request a free catalog, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Composting_Dry_Toilet_s/48.htm

How to Choose a Tree for Your Yard

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:57:21 -0400

Selecting a tree for your yard is a big job. Whether you're creating a landscape design for a new home or simply replacing a tree that was lost in a storm, trees are the largest and longest-lasting features of any yard. Therefore, you want to be sure that you're selecting something that will meet your needs now and in the future. Before you begin tree shopping, it will be important to analyze your needs and wants. What are you hoping to accomplish with this tree? Probably the most common answer to this question is shade. Trees are an obvious choice if you want to shade a certain area of your yard, but trees can also achieve many other objectives such as creating privacy between your home and the neighbors' houses. Flowering trees or those that feature brilliant fall foliage can create stunning visual centerpieces in your landscape design. Other goals for landscaping with trees might include holding soil in a particular area of your yard or even attracting wildlife such as birds and squirrels. Once you've identified your needs and wants, it's time to evaluate your soil, climate, and desired location for the tree. **End Summary** Topics: how to choose a tree]]> how to select a tree]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Once you've selected the right tree, you'll also want a leaf bag holder to help with fall yard cleanup. For free shipping on leaf bag holders , visit Home Products 'N' More at www.homeproductsnmore.com

Composting Toilets - Is One Right for Your Family?

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:04:08 -0400

With living expenses on the rise and family incomes falling, more people than ever are now looking for ways to cut costs at home. Pair this frugality with the increased popularity of going green, and it's easy to see why composting toilets are becoming a widely accepted alternative to the standard flush toilet. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they can also save most families a significant amount of money on annual water and sewer or septic costs. However, before you rush out to replace your flush toilet with a new composting model, there are some considerations you should take into account to decide whether a composting toilet is right for your family. First and foremost, the type of composting toilet system you'll need should be based on the number of people living in your household. You must also ask yourself if you want to replace every toilet in your house with a composting system, or only one or two. This will also have an impact on the model you select. The reason for this is because composting toilets are sold based on capacity-that is, how much waste they are designed to hold and process. **End Summary** Topics: composting toilets]]> composting toilet]]> compost toilet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on whether a composting dry toilet might be right for your family, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Compost_Toilet_s/22.htm

Garden Color - Not Just for Flowers Anymore

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:03:00 -0400

When most of us think of a colorful garden, we envision beautiful expanses of flowers blowing in the wind. While flowers do provide a great deal of vibrant color in a landscape, there are many other options for adding color to your outdoor areas. In this article, we'll discuss some alternatives to flowers for adding color and dimension to your garden landscape. When evaluating your landscape design, it's always best to start with the largest objects and work your way down from there. Therefore, a good place to begin is by considering the trees in your yard. Do they provide the function and color that you desire? Trees are a great way to keep your home cool in the summer if they are properly placed, and they can also provide shade for your outdoor recreation. They also are the most substantial and effortless color producers you may have in your garden. A tree that blossoms in the spring or turns red in the fall can add a beautiful and significant splash of color in your yard. Bushes are another landscape staple that often get overlooked. Shrubs can add height, color, and depth to your garden. **End Summary** Topics: Landscape design]]> garden designs]]> colorful gardens]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Home Products 'N' More offers free shipping on many colorful garden accessories such as arbors and unique trellises . Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Trellis_Designs_s/39.htm

Man Cave Necessities - Top 5 Requirements for Your Manly Retreat

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:45:18 -0400

If you are thinking about creating the perfect spot where you can relax in comfort without the interruptions of your spouse or kids, then we have some tips for you. While each person has different ideas of what they really need in their man cave, there are some basic requirements that most everyone will want. Many men are now building their man caves some distance from the main living areas of their home, with privacy in mind. Such locations often include outbuildings like garages, sheds, or other outdoor structures on your property. A freestanding building offers the privacy and retreat that men crave, while still allowing you to be close to your loved ones, should they need you. If a freestanding man cave is what you're considering, we've identified five important requirements to allow comfortable seclusion away from home. 1. Power - You will need to have power wherever you are creating your getaway. After all, you'll need electricity for that big screen TV and stereo system. Some outbuildings may already be equipped with electricity, but if yours isn't, you'll need to plan a budget for running electric lines out there. **End Summary** Topics: man cave]]> composting toilet]]> man caves]]> building a man cave]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> To outfit your man cave with a compost toilet , or to read composting toilet reviews from other homeowners, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Build_A_Composting_Toilet_s/43.htm

Composting Toilets-Will One Work in Your Home?

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:48:34 -0400

When trying to decide whether a composting toilet is right for your home, there are many important factors to take into consideration. Will your family and any houseguests be accepting of a different type of toilet system? Will your lifestyle and schedule accommodate a composting toilet? Are you able to maintain the unit easily on your own? But at the top of this list, you must ask yourself whether your home is equipped for installation of a composting toilet system. There are a few limitations and exceptions when it comes to installing these units that homeowners need to be aware of. First and foremost, if your home is on a slab foundation and you have no basement or low lying cellar, you will immediately be limited in the type of composting toilet system you can choose. For example, central systems are made up of a toilet fixture in the bathroom and a central composting unit on a lower level. This obviously will not work if your home has no lower level. The alternative option is a self contained unit. **End Summary** Topics: composting toilets]]> build a composting toilet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on how to build a composting toilet that will work in your home, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Composting_Toilets_s/3.htm

Creating an Eco Friendly Man Cave

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 09:13:27 -0400

Man caves are the places that men get away from the day to day grind and relax in comfort and seclusion. Common fixtures in man caves usually include big screen TVs, stereo systems, and a variety of other electronic and technological gadgets. Though the initial image of a man cave may seem anything but environmentally friendly, there are ways to create a manly retreat that makes a smaller eco footprint. After all, if you're building something new, why not make it as green as you possibly can? When planning the location for your man cave getaway, the first decision you'll likely make is whether to locate it within your home or in a standalone building elsewhere on your property. For man caves that are within the home, there isn't a lot of planning to be done relative to heating and cooling, plumbing, etc. However, for standalone structures, you will have to make some decisions regarding utility access. When it comes to electricity, there are many alternatives to hooking into the standard grid. For example, why not use solar panels or a small wind turbine to generate power? **End Summary** Topics: man cave]]> composting toilet]]> man caves]]> building a man cave]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> The Composting Toilet Store offers waterless toilets for your eco friendly man cave. For a free catalog and more information, visit us at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Waterless_Toilets_s/45.htm

Waterless Toilets - What the Third World Needs Now

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:25:06 -0400

For millions of people living in third world countries, access to basic sanitation facilities is limited or nonexistent. In many of these areas, the lack of running water means that the same rivers used for bathing and obtaining cooking water are also used for defecating and dumping garbage. The biggest problem with such contamination is the threat of waterborne illness, a leading cause of death among infants and children in impoverished countries. One of the best possible solutions to this problem is waterless toilets. Waterless toilets are not a new invention; in fact, they've been around for decades. One of the biggest barriers to their use and integration in third world nations is education. Groups like the Peace Corps and UNICEF routinely go into such countries to promote better sanitation by making waterless toilets available and educating people on how to use and maintain them. Unfortunately, there are far more areas that need such assistance than there are volunteer groups and funds to provide it. There are various types of waterless toilets available today, and some are more feasible than others for use in third world nations. **End Summary** Topics: waterless toilets]]> waterless toilet]]> composting toilet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on waterless toilets and composting toilets , please visit http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/

Sun-Mar Composting Toilets - Some In-Depth Frequently Asked Questions

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:11:24 -0400

At the Composting Toilet Store, we get all kinds of questions from customers inquiring about our products. Some of these are very common questions, like "How does a composting toilet work?" or "Does it smell?" But every now and again, we field questions that are a little more in-depth. Because we believe that it's really important to be fully educated about a product before you buy it, we have compiled a list of some of these in-depth customer questions for your use and consideration as you shop for a composting toilet system. Please be sure to note that all the information in this article pertains specifically to Sun-Mar composting toilet systems. 1. What kind of drains and/or water hookups do I need? All our composting toilets feature a safety drain which we recommend hooking up on every installation. Even though Sun-Mar composting toilets will evaporate all liquids under normal conditions, there are some situations in which the safety drain might be needed. For example, if you have an electric toilet and you experience a prolonged power outage, the safety drain might be needed. **End Summary** Topics: composting toilet]]> sun mar composting toilet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For a complete list of the Composting Toilet Store's frequently asked questions, please visit our compost toilet FAQ page at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Composting_Toilet_FAQ_s/32.htm

Sun-Mar Composting Toilets - A Few More Frequently Asked Questions

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:19:13 -0400

Let's face it, composting toilets are a very complex and little understood product. Many consumers don't even realize that compost toilets are actually odorless and present a great eco-friendly alternative for residential homes in urban and suburban areas. Through our website, we receive all kinds of questions from our visitors and customers about composting toilet systems, how they work, and their various pros and cons. Below are a few more of our most frequently asked questions that may be helpful to other consumers who are considering a composting toilet system or simply comparing brands. Please be sure to note that all the information in this article pertains specifically to Sun-Mar composting toilet systems. 1. Do I have to use a special kind of toilet paper in a composting toilet? No. You can use any type of toilet paper you want, it will break down without a problem. 2. Can baby wipes, tampons, diaper liners, paper towels, or other similar items be put in the toilet? No. We recommend keeping these and similar products out of the toilet because they can affect the capacity. When you choose a compost toilet system, the most important consideration is the capacity rating. **End Summary** Topics: composting toilet]]> sun mar composting toilet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For a complete list of the Composting Toilet Store's frequently asked questions, please visit our compost toilet FAQ page at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Composting_Toilet_FAQ_s/32.htm

Composting Toilets - The Ultimate Gadget for Your Eco-Friendly Man Cave

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:24:44 -0400

For literally hundreds of years, men have craved space of their own, a place to get away from their wives, children, and the stresses of everyday life. In centuries past, gentlemen would retire to libraries or smoking rooms to share a brandy and conversation with other men. In the last half of the 20th century, dens and basement rec rooms became a common hideout for the guys. Now in the 21st century, a new type of retreat is growing in popularity: the man cave. Man caves are, simply put, any space or room that is entirely devoted to the male gender. Outfitted with big screen televisions, mini refrigerators, stocked bars, pool tables, and anything else desired by the homeowner, a man cave is the ultimate hideaway where men can rest, relax, and enjoy one another's company. While some homeowners build their man caves indoors in basements, attics, or bonus rooms, many others choose to convert a freestanding outdoor building such as a garage, shed, or workshop into their man cave. However, one issue that homeowners must contend with is the lack of pluming in such outbuildings. **End Summary** Topics: man cave]]> composting toilet]]> man caves]]> building a man cave]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information about outfitting your man cave with a composting toilet , visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Compost_Toilet_s/22.htm

5 Reasons Why A Professional Composting Toilet is Better Than a Sawdust Toilet

Thu, 27 May 2010 12:29:16 -0400

Sawdust toilets have captivated the interest of the extreme green movement. They are sometimes presented as one of the best waste management options and as a far better alternative than expensive, professionally manufactured composting toilets. In this article, we'll discuss the top five reasons why we feel a professional composting toilet is a better solution than a sawdust toilet. 1. Sawdust toilets require an enormous amount of physical labor. A bucket full of waste can easily weigh 50 pounds or more, and a family of four will likely fill a bucket every one or two days. That's a lot of carrying, emptying, and cleaning of buckets! Not many busy families have the time or desire to add this chore to their to do lists. 2. Once all those full buckets are hauled outside, they have to be dumped somewhere. Effective management of a bucket system requires a large amount of land, not only ground space for dumping, but also distance from your home. Why do you need distance? This brings us to our third disadvantage of sawdust toilets… 3. Odor! **End Summary** Topics: sawdust toilet]]> sawdust composting toilet]]> composting toilet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more waterless toilet alternatives, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/

Container Vegetable Gardens - Growing Vegetables in Pots

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:36:14 -0400

Small space gardening is a reality for many urban and suburban families. Even though we've left the roomy rural farms of our forefathers, we haven't lost the desire to grow some of our own food, and so we are faced with finding ways to garden with less land. If you count yourself among these space challenged gardeners, don't despair. There are a great many crops that are well suited to container gardening. In this article, we'll discuss four: lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and beans. Lettuce: Lettuce is a favorite for container gardening, especially loose leaf varieties that can be harvested on an ongoing basis, like Buttercrunch or Oak Leaf. Because lettuce grows best in cool spring temperatures, plant it early in the year. Young plants are usually available in nurseries and garden centers a month or so before the average last frost date. Plant them in containers that are about 6 to 8 inches deep. Round containers work well, as do row boxes, because lettuce doesn't require a lot of space. Set the containers in an area that receives part sun or some filtered shade throughout the day. **End Summary** Topics: container vegetable gardening]]> growing vegetables in pots]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Home Products 'N' More offers free shipping on outdoor planters and patio trellis kits for container gardening. For more information, visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Tomato_Trellis_s/410.htm

Sun-Mar Composting Toilets - Top 4 Frequently Asked Questions

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:34:44 -0400

As dealers of composting toilet systems, we are accustomed to getting a lot of questions about how our units work and how they're able to operate without odor. To that end, we've compiled a list of some of our most frequently asked questions, which may be helpful to consumers who are considering purchasing a composting toilet or who just want to better educate themselves on this eco friendly waste management solution. Please be sure to note that all the information in this article pertains specifically to Sun-Mar composting toilet systems. 1. What is composting and how does a composting toilet work? Composting is the basic process of breaking down organic matter. For example, in a garden composter, you put in yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and mulch, and eventually you get finished compost. Compost, also known as "black gold," is the most fertile substance you can use for planting, fertilizing, and amending soil. This is because it contains all the essential minerals and nutrients that plants need to grow and thrive. Human waste can be composted just like any other organic matter. **End Summary** Topics: composting toilet]]> sun mar composting toilet]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For a complete list of the Composting Toilet Store's frequently asked questions, please visit our compost toilet FAQ page at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Composting_Toilet_FAQ_s/32.htm

How to Maintain Your Sun Mar Composting Toilet in 3 Simple Steps

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:02:47 -0400

Whether you've just purchased a new composting toilet system or you're still in the research stages before making an investment, one critical consideration is maintenance. Proper ongoing maintenance of a compost toilet is critical to the system's performance and lifespan. When correctly installed and properly maintained, a good composting toilet system will work perfectly. When homeowners have problems with their systems, such issues can almost always be traced back to improper installation or maintenance. In this article, we'll focus on Sun-Mar composting toilets, one of the older and better known manufacturers of professional composting toilet systems, and we'll explain the three easy steps to maintaining a Sun-Mar unit. 1. Add bulking material. Just like a garden or backyard compost bin, composting toilets rely on the right balance of nitrogen and carbon (also sometimes called greens and browns) to decompose organic matter quickly and without odor. Too much carbon (brown) will cause the composting process to slow down, whereas too much nitrogen (green) will make it smell bad. In a composting toilet, all the human waste that goes in is the nitrogen, or green. This means the homeowner must manually add the carbon, or the brown. **End Summary** Topics: sun mar composting toilet]]> sun mar]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For more information on Sun-Mar composting toilets, visit the Composting Toilet Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Waterless_Toilets_s/45.htm

5 Easy Ways to Save Money When Planning Your Outdoor Wedding

Tue, 11 May 2010 12:01:12 -0400

With the summer wedding season fast approaching and many couples looking for ways to cut back on the cost of their nuptials, outdoor weddings are enjoying resurgence in popularity. Not only does an outdoor event drastically reduce the amount spent on church and reception hall rental, but it also opens up a multitude of other cost cutting opportunities. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of five easy ways to save money when planning your outdoor wedding. 1. Choose a month other than June. June is by far the most popular month for weddings, and with good reason; the weather is usually beautiful. But June isn't the only calendar month with nice weather, and by choosing an earlier spring date or a fall date, you can save a lot of money with various vendors. Many photographers, caterers, and rental suppliers will charge a premium for weddings during the busy month of June, simply because demand is so high. If the date will work for you and your fiancé, consider an April or October wedding instead. 2. Consider a morning wedding. **End Summary** Topics: Outdoor wedding planning]]> outdoor wedding ideas]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Home Products 'N' More offers free shipping on a large selection of garden wedding arbors and pergola designs . Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Pergola_Kits_s/630.htm

10 Easy Ways to Conserve Water and Save Money at Home

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 11:22:44 -0400

In today's economy, with millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet and pay the bills, saving money is at the forefront of our minds. Pair this concern with growing ecological worries about water shortages cropping up in areas where groundwater used to be plentiful, and it's clear to see that water conservation ought to be one of our top priorities. Not only does conserving water trim our monthly utility bills, but it also helps preserve a natural resource that's becoming scarcer and is often wasted. To that end, we've compiled a list of ten easy ways you can use less water at home. 1. Water your lawn at night. Watering during the day is far less efficient because most of the water will evaporate before it soaks into the ground. 2. Wear clothes more than once. Whenever possible, wear your jeans sweaters, or blouses several times between washings. Not only will you save water, but you'll find your laundry duty is easier to manage as well. 3. Use the dishwasher. Did you know that hand washing dishes uses twice to three times the water that the dishwasher requires to clean the same amount of dishes? 4. **End Summary** Topics: conserve water at home]]> ways to conserve water]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> For a free catalog on waterless toilets and water conservation, visit the Composting Toilets Store at http://www.composting-toilet-store.com/Waterless_Toilet_s/70.htm