Going Green Ideas and Green Products

How did Earth Day originate? When does the Earth Day celebration occur? Is there a connection between Earth Day and another "new" spring observance, Arbor Day. These are just some of the questions answered here. More importantly, my "going green" ideas will show you how to celebrate Earth Day 365 days a year.

Among the "going green" ideas presented in this article are tips for energy conservation and water conservation. Other ways to landscape in a more enviro-friendly manner are also offered, including alternatives to chemical fertilizers and herbicides.

Any resource of "going green" ideas would be remiss not to mention water conservation. An irrigation system can also qualify as a "green product" -- not in terms of how it's made, necessarily, but in terms of how it is used.

Even more so than irrigation systems in general, drip irrigation systems, in particular, can function as green products, as they save water. But they don't just save water, they also save money and time. Learn how to install a simple drip irrigation system that will keep your plants watered even while you're away on vacation.

The plant markers that come with perennials leave a lot to be desired. But don't replace them with fancy plant markers -- there's a "going green" idea that presents an alternative. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Learn how to recycle all those plastic pots left over after planting into free (and superior!) plant markers.

Recycling Christmas trees is not only a "going green" idea; it can also save you money. Rather than disposing of Christmas trees, learn to recycle them and turn them into useful landscaping items.

Lehr's weedwacker is powered by propane. As such, argues the company, using one can be considered a "going green" idea, as compared to using the typical gas-powered weedwacker. I do not recommend it if you have a small yard (for which battery-powered trimmers still make more sense), but you squires with big estates might want to have a look at this alternative.

Like propane weedwackers, propane lawn mowers are supposed to be green products, and in this review I cover a Lehr product that runs on a 16.4 oz. canister. What are the benefits of this product as compared to gas-powered equivalents? What are the drawbacks? Find out here.

Old building parts find a new life when you use architectural salvage for your construction project. Learn about buying resources and other tips to implement this "going green" idea from Jackie Craven, About.com's Guide to Architecture.