By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
In an effort to continue to reuse & recycle while reducing how much makes its way back into my house, I share this month’s reflections:
3 R’s for this month:
Reduce- Shopping from local unchained businesses when possible may not only positively affect our local economy, but reduce our carbon foot print while discovering more of Austin’s flair. Austin Independence Business Alliance is a great resource for IBIZ Districts (different clusters of local businesses supporting their unique neighborhood style) with variety of vintage stores (specializing from clothing to housewares) to area owned eateries.
Recycle- Rubber from old tires can be recycled into a multitude of materials including pavements to playground covering, or even to create more tires, fuel cement kilns, boilers, and paper mills. Call to make sure your area tire store takes tires for recycling or tires can be turned into any Sears location for a $2 state mandated fee.
Reuse- Hair accessories, bicycle helmets, car seats, strollers, nighlights, alarm clock radios are a few items on the wish list of Settle Home Foster Care- mission to care for and promote the healing of troubled children and their families. The organization also takes various other items for their annual garage sale.
Before you make your next purchase or decide to discard something think: Reduce,Reuse, and Recycle.
“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” ~Author Unknown
Check Pinterest Recycle, Reuse, Reduce board.
By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
Ramps are a great solution to make a home more accessible for people that can’t use stairs or need a gentler, less stressful way to enter or leave a space. To have a successful customized ramp built consider length, steepness, and local building requirements. Ramps can be made out of wood, concrete, or even IPE. Handrails can be added for safety in wood or metal. Make sure that if installing a ramp it is safe and sturdy in all types of weather.
By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
Wondering if running your business out of your home is right for you? One consideration for switching or starting your business out of your home is cutting down on your daily commute. With raising gas prices and ever increasing Austin traffic, money along with time and energy may go a long way in keeping your overhead down and increasing productivity.
There are tax advantages with businesses that are run out of homes like the “Home Office Deduction”, but the home office must be the principal place business takes place. Repairs and improvements to a home office may be completely deductible. Check with an accountant to make sure your business would qualify to deduct a percentage on items like security systems, home insurance, utilities, and more.
Escobar Construction, LLC has made these conversions possible by adding walls, slightly changing a home layout, or simply extending a home’s space. Cabinetry, extra lighting, and added outlets can make a room functional for day to day success.
By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
In reflection of this month’s activities and my personal goal to reuse & recycle while reducing how much makes its way back into my house, here is what I am sharing:
3 R’s for this month:
Reduce- With such beautiful weather, especially on the weekends, I have spent most of the month enjoying the outdoors. I have avoided going to the store unless I had a short amount of time between appointments and with a list in hand. Instead of buying extra unneeded items, my family has chosen to take long trips into the hill country and save beautiful pictures of the wonderful landscape that surrounds us as souvenirs of our experience.
Recycle- Spring is the perfect time to evaluate the state of blankets and towels. The Austin Humane Society can take donations of these items along with unneeded baby gates, can openers, small electric heating pads without timers, and cleaning supplies. Please check web site for list of more items needed by the Austin Humane Society – making a difference in the Austin pet community as no kill since 1952.
Reuse- Tea bags can be used to feed your plants as they enrich the soil by increasing nitrogen levels. Since tea bags decompose, they can be buried in the ground.
Before you make your next purchase or decide to discard something think: Reduce,Reuse, and Recycle.
“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” ~Author Unknown
Picture from Zilker Botanical Garden
By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
Zilker Botanical Garden will host their annual Zilker Garden Festival on March 31st to April 1, 2012 (10am -5pm) with a wide variety of vendors from across Central Texas selling many plants – annuals, perennials, cacti & succulents, vegetables and herbs, and tropical. Garden-themed arts and crafts, ceramic pottery, herbal products, baskets, birdhouses, and colorful garden benches will also be available to personalize any outdoor space. Attendees will hear gardening talks with novice and local gardening experts.
The yearly festival is fundraiser for the Austin Area Garden Council (AAGC), and proceeds support Zilker Botanical Garden. Tickets price on day of the event are $8 Adults, $4 Children (age3-12), $5 Parking. More info: Zilker Garden Festival
Blog | admin April 22, 2012 | 
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