The holidays are a time for peace on Earth and goodwill toward men, but decorating your home with hundreds of energy-zapping twinkle lights and throwing away four garbage bags full of wrapping paper doesn’t really fit either category. According to the EPA Blog, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, American household waste increases by more than 25 percent. During the holiday season, we will throw away a million extra tons of garbage each week, including holiday wrapping and packaging. And we will use more electricity on holiday lights than some countries use in an entire year. Luckily, eco-conscious yuletide cheer is just as festive as some of the more traditional options. Here are six eco-friendly holiday tips to help you reduce your environmental footprint this holiday season.
Give smart.
There are many ways you can give smart this season. DIY gifts like handcrafted candles, a homemade blanket, or handmade beauty products can be as much fun to make and give as to receive. Or try arranging a secondhand-gift exchange. Part of the fun of thrift shopping is discovering hidden treasures that may be decades old, and changing it up with secondhand gifts is a fun way to shop that’s also good for the environment.
Decorate with nature.
Avoid buying cheap plastic items that fall apart easily and cannot be recycled. Using green plants and fresh flowers, fruits, pine cones, and evergreens for home decorating are clever and stylish ways to protect the environment. Natural holiday decor saves money and provides an organic beauty. Green holiday decorating ideas are simple and classic, plus they create more time to enjoy the festive season and relax with family and friends.
DIY the decor.
Not only can you bring the outside in to help green up your holiday, you can find other ways to decorate while being kind to the earth. Pledge to trim your tree with only homemade decorations. Create popcorn and cranberry garland, make salt dough ornaments, and top it with a paper plate angel. Upcycle old sweaters to make pillows, stockings, or even mini Christmas trees. Decorate your mantels with paper trees, and ceilings with paper snowflakes. You can turn your home into a winter wonderland with little money and a lot of creativeness.
Use energy-saving lights.
LED Christmas lights are an easy swap to make that save more than 95 percent of energy over time, according to Eartheasy.com. As an added bonus, LEDs release little heat, and they last about 200,000 hours. In the unlikely event that one does burn out, the rest of the lights keep on glowing. Also, go for mini lights instead of larger lights, and shut them off when you go to bed, nobody is appreciating lights at two in the morning. While LED lights may be a little bit more expensive initially because they use less energy you can recoup the cost on your monthly bill.
Make your wrapping paper.
Making your gift wrap is a chance not only to save money but help the environment by recycling or repurposing products. You could use altered versions of newspaper, paper grocery bags, old magazines, comic books, freezer paper or even leftover gift wrap in a creative way that is eco-friendly and less wasteful.
Recycle your tree.
One of our favorite Christmas traditions is the tree. From picking it out to bringing it home, to decorating it, the Christmas tree never fails to bring a smile to our faces. No matter how much we love our tree, however, there comes a time to bid it goodbye. Instead of dragging your tree to the curb and sending it to the landfill, there are many ways to give your tree a second life by recycling it. You can compost it, donate it to a local farm (goats love them!), take it to an oceanside town to help rebuild dunes, or even get creative and make your mulch or build a bird sanctuary.
Make this holiday season one to remember by creating new traditions with your loved ones, saving the planet, and having a blast by bringing these earth savvy and festive projects to life!
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Six Ways to Prevent Food Waste This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is special because the meal is the holiday, as opposed to the meal being a tradition used to help celebrate. As a result, we tend to go a bit overboard with food. These family meals are a wonderful way to celebrate and bring people together, but it adds up to a significant amount of food waste. A study conducted by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that well over 100 billion pounds of food is thrown away every year. Most of that uneaten food ends up rotting in landfills. But, by planning and following these tricks, you can be green and give thanks. Follow these six food waste reduction tips for an eco-friendly Thanksgiving meal this year.
Shop wisely.
Before you head to the store, make sure your pantry and refrigerator are clean, organized and as bare as possible. Take stock of what you have and make a list of what you will need. Once you get organized and have your list, use an online portion calculator to help you figure out how much food you will need. Because of all the side dishes and desserts, most families can go with a smaller turkey.
Save your scraps.
The peelings and scraps from cooking can be saved for many uses. One thing you can do with them is to make homemade vegetable stock. Save vegetable trimmings in a plastic bag in the freezer until you are ready to make a broth. Onions, carrots, celery, and garlic are key ingredients, but, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and peppers also add great flavor. To make broth, add the vegetable scraps to a large pot and add enough water to cover the scraps. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for one hour. When that is complete, strain to remove solids, then you are left with a flavorful broth.
Display smaller portions.
Most people’s eyes are bigger than their stomachs, especially during the holidays. All the delicious choices will lead guests to load their plates with more than they can handle in one sitting. Unfortunately, a lot of that food will end up in the garbage. Help avoid this by setting out smaller family-style portions at dinner, keep the rest aside and refill as needed. Use smaller serving spoons and plates so guests can go back for seconds or even thirds, rather than one heaping plate that ends up being way too much.
Distribute leftovers.
One of the best parts of a Thanksgiving feast is leftovers. Tell your guests to bring reusable containers so you can send them home with some of their favorite dishes. Not only does this make them happy, it cleans out your fridge so aren’t stuck with a ton of leftovers you aren’t able to eat.
Get creative.
While Thanksgiving leftovers are a holiday must-have, they can get a little old if you are eating them day after day. To avoid leftover burnout and wasted leftovers, get creative. For example, throw your green beans into a breakfast concoction, make a modern pizza with mashed potatoes, use turkey in a soup, or maybe even an enchilada casserole.
Don’t forget about your freezer.
If you’re in doubt about powering through all the Thanksgiving leftovers in the fridge, consider freezing in clear, well-marked containers. When you’re sick of eating leftover turkey, make a turkey noodle soup or pot pie and freeze it so you can eat it later.
According to the NRDC, one pound of turkey meat uses up the resources equivalent of driving 11 miles to take a 130-minute shower. So it’s important to remember that when we waste food, we’re also wasting all the water and energy that goes into making it. Being prepared and resource conscience reduces waste, saves energy and increases space at our landfills and recycling centers, which makes for a greener and happier Thanksgiving for everyone. Stay tuned to our blog for more holiday recycling tips this season!
Halloween Recycling Tips
From decorations to treats to costumes, Halloween comes with a lot of “stuff,” which makes it a scary time for recycling facilities. Many of the items kids accumulate at parties or what we use as decor isn’t recyclable, yet it still ends up in the recycling container. It can be a real nightmare, so Carolina Fibre is here with some Halloween recycling tips to help save you from becoming a recycling horror story.
Costumes
Making your own costume from recycled finds is definitely the most environmentally-friendly way to go, and there are tons of recycled costume ideas out there. Keep in mind that once the holiday is over, fabric costumes and latex masks can be reused, but not recycled. You can always save the costume and repurpose it, or use as a dress-up costume that the kids can play with year-round. If your costume is in good shape after Halloween, you can also donate it. If your costume got stained or is in tatters after the holiday, reuse it next year as the zombie version of whatever it was this year. When it comes to makeup, you might think you’re out of luck, but you can actually recycle a lot of makeup containers. Check what number plastic they’re made from and if your city’s recycling program accepts it, clean out the container, and recycle away!
Treats
Bad news – those hundreds of candy wrappers your family will collect this holiday aren’t recyclable. Candy wrappers may feel like plastic, but they’re considered a mixed material, which makes for a nightmare at the recycling center. Some treats do come in recyclable containers, like those made from paperboard. So if you get stuck with a random box of raisins in your loot, you can toss the box in your recycling container.
Decorations
Halloween decorations, like plastic bunting, paper spiders, and centerpieces are often recyclable. But plastic is a little bit trickier, so your best bet is to check the packaging. Since these decorations can use so many combinations of materials, it’s hard to definitively say what is and isn’t recyclable. Like with makeup containers, you just need to find out what number plastic they are and see if your city recycling service accepts it. Lighting is a completely different ghost story. Strings of lights will haunt your local recycling facility by getting tangled in the sorting equipment, so don’t put these items in your bin. However, there are mail-in recycling programs available.
Pumpkins
Once the holiday is over, the easiest Halloween decorations to recycle is your pumpkins. As long as you didn’t paint on them, you can toss these into the compost pile when Halloween is over. Or, look into donating your uncarved pumpkins to a local farm – pigs love pumpkins! If they haven’t started to mold, you can even cook with them.
Though people have the best intentions, they aren’t always recycling the right items. In fact, studies show that more than a quarter of the material collected in bins was not recyclable. But by following a few simple guidelines, we can all be better recyclers no matter the season. Know what to throw away and what to recycle. Make sure items are empty, clean and dry, and keep recyclables loose – never in bags or containers. Are there any Halloween recycling tips we missed? If so let us know on our Facebook page. And if you have any questions about recycling, contact us today!
Four Ways to Recycle Your Old Books and Textbooks
Another school year is here, and that more means books, papers and magazines cluttering your home. As they all start trickling in this season, you realize you haven’t even gotten rid of unnecessary materials from the past three years. So what are you supposed to do with all these old textbooks and novels? Your first instinct may be to throw your books in the trash, but wait – there are better options! Keep reading for four ways to recycle your old books and textbooks.
Donate.
Your library: Supporting your community library is always a great idea, so check your local branch’s website for its donation process. Libraries could use your donated books in their system or find another avenue for book donation on your behalf.
Charity: Bring your boxes of used books to your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other local charity. These centers will take donations of almost any sort, but be sure to check their specific guidelines just in case. If you already donate your clothes or former household items, adding books that you no longer need to the pile is simple. To find a local charity center in your area, visit the Charity Centers website.
Schools: Oftentimes, teachers have to create their own classroom library. Reach out to your local schools and tell them what types of books you have available for donation, and they may be able to point you in the right direction.
Drop-off Boxes: Companies like Better World Books collect and sell books online so they can in turn donate books and fund literacy initiatives worldwide. They have tons of locations, and their drop-off sites are convenient and easy to access on the go.
Sell.
Yourself: Craigslist and Facebook are two online options for getting rid of unwanted books on your own. You can declutter your life and make a little money at the same time.
Online Companies: Sites like Amazon, Bookfinder and Bookscouter are some of the biggest and most trafficked global bookstores. For a fee, they will basically sell the books for you.
Local used bookstore: A local used bookstore is the easiest way to get rid of unwanted books. Guidelines differ from store to store, but generally you can just bring in your old books and they’ll buy them from you, or make a trade.
Decorate.
Shelving: You can use your favorite hardcover book as a statement piece to conceal a standard shelf, resulting in a creative storage method that looks like a stack of books is floating in midair.
Planters: Another way to recycle your books is to get creative and turn them into something fun. For example, Eco-Pots made from recycled books are a great illustration of how you can breathe new life into your old books.
Use as accents: Books add warmth and a level of coziness to any room. Add a stack of books to a tabletop, shelving unit, kitchen counter, or fireplace hearth. Use odd numbers of books and a variety of colors for the best result.
Recycle
Curbside: Paperback books that are torn or unusable can be placed in your curbside recycle bin for quick and convenient salvaging.
Reuse in fun ways: Another way to put an old book to good use is make something fun and unique. Use the pages to make gift tags, greeting cards, envelopes, or even wrapping paper.
Recycling center: Last but not least, always consider a recycling corporation like Carolina Fibre for your old books. Paper recycling is the process of recovering waste paper and remaking it into a new product, so you’d get rid of those old books and help the environment.
We hope this post has given you some new ideas for recycling your old textbooks and books. If you liked this post, follow us on Facebook for more helpful tips and tricks. And if you have any questions about recycling, contact us today!
What are Zero Waste Communities and How Can You Create One Where You Live?
The concept of zero waste suggests that there are realistic ways to streamline how materials move through our world. However, building an ecological future in a zero waste community is bigger than a single idea. It’s more than just changing individual behaviors, and it’s greater than just a few people deciding to compost or recycle. Becoming a zero waste community means altering our lifestyles and adjusting how we create, consume and dispose of our society’s boundless amounts stuff. The zero waste lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but we all benefit when we create less trash and cut back on waste.
So now that we know what a zero waste community is, how do you foster one? Here are six ideas for starting a zero waste community where you live.
Be passionate.
Establish why you are doing this and make sure it’s something you can realistically stick with. Get specific with your “why” so you can remind yourself of it on a daily basis – not only to keep yourself motivated, but others around you as well. If you are passionate and educated about zero waste and its importance to our world, then you can educate and inspire the people in your community to take a stand with you. Remember you are trying to make an impact on a larger scale, so the more people you can spread the zero waste message to, the better!
Host a workshop.
Have you fully immersed yourself in the world of zero waste? Are you completely educated, motivated and passionate? If feel you’ve become a master at the basics, it’s time to host a zero waste workshop in your community. Look for a good venue, search for a local business with the same values that would be interested in co-hosting, choose an interesting topic (people love anything DIY), and make sure you’re prepared.
Reach out to local businesses.
Is there a restaurant you avoid because it uses plastic straws or Styrofoam containers? Maybe your dentist office uses countless amounts of paper for patient forms or mailings? It’s time to reach out and educate them about zero waste. Start by sending an email. Keep your communication as short and to the point as possible, and include potential solutions. Be sure to keep your letter positive and friendly.
Create a community garden.
Community gardens are springing up all over the place, from urban farms to neighborhood plots. They are exactly what the name implies: a piece of land gardened by a community. A community garden can educate people about the importance and value of food, not to mention beautify your community and create a strong bond within your neighborhood. While this will be no easy task, the return on your investment is worth it. If you want to create a garden in your community, start by measuring interest, holding a meeting, and researching potential land options. Find out what will grow well in your community with the amount of rainfall it gets and the type of soil it offers.
Organize a neighborhood cleanup.
Organizing a neighborhood cleanup is a great way to promote the zero waste lifestyle while also making your neighborhood a better place to live. However, for a community cleanup to be successful, it must be well-planned. From picking the right project to recruiting enough volunteers, putting together an effective event takes effort. But don’t be intimated by this; nothing with zero waste is simple, but it is always worth it. Start by choosing the area of focus for your neighborhood cleanup carefully. The right project is one that fixes a current problem and inspires others to get involved. Some community cleanup project ideas are trash collection, flower planting, beach cleanup, and beautification projects.
Volunteer to host a food drive.
Food waste is a huge issue. Volunteering at a local food pantry or soup kitchen will make a positive difference. It’s a great way to give back to your community, and also take small steps towards eliminating food waste.
Through community-driven zero waste actions, we can directly and positively impact our environment. Once you’ve got a zero waste group going that you’re proud of, you can utilize it to promote a lot of quality change in your community. Together you can organize events, get a booth at a festival, or get political and ask your local government to make a change. The possibilities are limitless!
Greener Education: A Teacher’s Guide to Encouraging Sustainability in the Classroom
Here at Carolina Fibre, we believe that teaching is still one of the nobler professions out there. After all, much of what we do revolves around understanding how the natural world works; otherwise, we wouldn’t know what to recycle and how to dispose of other materials in the safest way possible.
But how can you as an educator drive these points home with your students in the school year looming up ahead? Even if you don’t specialize in natural sciences, there are plenty of ways that you can incorporate reminders to be kind to the planet in daily lesson plans as well as classroom décor and function.
Start the day off on the right foot
Do you remember when you’d first get to class, and your teacher would have an assignment on the board waiting for you? Designed to get students thinking about the day’s topic, or maybe even to get something else off their brains for a moment before the lesson begins, warm-up exercises and daily journal topics can be a great outlet for middle and high school students during the school day. Plan ahead for some eco-friendly topics, or even take a moment each morning to scan the headlines for stories related to recycling, sustainability, and green movements that you can then translate into thought-provoking questions for students to ponder before you call class into session.
Decorate with knowledge
Informational posters don’t have to be cheesy or fade into the background. In fact, you might even choose not to decorate with posters at all! But if you do, try bringing some greenery into the classroom, whether that means selecting images with plant life and landscapes, or even inspirational messages about the beauty of nature and how it can help clear the mind.
If you’d rather go for a more authentic look and feel, check your school policy manual and find out what kinds of plants you can bring into the classroom. Unless one of your students turns out to be allergic to something in particular, you should be fine to bring in a small potted plant or two, just to liven up the space and remind your students that there’s a whole other world beyond the four walls of their school.
Reward positive behavior
When you teach the younger crowd, say kindergarten and elementary school students, it can be a little more difficult tying in sustainable practices and facts that they can understand beyond the simple truth that too much trash is a bad thing. To that end, we’ve found that games and rewards are always positive means of reinforcing those lessons of courteous behavior toward the planet. Make it a weekly competition to see who can point out more of the recycling bins around school, or give a monthly “green thumb” prize to the student who best adheres to classroom sustainability rules.
Can’t wait until school is back in session? Stay tuned to Carolina Fibre’s blog for more tips and sustainability hacks to help you live your greenest life.
Eco-friendly Summer Essentials
What are your summer staples? For some, it’s making sure to spend as much time as possible on a sandy beach. For others, it’s filling your weekend with camping trips under the stars. Or maybe, you’d be happy just getting to your neighborhood pool every once in a while.
Whatever your ideal summer looks like, we know that when it comes to supplies, finding sustainable products to bring along for the ride isn’t always easy. To help you make your adventures a little greener, the Carolina Fibre team has a few items you might consider adding to your beach bag or backpack before you head off into that summer sunshine!
Safer precautions
There aren’t many people who can truly appreciate the fine bouquet that is the culmination of aromas found in mainstream bug spray. And for good reason: some of those synthetic chemicals that help keep the bugs at bay aren’t as beneficial to you, younger children, or the air that’s absorbing the product that doesn’t stick to your skin when you spray it on. Luckily, there are some repellants out there that are made from essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus and soybeans and have been found to be comparable to the bigger brands. The best practice on buying bug spray is to read the list of active ingredients carefully, and if you don’t understand whatsomething is, do your research before applying it.
Brighter than the sun
Solar-powered fans, lights, grills, and even portable charging stations are nothing new, but you’d be surprised how often consumers still gravitate toward their less sustainable counterparts on the market! When you’re planning for your next pool party and backyard get-together, take a look at some of your must-haves and then see if you’re able to find a solar-powered alternative. If your local stores have a limited selection, you might have better luck looking at online retailers like Amazon.
Saving the seas
Recently, we’ve heard a lot about the environmental impacts of using plastic straws and stirrers. In fact, they account for a significant amount of the pollution in our oceans, and it’s been estimated that by 2050, there could be more plastic in our oceans than fish if we don’t regulate our habits. The first step to doing that? Find a reasonable alternative. More and more companies are developing metal straws, so you can still sip on that ice-cold lemonade on a broiling summer day without the added risk to the planet.
Breaking down the barbeque
We’ve all been to that backyard barbeque where the food was great, but the disposable dishes and cutlery made for a lot of post-meal waste. You don’t have to resign yourself to slaving over a full sink just to avoid filling up the garbage can, though. Many companies have started manufacturing compostable and biodegradable paper plates – among other mealtime essentials – so the question of whether or not you can safely recycle them after use is less relevant. Now all you have to worry about is making sure the packaging does promise eco-friendly disposal, and whether or not you’re going to need more than one to hold samples of all the delicious eats on the menu for your next cookout!
P.S. Are we invited?
Reclaiming fashion
You may have noticed that sunglasses, earbuds, and other accessories made or accentuated with wood are pretty popular this year. But it’s not just a fashion statement! Have you seen any of these items with tags that specify that these items were constructed from reclaimed wood? That means that the wood itself was sustainably harvested and used responsibly, while also minimizing additional plastic production. So go ahead and rock your new shades while you’re on vacation, protect your phone with a new case, or listen to your favorite tunes while soak up some sunshine. You’ve invested in a product that takes it easier on the environment, and that’s definitely a summertime staple!
Now that you have a few new items on your shopping list, you don’t have to wait for the first official day to kick off the season – grab your eco-friendly summer essentials and get things going today! And when you need a break from the sunshine, be sure to tune into our blog for more tips on sustainable living.
How to Go – And Stay – Green During Your Next Vacation
The salty spray of ocean waves, open roads, the wind in your hair: summer vacation season is fast approaching!
If, like the Carolina Fibre team, you live in a state that makes traveling to various landscapes an easy feat, then you might only be planning on a brief road trip or two this season. But maybe you’ve decided to take a longer excursion that will keep you away from home for a while. Extended vacation time is great, but it can also make it seem more acceptable to let those green habits slide while you’re on that well-deserved break. Check out a few tips to help you stay on top of your green game even during your globe-trotting adventures!
Reusable water bottles
While we highly recommend having one of these on hand at home or work anyway, a reusable water bottle is especially handy for while you’re on the road (or in the air). And it’s not just to keep plastic out of landfills; over a lengthy trip, the cost of buying disposable water bottles every time you get thirsty can really add up! Bringing your own along saves you the trouble of repeat purchases, and keeps trash cans a few ounces of plastic lighter. So when you’re putting together a packing list, make sure you include a reusable water bottle – for both the environment’s sake, and your wallet’s.
Non-stop flights
Filling your car with fuel is one thing, but have you ever stopped to think about how much a plane uses just to get itself off the ground? By booking a non-stop flight, you can help conserve some of that valuable fuel! Just as it happens with cars, taking off and landing takes more energy than cruising along at high altitudes does. So, when you take a direct, non-stop flight instead of hopping onto multiple planes that have to start and stop, you’re actually helping to ensure that the minimal amount of fuel is being used for the duration of your trip. Plus, who doesn’t want to avoid layovers and the stress of making connecting flights?
Sustainable accommodations
Did you know that many hotels have adopted green policies to help cut down on the amount of waste that vacationers tend to accumulate? In fact, many of them will advertise these measures on their websites, so you can become familiar with them before you even arrive at your destination. When you’re looking into where you’d like to stay, keep an eye out for hotels and other accommodations that mention eco-friendly renovations they’ve recently completed, energy-saving methods, even sustainable products they like to use on-property.
Local products
While you’re away, we recommend soaking in as much of the local flavor as you possibly can! Not only is it a great way to experience a new place, but doing so can help cut down on the pollution and waste production in that region. It’s the same thing as being locally-centric when you’re at home; shopping and eating local products creates less demand for things that have to be driven or flown in, fewer instances of tossing materials like plastic from large manufacturers into trash cans instead of recycling bins.
Linens and things
You wouldn’t change your sheets and bath towels every day at home, so why do it on vacation? Request that your sheets and linens not be changed out every day to save on water and other resources expended during each load of laundry. Most hotels have some sort of system for housekeeping anyway, so it’s a simple matter of conveying your request in the right way.
There are tons of easy ways to give the planet its own sort of vacation while you’re off sightseeing and exploring new places. Stay tuned to our blog for more tips, and safe travels this summer!
How to Green Your Cityscapes with Urban Gardening
As breathtaking as a city skyline can be, it’s easy to find yourself missing greener landscapes in the view from your window. But there’s no reason for you to sacrifice the convenience and pace of living in an urban area – you can bring some natural beauty right to your home!
A popular trend among city-dwellers, urban gardening is a great way to green up your space without leaving the concrete jungle you know and love. And when you go about it the right way, you can have a whole other kind of wilderness to return to every day! So, if you call somewhere like our Triad region home, you might benefit from a few of our best urban gardening tips.
Location is everything
You probably heard something similar when you were first hunting for that perfect apartment, or the conveniently located townhouse. And it’s as true when it comes to your gardening plans as it was when you were looking for a place to live. Depending on what kind of space you have to work with, your urban garden is going to have to grow around your daily routine. So scope out your patio or balcony, but also consider keeping some of your plants indoors for a little glimpse of the natural world while you eat dinner, vacuum, or chill out with your favorite movie playing in the background.
There is one thing to be said for urban gardening that can’t always be applied to a traditional backyard setup; the world (or your apartment) is your playground. Depending on what plants you choose, you can make almost anything a container. Plus, you can get creative in terms of saving space by going vertical or hanging planters and baskets along balcony railings. Just check with your landlord or management company and get the all-clear first!
Pick your plants
If you’ve never tested out your green thumb before, this pointer is especially important! Not all plants like to grow in limited space, or indoors, and some require more maintenance than others. So, before you make any decisions about what you’re going to have growing in your urban oasis, we recommend hitting the books (or the internet).
You could go with a classic ficus plant, or you could use this venture as a way to branch out and try something new! If you have patio space, why not create a small herb garden? Not only is it easy to care for, but you can use those greens in some cooking experiments at home. Here are just a few we think are a great start to any small garden, or additions to your spice rack:
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Sage
Or, if you prefer take-out to wearing a chef’s apron, your low-maintenance greenery could include some more color in the form of resilient flower varieties:
- Petunias
- Daylilies
- Zinnias
- Coneflowers
Living in an urban area often requires compromise, but with a little creativity, you can still indulge in your favorite outdoor pastimes, like gardening. This spring, bring some color back into your life by embracing an urban gardening method that fits your home and lifestyle! And for more tips on living green, no matter where you put your feet up, stay tuned to Carolina Fibre’s blog.