Archive for the ‘Energy Efficiency’ Category

Five Green DIY Projects for Home and Garden

Going green starts at home, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Any number of green DIY projects allow you to get creative and make something useful for you and the planet.

Keep reading for five DIY projects for your home and garden that you and your family can implement this summer. Whether you prefer a simple task or something more complex, there’s something for you.

Raised garden bed. 

The spring and summer months are all about the garden. Kicking off your gardening journey can be exciting but also full of hurdles. 

  • What if your soil isn’t up to growing your favorite fruits and vegetables? 
  • What if you don’t have enough space for a garden? 
  • What if your drainage system isn’t effective? 

Setting up a raised bed garden can resolve all these problems.

Check out this video from The Crafty Gemini for tips on how to make an efficient yet inexpensive raised garden bed!

Homemade compost bin. 

Have you started composting at home yet? Compost from your backyard is one of the best ways to feed your garden and one of the best things you can do for the environment. The pile of dry leaves, yard trimmings, and kitchen leftovers can act as a natural fertilizer and promote the growth of your garden. U

Unfortunately, the compost pile doesn’t look attractive and could invite in some critters; a container to conceal your backyard compost pile is the way to go. Check out this simple tutorial from Young House Love.

Mason jar herb garden. 

If you’re looking for a project that’s a little more hands-on, try creating a mason jar herb garden like this one from Pepper and Pine! Not only will you love the convenience of having your own herb garden, but you’ll also be making good use of old mason jars and pieces of wood that might otherwise have gone to waste. Plus, you can get the whole family involved in this one!

Homemade cleaning supplies.

Some of the items in your pantry work as effective homemade all-purpose cleaners and, even better, cost next to nothing. So, the next time you’re staring down a big mess, but you’re out of your favorite cleaning product, try mixing up some DIY homemade cleaners. These natural products will kick grime, help the Earth, and keep your wallet happy.

Some cleansers you can make include:

  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Laundry detergent
  • Natural heavy-duty scrub
  • Floor cleaner
  • Carpet deodorizer
  • Air fresher

[Click here for more eco-friendly cleaning tips!]

Build a recycling center. 

Recycling is vital to our Earth, but it isn’t always the easiest. With unsightly bins hogging precious space in your kitchen. Streamline the effort with a DIY sorting station project.

 A family-friendly sorting station not only serves as a temporary storage place for recyclables but also encourages the use of scrap materials in future arts and crafts. This center from Handmade Charlotte invites your children to imagine fun uses for things destined for the dump by incorporating a pegboard and simple tools.

We hope you enjoy these green DIY projects for your home and garden. It’s satisfying to work on small, eco-friendly projects that eliminate the use of toxins and add a touch of nature to your home. You can make a positive impact on the environment and live a healthier life with each small change.

At Carolina Fibre Corporation, we believe in sustainability, whether gardening, composting, or recycling. Do you have any good ideas for sustainability? We would love to hear about them on our Facebook page!

Six Tips for Getting Your Eco-Friendly Garden Ready for Spring

The temperatures are rising, the birds are chirping, and the buds are blooming. Spring is almost here! It’s time to get ready for the upcoming season and prepare your garden. While working to create a beautiful and spring ready garden, you can also help to create a more beautiful planet.

You might not realize it, but gardeners play a crucial role in developing a healthy eco-system. In fact, eco-gardening can even impact energy use, reduce common waste and slow down climate changes. It’s time for you to play a part in this amazing environmental impact movement! There are various ways to create a more self-sustaining environment within your very own yard that can have an incredibly positive impact on the world around us. Here are a few tips on how to make your very own eco-friendly garden!

Bugs are not the enemy. 

I think most of us can agree that some insects are downright scary. Who doesn’t scream when they see a cockroach crawling across their kitchen floor? And who doesn’t jump when a spider is spotted on their desk? However, not all bugs are the enemy!

Many bugs can enhance the sustainability of our earth and your home garden. For instance, ladybugs, lacewings, and even ground beetles help reduce the population of bugs harmful to your plants. They play a part in eating aphids (small bugs that suck the sap and nutrients from plants). Let the “good guy” help you reduce the risk and damage that could happen to your gorgeous garden.

The early bird gets the worm.

The good bugs can’t handle all those nasty bugs on their own. They need a little help from their friends. With regard to defeating those slimy snails, caterpillars, and grubs – birds are there to step in and save the day!

These guardians of nature feed on the wormy creatures that tend to destroy your blooms. It’s time to put up bird feeders around your garden to encourage more visits from our beloved bird friends.

Celebrate the natives.

Native plants are those plants that grow naturally in your region, and we should celebrate them! It’s easier to grow and sustain these plants because they’re already suited to your region’s soil and climate. Some Native North Carolina plants include: 

  • Wood-Anemone
  • Carolina Lupine
  • Eastern Blue Star

Native plants will require less effort and even less water to maintain and grow. Additionally, by growing native plants, you will also help preserve the birds and insects in your area by providing food and shelter for them. Ask the local gardening experts about the native plants in your area for more information.

[Check out this post if you want to know other ways to help the environment!]

Keep it diverse.

Healthy gardens tend to be healthiest when filled with a diverse mix of plants. Also, combining specific complementary plans can even enhance growth. Growing a tall plant, such as sunflowers, can naturally provide shade for those sensitive to the bright UV rays.

Consider which plants you want to live in your garden because some plants can hinder others’ vitality. Do your research before planting so that you don’t risk the deterioration of plants in your garden.

Keep composting cool.

Although you can quickly run by Lowe’s to buy dirt, why not participate in composting for creating your soil? Composting is not only simple, but it is also becoming more and more common.

Plus, it provides additional nutrients that your garden needs to grow. Set up a composting bin in your yard, save money at the local gardening store, and protect the environment!

Remember the 3 Rs. 

Reduce, reuse, and recycle – our three favorite “R” words! Yes, it’s easy to use everyday packaging for your plants, but why not recycle your plastic bottles and use them to enhance your garden?

Protect your seeds with those used water bottles by cutting off the base and placing them around your future blooms. Or reuse your recycled plastic a make a DIY watering can for your thirsty crops.

Developing an eco-friendly environment this spring will not only brighten up your home garden but will also play a huge role in making Mother Nature healthy and beautiful. Home gardening promotes a healthier environment and sustainability. Sustainability is all about implementing good habits to help our planet.

At Carolina Fibre Corporation, we believe in sustainability, whether it’s gardening, composting, or recycling.

Five Eco-Friendly New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are usually the perfect balance of terrifying, overwhelming, and cliché. They hold you accountable, will push you out of your comfort zone, and force you to reevaluate your life. Or it’s just the opposite, and you come up with something stale and boring – a goal you will forget about in two weeks and will never be reached. 

While most of the trendy New Year’s resolutions are based on personal betterment, the New Year is also the perfect occasion to think about ways you can positively impact the planet. Keep reading to check out five small changes you can implement in 2021 to help the environment!

Go paperless.

Not only will this contribute to your clutter-free resolution, but it will also help the earth. We live in a digital world, but there are still many things that inexplicably still use paper. Studies show that Americans use a lot of paper, and it’s hurting our environment. 

Fortunately, there are many places where you can opt-out of paper. Some of those areas include:

  • Sign up for email statements and online digital payments.
  • Request no receipts at grocery stores and Fast-Food restaurants. 
  • Utilize apps for keeping a calendar, creating a to-do list.
  • Consider switching your favorite print media to an online version. 

Green up your commute. 

Vehicles have a significant impact on our environment, and it’s not a positive one. According to the EPA, vehicle transportation accounts for more than 30 percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.

Anything you can do to reduce your transportation footprint this year by walking, biking, taking public transportation, or telecommuting, even if it’s just one day a week, will help both the environment and your wallet.

Start composting. 

Composting is an incredible way to give back to the planet. There is a common misconception that food simply breaks down in a landfill without any issue. However, those veggie scraps from that salad you made will rot and produce methane gas if not composted.

There are several ways to compost but if you don’t have a garden, try collecting your food scraps and keeping it in the freezer during the week. When you’re ready, bring the leftovers to your local farmer’s market if they have a compost station. You can also ask your local natural foods store if they compost.

Invest in reusable items. 

Investing in reusable items like shopping bags and water bottles will make a huge difference. Because they aren’t easily recycled, plastic bags end up in landfills; however, they don’t always stay there. They’re so lightweight and end up being lifted by the wind and polluting nature, interfering with our water sources, our trees, and animal habitats. Buying a reusable shopping bag is a low-cost, one-time purchase that could significantly impact the environment and will greatly cut down on your plastic consumption.

While you’re at it, make a small investment in a reusable coffee tumbler to bring to your favorite coffee shop and a water bottle to fill up wherever you go. It will be a big investment in our planet’s future.

Revamp your family’s eating habits.

The food we eat is energy for our body, so it’s crucial to think about what we’re introducing into our diet.

Try buying fresh, organic food, fruits, vegetables, and eggs as much as possible. Visiting your local farmer’s market is great for your health and the planet. You’re supporting local organic farming that doesn’t involve pesticides or excessive transportation. You’re also helping out a local business owner who appreciates your support – it’s a win-win! 

Cutting down on meat, even just one day a week, is also an eco-friendly resolution. Get your whole family involved by introducing meatless Mondays and asking for their input on creative meatless menu items. 

Now that you’re equipped with some attainable and sustainable resolutions for 2021 pick some and start saving the world! It may not seem like much, but small commitments like not using plastic straws and buying reusable shopping bags can have a lasting impact on our environment for years to come. 

Hopefully, these ideas will get you started to a greener, more sustainable lifestyle for the New Year. However, if you still have concerns about recycling and eco-friendly living in general, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more tips, or contact us today!

Seven Tips for Greening up Your Travels

There is no disputing that travel is great for our economy. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the travel industry is one of the world’s most powerful as it supplies 10 percent of the world’s jobs, at 313 million worldwide.

Unfortunately, it comes with some adverse side effects, like tourists putting a strain on cities, environmental degradation, litter, and fossil fuels by major airlines.

With global travel mostly on pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, a sizeable drop-in travel has helped heal our planet.

But is it possible to have the best of both worlds? A strong economy, millions of jobs, and healthy Earth? Now is an excellent time to re-think our travel with our planet in mind. Check out these seven tips to help you stay on top of your green game, even during your globe-trotting adventures!

Book 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 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 the stress of making connecting flights?

Utilize sustainable accommodations.

Did you know that many hotels have adopted green policies to cut down on the amount of waste that vacationers tend to accumulate? Many of them will advertise these measures on their websites to become familiar with them before you even arrive at your destination. 

Instead of booking a high-end hotel full of every amenity, try staying somewhere that guarantees a lighter carbon footprint. There are tons of “green” and “eco” hotels out there that try to balance comfortable and luxurious accommodations with sustainability.

Bring reusable bottles, containers, and bags.

Instead of using disposable trash bags to store your dirty laundry on a trip, use a reusable laundry storage bag. This will keep any worn and dirty clothes from contaminating your clean clothes, and you won’t have to waste a garbage bag and contribute to the landfills. 

Be sure to grab a reusable water bottle for your travels as well. It will be especially handy for while you’re traveling. 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 lighter. So, when you’re putting together a packing list, make sure you include a reusable water bottle – for both the environment and your wallet.

[Need some green ideas for road tripping- click here!]

Eat and drink locally.

Eat and drink locally to support the community or country that you’re visiting and consume food items that didn’t have to travel far before reaching your plate.

If meals come prepared with local ingredients, think about all the carbon that’s saved when putting together breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Limit energy use and conserve water

Long, steamy showers are the perfect way to scrub off a long day of travel. Still, travelers’ staggering amount of energy and water negatively impacts locals much more than most tourists realize. 

Ask your hotel about their water conservation approach and what you can do to minimize your impact; it should be much more than washing fewer towels.

Linens and things

Speaking of washing towels, 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 a housekeeping system anyway, so it’s a simple matter of conveying your request in the right way.

Leave a place better than you found it.

Communities need travelers more than ever, so while you are traveling, make a goal to contribute to the community and leave it better than you found it. So, soak in as much of the local flavor as you possibly can! It is a great way to experience a new place and doing so can help cut down on the pollution and waste products in that region.

Some other things you can do include: 

  • Cleaning up after yourself and minimizing your impact.
  • Clean up after others. For example, if you go to the beach for the day, remove all your trash and make a vow to take away four to five extra pieces of litter that you find. 
  • Support local causes that interest you. We know it’s your vacation, but setting aside a half a day to do something good is amazing for the travelers’ soul. 
  • Donate what you don’t need.

There are many simple ways we can give the planet its own sort of vacation while you’re off sightseeing and exploring. Stay tuned to our blog for more eco-friendly and sustainable life tips! 

Why Recycling and Using Recycled Paper at the Office is so Important

There has been a lot of discussion about reducing our American workplaces’ footprint, but unfortunately, statistics show that U.S. companies continue to be huge contributors to environmental destruction. Pollution, climate change, waste in waterways, and deforestation are just some of the environmental degradation that comes from our corporations. Many of those contributions are in the form of discarded paper.
But why does saving trees matter, and why should American companies care? Let’s explore the many benefits of using recycled paper and how we can help our earth by initiating a paper recycling program at your office.
The benefits of recycling paper and using recycled paper.
When your office recycles and uses recycled paper, you help promote a more sustainable corporate climate and a healthier earth for decades to come. Among other benefits, recycling your paper and using recycled paper may:

  • Save forests and reduce environmental degradation.
  • Reduce landfill waste.
  • Reduce pollution.
  • Save energy.

Keep reading to find out how these can help your business and our environment!
Save forests and reduce environmental degradation. 
Recycling paper allows your used paper to be repurposed. This article from Small Biz Trends shows that paper products can typically be recycled into additional paper products seven times before the materials start to degrade. This highlights how recycling dramatically reduces the need for raw materials needed to make new paper products.
Many people think saving trees isn’t a huge concern since it’s always possible to plant more trees. However, not only is this a misconception, but healthy forest eco-systems are essential for preventing soil erosion, sustaining healthy waterways, and maintaining wildlife habits. Over-managing our forests disrupts these processes that are vital to our eco-system. Even when trees are replanted, it can take forests decades to recover.
Research shows that almost half of the trees cut down in the U.S. are headed for paper production. By utilizing recycled paper and recycling your office’s paper products, you can help reduce these numbers and maintain healthier forests.
Reduce landfill waste.
Our American landfills are growing every day. Because they are so full, they are taking up large parcels of land and destroying essential natural resources. Waste dumps are also significant emitters of methane gas, one of the primary gases proven to be responsible for climate change.
By using recycled paper and recycling our paper, we can help slow the rate at which our landfills are filling up and the number of greenhouse gases generated by them.
Reduce pollution
The paper production procedure is a crucial contributor to environmental pollution. While using recycled paper doesn’t completely reverse these effects, it does greatly diminish them. Recycling paper also limits the amount of pollution that ends up in our waterways.
Saves energy.
According to an article in the Printing News, the energy needed to produce paper from raw materials is almost double what it takes to make paper from recycled paper.
Supporting paper recycling results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the drain on energy resources.
[Need some tips on encouraging sustainability in the classroom? Click here!]
Recycling paper can save your business money!
On top of all the environmental benefits, recycling your paper and utilizing recycled paper can save your company a lot of money in the long run.

  • Investing in paper recycling may make your office eligible for tax credits.
  • Utilizing recycled paper can help your company gain approval among clients, who are demanding that brands take steps to limit their footprints.
  • Purchasing recycled paper drives up demand for these materials, which reduces the cost of recycling as the industry invests in the necessary infrastructure to meet demand.
  • Choosing sustainable options such as recycled paper will push down the cost of these goods. As resources grow scarcer, the price of paper goods will skyrocket. Investing in recycling now can help keep the cost of paper more reasonable over the long term.

How to set up a paper recycling program at your office. 
Now that you know all the recycling paper benefits, it’s time to put that new knowledge to good use by initiating an office paper recycling program. Here are a few tips to get started:

  • Designate an office “green team.”
  • Use a waste audit kit to determine the volume of your waste.
  • Research collection options.
  • Identify what to collect.
  • Select appropriate recycling bins.
  • Use images to so your team can quickly identify each bin.
  • Contact a professional recycling company like Carolina Fibre! At Carolina Fibre, we offer extensive recycling services, including paper, plastic, and aluminum recycling, and confidential shredding. Our confidential shredding service ensures your company is protected against identity theft and the divulgence of private information by complete destruction of company records. Once the information is shredded, we send a certificate of destruction for all materials destroyed.

Not only does investing in recycled paper provide your office with some immediate benefits, but it’s also simply the right thing to do when it comes to preserving the natural resources relied on by everyone.
By knowing the facts, engaging your team in a recycling program, and investing in recycled paper products, your company can help make our future healthier and more prosperous for us all.
With the services and facilities offered by Carolina Fibre, it’s easier than ever for businesses to jump on board with green efforts here in North Carolina. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started on your company’s commercial recycling plan!

Four Essential Summer Recycling Tips

In most states, summer is beginning to wind down, but in southern North Carolina, we are still in the thick of it.
Our weekends are still filled with day trips, beach days, and pool time. It adds up to a lot of time spent outside in a beautiful environment, and we want to be sure to protect it. So, while you’re soaking up the sun this summer, try to reduce waste, save resources, and protect our earth by following these four essential summer recycling tips.
Road trips.
If you are ready to hit the road, pack some meals and snacks in eco-friendly containers and bring a reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled. Don’t forget to bring along bags to collect recyclables in the car and look for recycling bins at rest stops. Some other things you can do include:

  • Instead of buying small, travel-sized toiletries, fill reusable containers with shampoo, soap, and other necessities.
  • If you stop for a fill-up or a quick bite, commit to picking up a few trash pieces along the way. Try to help make the world better than how you found it!
  • Take only napkins, condiment packets, free brochures, maps, or coupons you will use.

Lawn care.
You will probably be mowing the lawn quite a bit this summer, so don’t let that cut grass end up in a landfill! The EPA estimates that our yard waste accounts for 18% of material in our landfills. Our dumps are quickly running out of space, so it’s important to help where we can. Grass clippings are an organic material that can be reused to benefit the environment.
Rather than bagging the grass as you mow, leave it on the lawn where it will return valuable nutrients to the yard. If you’re worried about the look of cut grass on your lawn, add your clippings to a compost pile. Either way, your grass-cycling will significantly impact the environment and help reduce landfill waste.
[Need more eco-friendly summer essentials? Click here!]
Pool and beach days.
If you have old beach or pool toys, try patching holes or find other uses. These products are usually made of PVC, which are not recyclable, so consider this before buying new ones. If you are shopping for new pool toys, buy those made from recyclable materials to minimize the ecological impact. Other tips include:

  • Reuse plastic or paper shopping bags to pack items for your trip and recycle them afterward. Plastic shopping bags are perfect for keeping dirty shoes and wet bathing suits separate from other things, while paper bags are great for packing snacks.
  • Use old buckets and other items in your house to build sandcastles instead of buying new ones.
  • When visiting beaches and parks, be sure to take out everything you bring in so that you leave places clean and undisturbed.
  • Take a closer look at your sunscreen. Don’t forget to see which cans and bottles are recyclable before throwing them out. Most metal sunscreen bottles are made from aluminum, which is a highly recyclable material.

For the grill.
Barbeques are far and few between these days, but if you decide to host a small gathering, make recycling convenient by putting a clearly labeled recycling bin by the trash.
A barbeque can produce a ton of waste, and because plastic cutlery usually can’t be recycled, it’s essential to try and plan ahead. Provide reusable knives and forks for your guests. If you want to work toward zero-waste, put out reusable napkins, plates, cups, and cutlery at your next party! We know this isn’t always practical, so if you must buy disposable, try to find paper products that are made from recycled materials and are biodegradable or compostable.
By paying attention to a few extra details, you can help make a greener summer possible for everyone, you know. For more great recycling tips, be sure to visit Carolina Fibre online today!

Ten Eco-Friendly Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and while we may have big things going on in the world around us, we must focus on a bit of normalcy.

Whether you’re ready or not, it is time to start thinking about dear old dad and what you want to give him to show how loved and valued he is. And while you’re thinking, remember that choosing an eco-friendly gift is not only thoughtful for Dad, but it is considerate of the planet as well.
Choosing a gift that is kind to the planet ensures it will continue to give long after the holiday is over. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are ten eco-friendly Father’s Day gift ideas to get you started.

Organic shirts and socks.

Dad will feel cozy and comfortable during these hot summer months with lightweight and breathable materials so close to his skin.
Find soft organic cotton that is gentle on him while being gentle on the environment.

Wooden fashion accessories.

Sunglasses are more than necessary this time of year, and what could be fancier than a premium pair of wood shades? Find a luxurious pair made natural materials for the perfect blend of style and sustainability.
Check out these from the Shwood Shop. Some other wood yet super chic accessories include:

Grilling sets.

Invest in some high-quality barbecue products this year so they can be reused rather than pitched once the season is over.
There are many eco-friendly grill kits available, including this set made from environmentally friendly pakkawood. Set dad up for a season of grilling and fun in the sun while taking care of our planet.

Homebrew kit.

There is no better way to be kind to the earth than to have dad brew all that beer he drinks. Not only will he stay busy, but he will be saving all those bottles and cans with a homebrew kit.

Water bottles made of sustainable materials.

This present is ideal for the active dad that needs a functional object to keep him hydrated. A collapsible water bottle is the perfect eco-friendly Father’s Day gift, as well as an ideal travel companion since it breaks down small enough to fit in a pocket. It is also perfect for eco-minded dads who want to save the planet from the plague of plastic!

Stainless steel mug.

If Dad is a coffee lover, a durable stainless-steel coffee mug is a must. It’s better than drinking it out of a disposable cup and can be used repeatedly, eliminating any extra waste.

Plant a tree.

Planting a tree in his honor is the perfect gift for dad this year. Trees are essential to our environment as they offer shade, produce fruit, and keep the air clean.
So, plant one for dad this Father’s Day and generations will enjoy it for years to come.
[Check out these other gardening tips here!]

Beach day essentials.

Gift dad these with these swimming trunks from Joseph and Alexander that are stylish and good for the planet. They are made from 100% recycled plastic so that dad will be styling and ecstatic that his shorts are helping to recover plastic from the oceans and put it to good use.
Some other excellent eco-friendly beach goodies that dad will love (and need) this summer in North Carolina include:

Recycled journal.

If dad has a creative streak and enjoys drawing or journaling, a recycled journal is perfect. Pair it with a pen, and he will love jotting down his thoughts — or his to-do list!

Snacks for days.

You can’t go wrong with snacks, so make dad’s day with a basket of his favorite organic snacks. There are many to choose from, but popcorn, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and spreads are some options that are sure to satisfy his taste buds.
There are many eco-friendly gifts available to suit just about everyone. Give it some thought so you can give dad a gift he is sure to love, and the planet will appreciate it too!

Hopefully, you are inspired by our list and can find the perfect gift this Father’s Day. However, if you still have concerns about eco-friendly living, Carolina Fibre is here to help. Check out our blog for more tips or contact us today!

Five Steps to Prepare your Garden for a Successful Season

A great garden requires a lot of preparation and maintenance to develop. However, even if you forgot to start your planning in the late winter, you can still have an amazing and fruitful garden this year. In honor of Earth Day, here is a checklist of five steps you need to take to get your garden ready for a successful season.
Get organized.
While the weather is still iffy, use this time to organize your shed or garage and go through your tools and make sure everything is in good shape. Oil hinges, sharpen blades, replace anything that can’t be repaired, and consider expanding or upgrading your collection. You would be shocked by how much easier your garden prep will be with the proper tools!
This is also an excellent opportunity to replace your supplies. Make sure you have enough fertilizer, soil, and other required materials. The last thing you want to do is have to make a pit stop to the hardware store when you’re knee-deep in perennials.
Clear out the old to make room for the new.
Throughout the fall and winter months, your garden will be exposed to the elements. The weather and outdoor environment will leave behind all kinds of weeds and debris. Preform a spring cleaning and deep purge of your garden area. Dead debris should be put into a compost pile to break down later. Mulch or other organic matter can stay where it is to be combined with the soil, but the fresher mulch will have to be raked away to expose the new dirt.
Your number one goal right now is to find any weeds that may still be alive. These must be removed from the soil right away. You don’t want to leave any living weeds as they can come back to haunt you and your garden. The same cleanup method applies to your trees and bushes. Prepare for spring by trimming off any dead or broken branches and removing all the old debris to make room for fresh new blooms.
Prep the soil.
Once the winter frost has faded, and the soil is usable, it’s time to make sure your garden is ready for planting. In winter, soil tends to become compacted and unpliable, so the first thing you will need to do is loosen it by tilling or turning.
Next, you can add compost, but be sure to utilize a soil test to see where your nutrient levels lie. This will tell you what type of elements you might need to add. If you have clay or poor soil quality, it is essential to add a healthy layer of compost to improve the nutrient content, texture, and moisture-retention. Gently rake the soil so its level and water it carefully to help release air pockets.
Create an agenda.
Consult your zone to see which vegetables, flowers, and plants are best for your region. You can also talk to someone at your local nursery to get some recommendations. Creating a plan ahead of time is essential in planting a successful garden.
According to Old World Farms, the biggest mistake a gardener can make is not to put thought into the planning of their garden. The experts there recommend creating a master grow list, making a sketch of your garden and the plans, and planning a timeline for the season. Taking the time now to prepare for not only what you will grow, but when it will need to be planted may sound simple, but it is crucial. The step is often overlooked, and by the end of the gardening process, it can cause big problems.
Top it off.
After you’ve implemented your plans and everything it’s planted it is time to top your garden off. Apply a layer of mulch where you can. Mulch is much more effective in keeping weeds at bay if you can quickly get it in place before the weeds start sprouting.
Having a home garden not only makes your backyard beautiful, but it has many ecological benefits as well. Some of the many benefits include:

  • Reduced pollution.
  • Instead of buying produce from your local grocery store, you can grow vegetables and fruits at home.
  • Combats erosion.
  • Helps balance the ecosystem.
  • Contributes to clean air.
  • Assists the bees in and the environment in pollination.

[Check out this post if you want to know other ways to help the environment!]
Home gardening promotes a healthier environment and sustainability. Sustainability is all about implementing good habits to help our planet. At Carolina Fibre Corporation, we believe in sustainability, whether its gardening, composting, or recycling.
Do you have any good ideas for sustainability? We would love to hear about them on our Facebook page!

Seven Tips for Green Spring Cleaning and Recycling

Its spring and that means it’s time for a fresh start! This season focus on using cleaning habits that help the environment by only using safe cleaning products, recycling instead of trashing, and donating to charity so that your items can be reused.
If your goal is to reduce clutter this year, combine that with lowering your contribution to landfills by thinking green.
Reduce.
The first step to fighting messes and reducing clutter is to get rid of all those things you never use. Start with places where junk accumulates, such as drawers, closets, the garage, the basement, and attic. Begin the process by separating your stuff into piles—what you really will use and what you know you never will. Be honest with yourself as you sort through those jeans you haven’t seen since high school. Be practical when considering whether you should hang on to that fondue set you’ve never opened.
While it may be difficult to let some things go, the quickest way to cut your cleaning time is to have less stuff to clean. If you haven’t used it recently, you won’t miss it, and you’ll feel free of the burden of clutter!
Repurpose.
Now you have stuff that you’re ready to get rid of, but don’t just trash it all yet. Go through it and see if any of these items could serve a new purpose. Keep the items that you can carve out a plan to use later. Let go of items that someone else could use.
Donate.
Instead of trashing what’s left, consider donating. This includes everything from clothes, books, toys, baby items, home décor, dishes, and holiday decorations. All of these items could find new life in someone else’s home.
If you feel the need to get rid of your clutter quickly, drop it at your local Salvation Army or Goodwill. You could also post your items for sale online. You’d be surprised what people might be interested in. Just because it’s not an object you value anymore doesn’t mean someone else won’t find it valuable.
Recycle
Once you’ve exhausted all the other possibilities, it’s time for our favorite part here at Caroline Fibre. Recycling is such a simple thing to do, yet so many don’t bother with it. Reusing materials and properly disposing of harmful ones is an essential step toward protecting our world. With dozens of recycling facilities and most cities offering recycle pickup, there aren’t many excuses for not recycling.
Check local electronics retailers to find out if they’ll take your broken laptop or vintage VCR. Recycle plastic items the same way you would for plastic food packaging. And if you’re still struggling to get rid of some stuff, always consider Carolina Fibre for your old clutter.
Stock up on organizing tools.
Now that you’ve downsized, you need to find a system for organizing what you’ve got left. To do this, you’ll need some storage containers. Make sure your storage choices are eco-friendly by using cardboard boxes, cloth bags made from old t-shirts, or bamboo baskets. Raise your storage with vertical shelving to free up floor space and make your rooms look bigger and feel more organized.
Make your cleaning supplies.
For a genuinely green clean, make homemade cleaning supplies. Your home can get sparkling clean with a simple combination of vinegar, water, baking soda, and essential oil. Not only are you lessening the exposure of toxins to family and pets, but you’re also cutting back on waste.
Plan ahead.
If you follow these tips throughout the year, then spring cleaning will be that much easier. Don’t let stuff accumulate in your home. Instead, take time to think about things before you purchase, and don’t hesitate to return gifts if you’ve decided you’ll never use them.
Thinking green throughout all areas of life, from your kitchen to your closet, will put you ahead of the game when next spring arrives.
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