eco-friendly Archives - Page 5 of 5

Brooklyn Flea Finds

May 24, 2010 RH 2 Comments

This Saturday I was back selling at the Ft. Greene Brooklyn Flea after an extended absence to work on my house. It was kind of nice to go away and come back because it made me appreciate it even more.

The photo above shows a sampling of upcycled light fixtures by Peg and Jon Van Dyne. It’s one of those things that makes me say “Damn, why didn’t I think of that first?” Because I checking out the market only for a few minutes when I was on a an extended bathroom break, I didn’t get a chance to get much info. The company is called French Vanilla. No website, but the phone number is 765-513-0255. No idea what prices are like, but I did notice that they take credit cards.

That large film reel on the right? Still has film on it.

Fat Dog Fabrication is living in this century. Owner Don Wood has a website. A rather cute one, with a photo of Henry the fat dog on the main page (He doesn’t look so fat). Don also has an Etsy store .

I didn’t get a chance to have a chat (another bathroom break) but I gathered from the internets that Don is a contractor who creates on the side. He uses recycled materials when he can, such as the pallet bench. The prices are surprisingly low for the quality, concept and location. $25 hand made concrete dog bowl/planter in Brooklyn? I think I spent that on a cup of coffee just yesterday.

Meet The Green Police

March 22, 2010 RH

They’re out there. Watching you. Call them Green Big Brother or the Green Tea Party, but if you mess with the environment, you’re put on notice.

People for Green Justice is a newly launched web based system that allows you to send a citizen’s citation to an eco-offender. Alternatively, you can issue a green thumbs up award to someone helping the environment. There aren’t any real fines or consequences other than embarrassment or recognition of a person’s actions.

The accompanying Green Justice blog focuses on handy green tips and such. Cool stuff!

The Cove and The Oscars

March 9, 2010 RH 1 Comment

I fell asleep on the Academy Awards, but my husband kept waking me up. One of his outbursts occurred during the acceptance speech for The Cove. “They cut him off!” was all I heard. Then back to sleep.

I can’t see The Cove because it would be too upsetting for me. The movie exposes the slaughter thousands of dolphins and porpoises in Taiji, Japan being sold as food around Asia. Let’s just say that I’m behind the cause and I can spread the word.

If you missed The Oscars like I did, the subject of the documentary, Ric O’Barry, held up a sign on how to help the dolphins, but he was quickly cut off.

O’Barry captured and trained the first five Flipper dolphins during the 60s. He later regretted it and dedicated his life to protecting the highly intelligent species.

So what was it that O’Barry was trying to say?

Well, the sign he was holding said “Text Dolphin to 44144”. In doing so, you will receive information on how to help end the slaughter of dolphins in Taiji. Of course you can always look at the Take Part website also.

Dealing With Mice

September 17, 2007 RH 1 Comment

#1. Get a cat. No? Ok, let’s assume you’ve already cleared away all crumbs, put steel wool in holes and placed all food in tupperware bins. You did that already, right?

Mice don’t like the smell of Fresh Cab or Peppermint Oil. Fresh Cab comes in pouches which you can throw in cabinets and behind the fridge, etc. Peppermint Oil can be purchased at any health food store. Just dab a few drops on cotton balls and scatter around in hidden areas.

If this doesn’t work, go to Plan B: the ultrasonic pest repellent. Forget the small ones though. You’ll have to blow at least forty bucks on the dual technology Viatek or Lentek. We’ve used them in 3 separate apartments now and so far, so good. Works on insects too!

Humane Mouse Traps can be purchased through Peta or Dreaming Earth. Just make sure you don’t let your little buddy suffocate or starve in there. Also be advised that there is usually more than one mouse and they may find their way back.

Ulster County Antiques and Salvage

September 13, 2007 RH

There’s only one huge salvage place in Ulster County that I know of. Zaborski Emporium in Kingston has a 25,000+ square foot warehouse off of Broadway. You will most likely find what you are looking for here; however, you’ll have to dig for it. Prices are good on some items, so-so on others. It depends upon what Stan the Junkmana paid for it himself. Layer up in winter….there’s no heat!

Check out the Antiques and Collectibles Street Market if you’re in Ulster this weekend.

Zaborksi sinks

Ulster Antique Shops

Water Street Market, New Paltz

Cat House Antiques, High Falls

High Falls Mercantile

Vintage Village, Highland

Antique Trip, NY

Reclaimed Flooring

September 12, 2007 RH 5 Comments

5 years ago, we paid around $6000 for reclaimed wide plank pine for a 600 square foot room (installed and finished). And that was the best price. Maybe we had more money to throw around back then, but we would never dream of paying that much for a single floor now.

Reclaimed wide plank is still pricey, but many companies run internet specials. There are also smaller local mills that may charge less.

The least expensive option, if it exists in your home, is to carefully pull up the existing subfloor/planks and scrape them down, then reinstall. Tons of work, but saving all that dough…..priceless.

$6000 Floor, Marbletown, NY