Mini Waste Hanging Basket – While this container isn’t the most attractive out there, it’s convenient and inexpensive. The hanging basket hooks on to the waste basket which makes recycling easier. This would be a convenient way to recycle at work. Simply throw your plastic bottles and paper into the hanging basket. At $4.51, it’s affordable.

Scrolled Metal Newspaper Rack – This is a perfect example of an attractive recycling solution.  This piece keeps your newspapers neatly together and is nice enough to go in your living room.

Set of 4 Recycling Bags – These are great if you like bright colors or want to several bins for sorting.  At $30, these are fairly inexpensive.  My concern is the amount of floor space that these would take.

Flip Lid Recycler – This one is probably my favorite.  It’s a bit pricer than the others, but it seems to be well-made.  I think this is something that would get plenty of use and could be set out in your kitchen without being an eye sore.

What do you think of these recycling containers?  Do you recycle?

images are from sites linked above

Post from: Keeping the Castle

We all want a healthier home, right? The problem sometimes is that we don’t know where to start. Little steps can make a big difference towards cleaning up our surroundings at home. And I don’t mean just getting rid of dust and cobwebs.

Laura Milligan has compiled a list of 99 things you can do to make your home a healthier place. She covers the obvious items like eliminating toxins and chemicals. But there are also tips for getting healthier sleep and exercise, having a better diet, being more organized  and keeping safe.

Here are some of the tips in the article:

* Take out the trash every 1-2 days.

* Don’t work in bed.

* Get a Wii instead of a conventional video game console.

* Cook food thoroughly.

* Eliminate clutter with tips from our very own fellow b5media blog, Declutter it.

* Make your home a refuge by managing stress and displaying photos of people you love.

via RNCentral; Creative Commons image by decor8 on Flickr

Post from: Keeping the Castle

The quick points to remember are:

1. Weather-strip drafty windows and doors.

2. Turn down your heater.

3. Turn electronics off.

4. Set your water heater’s thermostat under 140F.

5. Wash only full loads of laundry.

6. Install insulation.

7. Buy and use ‘green’ products.

Remember, we can all do something to help save our planet, and save a little money on the side as well.

Post from: Keeping the Castle

* Pick organic textiles and fabrics, like organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, abaca and wool.

* Antique furniture is best. Otherwise, seek furniture made of reclaimed lumber, wood from managed forests, and recycled materials. Fast-growing and renewable  wood sources such as bamboo are also good choices.

* Water-based finishes are more environmentally sound than most varnishes, lacquers and shellacs.

* Buy durable furnishings and decor to reduce waste that will end up in a landfill.

* Recycle or re-purpose products. You can even turn junk into home decor.

* Local products reduce the carbon footprint through reduced shipping.

* Use less leather, which is typically imported and thus shipped a long distance.

* If installing new floors, use recycled or natural products like bamboo.

* Keep electronics as long as possible. If you really have to upgrade, donate your old electronics.

via Sustainable Furniture Council; Creative Commons image by TroyMason on Flickr

Post from: Keeping the Castle