30th June, 2010 - Posted by carsi - 1 Comment
In a lot of ways, it’s hard to be a renter of an apartment or house and at the same time attempt to be green–there are some choices you just don’t have the power to make, like installing solar panels or low-flow toilets. Luckily for us renters, the EPA has put out a list of 49 green things renters can do before signing a lease and while living in a rented property. While you’re trying to decide where to rent, the list says it’s a good idea to look for places that are energy efficient and in a close location to where you work/frequent. Then, once you’re living in the rented space, the list suggests ways to reduce energy and waste, conserve water, and choose greener materials and products. How many items can you check off that list?
30th June, 2010 - Posted by katherine - No Comments
According to the Austin Business Journal:
Beginning July [1], residents can apply to be receive up to $30 per 100 square feet to swap grass for native beds and or permeable hardscapes— material that covers the ground, but allows water and oxygen to flow through. This can include stone walkways or patios without mortar, gravel and mulch.
I couldn’t find any more details on the COA webpage yet, but the program doesn’t start until tomorrow.
30th June, 2010 - Posted by katherine - No Comments
A few weeks ago I got this cute summer dress from Buffalo Exchange for $13. It fits me perfectly and is from H&M, one of my favorite stores, of which there happen to be none in Texas. It was my first trip to Bufallo Exchange and I really liked the store and was pleasantly surprised by the selection. I thought the clothes were all in good condition, and I found a lot of dresses to try on.
My goal in going to Buffalo Exchange was to find a dress form my brother’s fall wedding. I was thinking of something like this JCrew dress in a fall color like plum or red:
photo credit
Unfortunately, I didn’t find anything that was quite right for the occasion that fit me. There were several dresses that could have worked for a fall wedding, but weren’t quite what I was looking for – that’s the downside of B.E. – if you need something specific you may have to sort through a lot of clothes, but when you do find it, it’s a great payoff because you can get something cute and in good condition at a fraction of the price. And even if I had gone to a regular store I probably wouldn’t have found what I was looking for at a price I was willing to pay, so I’m going to keep looking for something “vintage” for a couple more months before I break down and buy a new dress.
“Cutting Down on Stuff” is part on an ongoing attempt by Carsi and I to try to cut down on buying new consumer goods to avoid creating more “stuff” in the world.
30th June, 2010 - Posted by katherine - 1 Comment
According to the Statesman, today is the last day Austin residents can buy a low-flow toilet at a retailer and apply for a rebate check from the City of Austin. The rebate program, which included installation and allowed residents to pick out low-flow toilets from any retail store, cost the Austin Water Utility up to $200 per toilet. However, you can still get a free low-flow toilet from a city-contracted vendor if you are willing to pick up the toilet and install it yourself or hire someone to install it. This method only costs the utility $71 per toilet and is still a pretty good deal if you’re willing to put in a little effort. And according to the utility, low-flow toilets use about 63% less water than older toilets, which can add up to great savings on your water bill.
low-flow toilets can be just as fun as conventional toilets, but can save 63% more water!
photo credit
