Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JULY 8, 2014

My grandmother, who turned 102 earlier this year, remembers when “organic” wasn’t even a word used when talking about food. All food was natural in that it wasn’t coated with hundreds of toxic pesticides, fungicides, and any other cide you can think of. But back to the “organic” issue at hand. Strawberries. Sweet Bell Peppers.

Food 170

Food Organic Organization Buy 170

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JULY 24, 2012

Fifty years ago, this was the norm; almost every backyard had a veggie patch that supplemented the food bought at a store. Then life got busy, food was more readily available and was often flown in from further afield, making varieties available out of season. We use a container garden approach and it works fabulous.

Gardening 267

Gardening Garden Health Home and Garden 267

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

APRIL 16, 2013

If you want to improve your health and your sustainability, one of the best ways is to grow a garden. Caring for a garden offers opportunities for exercise outside, and it allows for you to ensure that the food you eat is responsibly grown. Grow Easy Items First. Use Starts. Create a Schedule. Make a Plan.

Gardening 202

Gardening Garden Plants Growing 202

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

MARCH 24, 2014

Growing up, I remember my mom always sending me out to the composting bin with a bucket full of (what I thought was) gross bits and pieces of food waste. There are different uses for composted material, which I’ve outlined below, and store-bought alternatives can be quite expensive. Uses for Composted Material.

Compost 222

Compost Composting Home and Garden Plants 222

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 25, 2012

Because the production of food has such a large carbon footprint, learning to eat sustainably is a great way to limit your impact on the earth. Here are some things we have learned that you too can put into practice in your household. Millions of tones of food are thrown away in western countries every year. Reduce Waste.

Growing 234

Growing Plants Grow Your Own Gardening 234

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JULY 12, 2012

I admit that I’m not the greenest person out there, although I am working to improve, from participating in my utility’s efforts to increase power from renewable resources to looking for local produce and food sources whenever possible. Going green can help improve your health, and save you money.

Health 213

Health Green Money Grow Your Own 213

Prairie Eco-Thrifter

JANUARY 15, 2014

If even a small garden isn’t an option, consider planting a container garden. I plan to do that this summer and plant some herbs as well as some lettuce and a tomato plant. My dreams of a large garden will need to wait until I own a home further in the suburbs. Get Growing' Buy Direct from the Farmer.

Home and Garden 216

Home and Garden Rent Growing Gardening 216