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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Spotlight: Practically Green


Practically Green is a fun Boston-based web-tool that helps guide people towards more sustainable living. The first time an individual logs onto the website, they are prompted to take a survey about their lifestyle habits, not unlike a carbon footprint survey. After conducting the survey, which takes about 10-15 minutes, the website provides a rating and a personalized “action plan” with steps to become more sustainable. After the initial log-on, Practically Green creates a profile for each member so that they can track their progress and earn “badges” if they make multiple green lifestyle changes in a particular category. 

The company was started after its founder, Susan Hunt Stevens, did a complete green home and lifestyle makeover to help ease her infant son’s environmental and dietary allergies. Stevens was inspired by the LEED criteria for green buildings and design, and thought to herself, why isn't there a list of green lifestyle criteria for people and their families? She then worked with environmental and energy experts to create the assessment tool (the survey described above) to measure how lifestyle choices impact the earth and human welfare. The goal of the individual action plan is to help minimize environmental impact and reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals. 

As people check off tasks on their action plan and gain badges, their sense of accomplishment motivates more action. Practically Green is a great way to get some insight if you want to be more sustainable but aren't quite sure what to do or how. Go take the quiz!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

How to be the greenest wedding guest

Source images courtesy of Style Me Pretty // Brides of OK // Purple Wedding

1. Refresh your memory on how to be an eco-savvy party guest.

2. Are you traveling to the wedding? If so, carpool! If you need to fly, consider purchasing carbon offsets for your trip. 

3. Plan to stay with family or friends if possible. When staying in a hotel, keep the same towels throughout your stay, avoid the disposable products, and consider staying at a hotel that participates in the Global Soap Project

4. Check the registry and purchase a green-minded gift (soda stream / organic cotton sheets / energy star rated appliances). If nothing seems quite right, check out Ten Thousand Villages which has great fair trade items that would make meaningful wedding gifts. 

5. Wear an ethical outfit! Check out these sustainable party dresses from Mass based retailer Nancy's Gone Green.

6. If you're in the wedding, check out Green Bride Guide, to best help the happy couple plan a fun, beautiful and sustainable affair. 

Monday, July 29, 2013

New Perspectives: Greening Your Home with Updated Plumbing




Over time, your home’s plumbing system handles massive amounts of water. What type of system you have, and how well it is maintained can make a big difference in water use. Using less water, not only helps the environment, but can also save you money. Hiring a professional plumber might sound expensive but might end up paying for itself. For example, upgrading your current water system, or installing new water saving plumbing fixtures can make a huge difference in your water bill. Even repairing your roof and improving your gutter system can help to reduce the water waste in your home.

A professional plumber could install a low consumption toilet. This should be the first step to a more water efficient home, since these, greener versions use literally half the water of a traditional design – 6 litres compared to 13.2 litres. Government studies report that the average home will save over 80 litres of water each year just by switching out your toilets.

Shower Heads, Faucets and Taps have also become more eco-savvy. Modern, high efficiency water taps, faucets and shower heads can dramatically reduce water waste, without any compromise to comfort or water pressure. Traditional shower heads run through about 95 litres of water during an average 10 minute shower. Modern efficient showers, including the new rainfall shower head with a built in flow restrictor, consume only 76 litres during the same shower. That’s 19 litres of water saved every time someone showers in your home.

You should also consider replacing your older, outdated fixtures. It used to be popular for a bathroom to have a large tub with a stand alone shower, but these fixtures are no longer standard because of their wastefulness. 

You can become more energy efficient when it comes to using water and heating with the help of your professional plumber. This gives you the potential to save money on utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint. 

This sponsored post is by Ivy Delfin of http://www.pipeperfection.com.au

Friday, July 26, 2013

Dam Removal in Taunton, MA


Eight years after the Whittenton Dam’s near-failure threatened hundreds of homes and businesses in Taunton, MA, the infamous dam will be removed, and fish passage will be restored to a key segment of the Mill River.

Conservation organizations, state and federal fisheries and wildlife agencies and local planners have joined to create the Mill River Restoration Partnership.  The partnership’s goal is to remove three dams and construct a fish ladder at a fourth dam—the Morey’s Bridge Dam—along the Mill River. Last year, the Hopewell Mills Dam was removed, and the floodplain was restored. The fish ladder also was constructed at Morey’s Bridge Dam. Ultimately, the project will restore native alewives, blueback herring and American eel to more than 30 miles of habitat in the Mill River, Canoe River, Snake River, Lake Sabbatia and Winnecunnet Pond.  The project will also eliminate the public safety threat associated with the aging dams.

Massachusetts is home to approximately 3,000 dams, many of which are over 100 years old. The 2005 crisis prompted the formation of the Mill River Restoration partnership that has led the dam removal project, as well as legislative efforts to make the removal and repair of aging dams easier for Massachusetts communities. Dilapidated dams pose flood risks for surrounding communities, while also slowing the recovery of New England fisheries. Hopefully the Taunton project will continue to draw national attention to the risks of aging dams, and motivate further action.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Pencil it in: Boston Green Drinks July Meet Up


WHEN: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 

WHERE: Kingston Station, 25 Kingston Street, Boston, MA 02111

WHY: Join the conversation with sustainability professionals and hobbyists.  Enjoy a drink and build your connection with our green community! There is limited space, so make sure to sign up.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Spotlight: Boston Green Drinks



What happens on a when you mix Boston’s sustainability enthusiasts, cocktails, and free snacks? Boston Green Drinks! Boston Green Drinks is a monthly networking group open to anyone with an interest in green living, clean energy, or just meeting new people. The event, which is held on the last Tuesday of every month, draws a diverse range of professionals from both the private and public sectors. The meetings are informal and encourage people to discuss any and all green-related interests.

Over the past few meetings, I've met folks from The Nature Conservancy, The New England Aquarium, The Consortium for Energy Efficiency, Ahold (the company that owns Stop & Shop), State Street Corporation, National Grid, and many more. We gab about the best ways to communicate the issue of climate change to the public, and about the environmental issues plaguing the U.S. food structure, and a variety of other sustainability-related topics. The conversations are engaging, well-rounded, and always inspire people to sign up for the next month’s meeting of Boston Green Drinks. It is inspiring to go to Boston Green Drinks and hear what other motivated Bostonians are doing to move our city towards sustainability. Click here to find out more information about upcoming BGD events.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Green Tips for Visiting the New England Aquarium

Source Images: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

On July 1, 2013 the giant ocean tank at the New England Aquarium re-opened after months of being closed for renovations. Now the Aquarium is fully open once again, and more sustainable than ever! Here are my tips for having a green family adventure at NEAQ.

1. Get there in a sustainable manner. NEAQ is just off Commercial St. which has bike lanes - perfect for a family excursion on Hubway. If the weather is bad, get there via the blue line. Aquarium stop, duh!

2. Visit the new Blue Planet Action Center. This recently-opened exhibit is an interactive display of the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification on corals, threats facing the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale and efforts to protect seafood resources through sustainable fishing practices.

3. Ask a tour guide about the Aquarium's conservation efforts regarding endangered species and habitats

4. Check the Events Calendar. Often, the Aquarium will feature eco-themed events such as sustainable seafood tastings, climate change lectures, and conservation-oriented imax movies. 

5. Read the Aquarium's guide to "living blue"

6. Make knowledge last with a list. Visiting museums is a serious overload of information. To make the best of your trip to the Aquarium, finish the day by making a list of the top 5 things you learned and want to remember. (And maybe add some newly learned ocean-saving lifestyle tips!)

Monday, July 22, 2013

New Perspectives: 4 Basic Steps for Eco-Friendly Pool Maintenance


When it comes to beating the heat, nothing compares to the family pool. But since I try to be environmentally aware, we try to keep our pool eco-friendly. I’ve done a lot of research to figure out the best ways to maintain our pool with the best environmentally friendly practices. Here are the top 4 steps on my list:

1) Conserve water. We started that process by putting up a windbreak screen around our pool. We live in an area that is not exactly windy, but has a breeze most of the time. The windbreak cuts down on evaporation from the pool. We also use an efficient filter, which minimizes the number of times we have to use extra water to backwash the pool while cleaning it. In addition, we bought a solar pool cover, which lays on top of the pool, again, cutting down on the amount of evaporation.

2) Reduce energy use. We streamlined our pool heater as much as possible, but it is old and due for replacement. So, we’re planning our next big purchase for the pool – a solar heating system. I’ve been doing a lot of study about solar as part of my work for InTheSwim.com, and it’s a solution that will work well for us. Solar will cut down enormously on the electricity used to heat our pool. Surprisingly, a pool pump timer has helped with our energy consumption more than I thought it would. We can run the pump intermittently, but long enough to completely circulate the water. As well, we run the pump in the evening, when we get a break on energy prices.  Our efficient filter has also helped with energy savings, since it takes less time to remove debris.

3) Limit the chemicals. It makes sense to keep your pool clean up front, in order to lessen the quantity of chemicals you need to clean it later. My husband, Ed, compares it to the radiator in our car – if you have it working well, the engine has to work less. So by making sure the pool is kept clean, we limit the amount of chemicals we need to use. The cleaning falls on Ed, who has the job of keeping debris and leaves out of the pool. In the fall, he’s out at the pool every day making sure leaves don’t build up. In addition, we bought an automatic pool cleaner – one of those little units that creeps around the pool keeping it clean. We dedcided to purchase the unit after we left town for a couple of days and were shocked by an algae problem when we got home. To clear up the algae, we had to hit the pool with extra chemicals.  I think the automatic pool cleaner has brought more contented smiles to Ed than any other recent purchase. It’s pretty fun to just go watch that little unit float around, and know that we will use fewer chemicals because it is working well.

4) Alternative pool cleaning solutions. I looked into the efficiency of several pool cleaners that can help cut down on the amount of chlorine you need to add in the pool. An ozone cleaning system or an ultraviolet cleaner are what appeared to be the best systems. Both can destroy unwanted contaminants, which is what you want, because that’s the main function of chlorine – to kill the effects of things like sunscreen, body oil, dirt and other particles that get into the water (if you have kids, you know what that means).  We chose an ultraviolet system because I liked the way it worked. I found out they have been used around the world for a while, but are just now picking up momentum in the United States. I found someone on the next block who had used an ultraviolet system, liked the results, and so we set it up. We had a sterilizer installed between the existing pool filter and the return water line. I’ve been pleased with the results.

I feel good about having taken steps to make sure my family pool is eco-friendly, and I think over time the cost savings will offset the initial costs to buy and install the things we needed. Now if I can’t find Ed, I’ve learned to glance out in the back yard, because he might be out watching the automatic pool cleaner. It was worth the cost of that item just for the kick Ed gets out of it.

About the Author: Becky Flanigan writes freelance articles for InTheSwim.com.  She has 3 kids with her wonderful husband – two boys and a girl – and two lovely golden retrievers.  She spends hours at her family swimming pool, watching the kids and dogs play and have fun.  She is also a dedicated runner, and diligently training for her first half marathon.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Knudsen Vinyards: Small Wineries on the Rise


At the Trust for Public Land 40th Anniversary Party  back in April, I had a great conversation with their Chair, Page Knudsen Cowles, during which she mentioned that her family recently returned to wine making on their vineyard in Oregon. Knudsen Vineyards is a great example of the growing support for small, family-run wine production. Such support can also be seen through the success of organizations such as Small Vineyards which labels certain small-production wines from Italy, Spain, and Macedonia so that they are easy for consumers to identify at stores.

Knudsen is the definition of a small production. They will be releasing just 100 cases in 2014! The 127-acre vineyard is certified sustainable by L.I.V.E. and is planted using viticultural techniques. The mission of Knudsen is "to engage in enlightened and thoughtful viticulture and stewardship of the land." Now, it is our jobs as wine drinkers to purchase wines from them and similar small, sustainable sources!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Pencil It In: Urban Agriculture and Access to Healthy Food

image courtesy of CLF

WHEN: Wednesday, July 24, 2013, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  (click here for other dates and times, as there will be multiple meetings to discuss this issue in different neighborhoods)

WHERE: Copley Branch BPL (Raab Hall), 700 Boylston St., Boston Back Bay

WHY: Join your neighbors at a meeting regarding the development of a new section of the Zoning Code by the City of Boston to address the growing interest in urban agriculture. This is your chance to voice your opinions for urban farming and access to healthy food!

They will be discussing about commercial ground level and rooftop farms, farmers markets and farm stands, aquaculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, farm composting, farm soil safety, and conditions for backyard keeping of hens and bees. Learn more here.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Review Wednesday Becomes Spotlight Wednesday


After reviewing the results of the Boston Green Blog content survey, I am turning "product review Wednesday" into "Spotlight Wednesday" during which I will explore Boston's many green organizations, businesses, and government agencies! I look forward to learning how these entities interact and collaborate to make our city one of the most sustainable in the world! Check back next Wednesday for the first profile!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Green Tip Tuesday: Eco Event Ideas Inspired by David Stark

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David Stark is an amazing party planner to the stars. I first heard about him while listening to Grace Bonney of Design Sponge's radio show, After the Jump. He caught my attention when he mentioned during the interview that he tries to make his events sustainable! The image above is a “bottle”  created from hundreds of recycled wine bottles for an editor’s preview event for the Eco countertop line. For more of his eco-aware large scale event ideas, check out his blog: http://www.davidstarksketchbook.com/

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LED candle pillars add ambiance to the Metropolitan Opera's Gala in 2011


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Cacti made of recycled cardboard at West Elm's Broadway opening

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Upcycled newspaper table decor for NRDC Gala in 2011

Monday, July 15, 2013

New Perspectives: Green Ways to Decorate Your Kitchen

Happy kitchen
image courtesy of MidWestLiving.com

1. Use topiaries to add vegetation & style
Imagine using those spiral topiaries on your kitchen’s entrance? How about the hanging topiaries above your dining tables? Isn’t the thought of using these topiaries in your kitchen fantastic and elegant? The best part is, it isn’t very expensive. You can even make one yourself with some of the many topiary DIY idea boards on Pinterest. This is a classic example of being nature friendly and economical while getting the best results.


2. Strategically position your windows to capture sunlight
If you're re-doing your kitchen,  you can plan to save electricity by strategically positioning your windows.
Position it in such a way that it can capture the sunlight and also take note of the window's dimensions. If you make your windows big enough and positioned it correctly, you won’t have to use your lights not until dinner time.

3. Use plants that absorb air impurities 
For example, the "Mother in Law’s Tongue" plant is well known for helping absorb air impurities and dusts. That is why you commonly see this plant in houses especially in their entrance.
If you place these types of plants in your kitchen, not only will it help in cleaning your kitchen’s air but it’ll add to your kitchen's decor  as well.
Take the time to consider the price of the plant, the beauty it brings, and the function that these plants can do for you, you’d be a sure winner if you use them.

Now that I’ve shared some of my techniques in how to decorate your garden the “green way”, I’d love to hear from you. Whatever tips and tricks you can share to help others in designing their kitchen the green way will surely be appreciated. Share your tips in the comments section below!


Aileen Pablo is a home improvement blogger and writer from toptopiary.co.uk. Top Topiary began life in 2004 exhibiting at garden shows in the south of England and selling Topiary Frames to the visitors.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Pencil It In: NEWIEE's Center for Women & Enterprise Breakfast for Women Entrepeneurs


WHEN:  Tuesday, July 23, 2013 8:30AM-11:00AM

WHERE: Center for Women & Enterprise, 24 School Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02108

WHY: The Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), in partnership with NEWIEE's Mentoring Program, invites you to attend this complimentary two-part breakfast event. Join us and learn how CWE can help you:

Grow professionally and/or start or grow your own business

Certify your existing business in order to gain access to corporations currently sourcing women-owned businesses in your industry

Schedule:
8:30-9am - Breakfast and networking
9-10am - Session for established business owners.
10-11am - Session for energy/environmental professionals and budding entrepreneurs.

Space is limited, so register now!

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Review Wednesday: The Wet Brush


Pros                                                                      Cons        
-Most effective, ouch-free brush ever!                      -Made of plastic
-Made in the U.S.                                                 -No company envi policy
-Affordable                                                           -Greener brush options available
                                                                          -Not rated on Good Guide

Conclusion: I have to admit, this brush is fantastic. I have long curly hair that is usually pretty knotty when I get out of the shower. The wet brush cuts through my hair like butter, and I love it. The downside, however, is that this brush is made entirely from non-biodegradable plastic. With this in mind, I will take good care of this brush so that I can use it for years to come. I don't want it to end up in a landfill! The one eco aspect of the Wet Brush is that it is made in the U.S., so at least it has a smaller carbon footprint than the millions of plastic hairbrushes produced in Asia. Still, I highly recommend looking into more sustainable alternatives to the wet brush (see link above).

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Green Tip Tuesday: Apartment Therapy's Guide to Socially Responsible Shopping


Apartment Therapy  is one of my all-time favorite blogs. Its full of both aspirational and practical decor ideas. And as you may have guessed, I get really excited when my favorite design, decor, and shopping blogs feature sustainability tips! In June, Apartment Therapy came out with its 6 Steps to Socially Responsible Shopping. It is a great read - I highly suggest checking it out.

Monday, July 8, 2013

New Perspectives: Edible Flowers in Your Backyard

Edible Flower Recipe
Image courtesy of Vegetable Gardener

When it comes to edible plants, people usually think of vegetable gardens and farms, but what manydo not realize is that the flowers we grow for beauty can sometimes have another purpose. Here are a few examples of flowers you may have in your yard that you could take a bite out of, if ya want:

1. Rose  – Everyone knows what a rose looks like, but did you know they were edible. Rose petals make a great colorful addition to salads and rose hips, the round part of the stem right below the bloom, are full of vitamin C. Rose hip tea is tasty and nutritious. You can also make jams and jellies out of rose hips and petals.

2. Lotus – The beautiful blooms and sweet pads of this pond plant are often the reason we have them, but there is more to the lotus than meets the eye. The seeds of the lotus plant were prized by Native Americans for their flavor and nutrition. You can eat them raw or roast them for a tasty treat. Make sure to remove the green centers before eating for the best flavor. Underwater shoots also form tubers which are eaten much like a potato. These are best to harvest in late summer or fall.

3. Sweet Alyssum  – The tiny clusters of white flowers mean that this little plant could be in your spring garden bed. But unlike its name the flavor of this plant is more like horseradish. A member of the mustard family, the flowers, stems, leaves and seed pods of this plant can be added to dishes for a spicy flavor. The leaves can also be cooked like mustard greens.

4. Canna Lily –These large flowering plants are hardy and colorful so it is no wonder so many homes have them in their gardens. The large leaves look much like banana leaves and can be used similarly to wrap food for cooking. The young shoots are edible if cooked, but the roots of the plant are your best bet for food. These tubers have even higher starch content then potatoes and can easily be ground into gluten free flour.

5. Redbud  – Last on our list is actually a flowering tree. The redbud’s flowers appear directly on the branches in the spring and are edible. Open flowers have a sweet flavor and a beautiful purple-pink color. After the flowers drop off seed pods appear. These pods can be used just like pea pods in stir fries and other dishes. After a couple of weeks they become hard and unpalatable, so harvest quickly!

This is a guest post by Liz Nelson from WhiteFence.com. She is a freelance writer and blogger from Houston. Questions and comments can be sent to: liznelson17@gmail.com.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Warby Parker is One-for-One

Me, learning about Warby Parker's One-For-One Program
Image courtesy of Brian Annis at Warby Parker Boston

Warby Parker makes this year's it sunglasses and reading glasses. The super-chic company just opened a showroom on Newbury St. this spring. The boutique  shows off the company's modern, stylish, and most importantly, affordable, aesthetic. But, my favorite part of Warby Parker is that all of their glasses are one-for-one (meaning that for every pair purchased, a pair of reading glasses is donated to someone in need). Ethical and fashionable? Sounds perfect! Check them out!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Review Wednesday: Should You Avoid Retinyl Palmitate?

image courtesy of www.annmariegianni.com

Today, rather than a product review, we are going to explore a common product ingredient, so you can make informed shopping decisions. I hope that the "ingredient spotlight" feature will become a monthly column, so let me know what you think! First up: retinyl palmitate. 

Last week while researching my review of Gabriel Moisturizing Liquid Foundation, I noticed that the main reason the product got a bad rating from the Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Database was because it contained retinyl palmitate - this got me curious.

Retinyl Palmitate is a vitamin A supplement often used in skincare products. It is also added to milk to add back the antioxidants lost during the fat-removal process. However, high doses of topical retinyl palmitate have been linked to cancer in lab animals. For this reason, EWG has rated the ingredient 8, or high hazard (on this 1-10 scale, the most dangerous chemicals are rated a 10). 

Adding to this concern, the EWG website explains that when retinyl palmitate is exposed to UV light, it can break down into toxic free radicals, which can also lead to cancer, or speed tumor growth in existing cancer. So when wearing this product, or other products containing retinyl palmitate, make sure to avoid sun exposure (check your sunscreen labels to make sure they don't contain this ingredient). FDA also raised a concern that extensive, daily skin application of vitamin A creams may build up in the woman’s body a high enough level of Vitamin A that may be toxic to the developing fetus. 

However, a 2010 study concluded that that retinyl palmitate is safe except for in very high doses. The American Academy of Dermatology has concluded that the ingredient does NOT cause skin cancer (even in sunscreens). 

Conclusion: There is still major confusion about this ingredient. I have decided that I will continue to buy products that contain this ingredient, but that I will use them sparingly (as indicated on the product label, or less), and will try to purchase retinyl palmitate-free sunscreens just in case! 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Green Tip Tuesday: How to Be an Eco-Savvy Party Guest


source image courtesy of JessicaBellMadeThis


It is cookout season! Lots of fun outdoor parties going on, especially with the Fourth of July holiday on Thursday. Here are some tips to keep in mind while attending BBQ's (if you're the host, read  how to throw a green party for the 4th)

1. Mind your drink. Recycle all bottles and plastic cups. If you don't see a recycling bin, ask the host if there is a bag or container that is for recyclable items. If you plan to have more than one drink, reuse the same cup. 

2. Choose your meal wisely. Skip the burgers and dogs, and stick to the vegetarian options. After all, summer parties are known for some mean potato salad!

3. Bring an ethical hostess gift. Organic wine, fair trade coffee, local fruit are all great eco-aware gifts that your host will love. 

4. Wear something eco/ethical as a conversation starter. Just got some sweet Warby Parker sunglasses? Tell your friends about WP's one-for-one program. Or when someone compliments your bracelets from Ten Thousand Villages, tell them about the product's origin.

5. Be a tidy guest. If you are walking around, grab stray bottles and trash and dispose of them properly. Not only will your host appreciate this, but plastic/glass is more likely to end up in the recycling rather than the trash. 

6. Carpool or take public transit to the party. 

And of course, have fun! 

Monday, July 1, 2013

New Perspectives: How to Make an Indoor Garden


It is hard to beat the calm that comes with being surrounded by plant life and natural beauty, but in cities like Boston, having a large garden in your condo is not always feasible. Luckily, indoor gardens have quickly grown in popularity over the recent years as more and more people crave the fresh look of greenery in their small space. Now, there are easier ways to get the green you love inside your condo or apartment without taking up your entire living room.

Plant a pot of herbs – Herbs are perfect for condos because they do not require a lot of space to thrive. Assorted herb pots make great centerpieces or accents on windowsills. Better yet, the plants you grow are useful in your kitchen! With a pot of assorted herbs, you can bring some life into your home while saving money at the grocery store on ingredients used to spice up your foods every day.

Try a hydroponic system – If you do not want to muddy up your condo with soil, try a hydroponic system. This system uses only water to allow plants to grow. The systems have been shown to cost less, use less water and space, and produce more than soil plants. Depending on the type of system you have, you are able to grow vegetables and flowers in a hydroponic system. Ask at your local gardening store for more details about what is available in your area.

Get some vines – Plants that grow upwards instead of outwards make for perfect window coverings. By using a trellis and small planter, you can create a unique look in any room with vines. If your space is sunny, try your hand at growing cucumbers or grapes. If your space is small or not well lit, try flowers that grow on vines. 

Turn your walls into a garden – In recent years, artists have created magnetic planters that hang on your wall or refrigerator by the strength of a magnet. These small planters can grow plants that do well inside of these small sized pots. Some examples of what people grow in magnetic planters or planters that hang on your wall are herbs or small shrubbery. This is a unique way to instantly add some life into your home and spruce up your bare walls. 

Living in the city can feel cramped and crowded, making it difficult to grow a thriving garden. With these indoor gardening tips for condos, you can transform your living space into one that has a vibrant, fresh new look.

About the Author:
Joyce Del Rosario works as a Community Outreach Specialist at Open College of Art and Design, one of the leading providers of accredited online interior design courses. She is also an interior design blogger.