Natural and Sustainable

The details on air filtration devices: After doing all you can to try and solve your air-quality problem at its source, an air filtration unit with a HEPA filter may still be a worthwhile investment. Before you buy, speak to a reputable vendor about the specific problem you are trying to solve and what ever else you have done to address it. If possible, always test the noise level when the system is operating to be sure it doesn’t sound like a 747 during take off.

Other things to keep in mind:

• While a variety of technologies exist, there are no standards regarding the performance, efficiency and effectiveness of air filtration devices.

• Air filters designed to filter a single room will perform well when there is central air circulation. Isolating the room may yield better results, but remember to allow for some fresh air too.

• There is no filtration or ventilation system that can effectively remove secondhand tobacco smoke.

WATCH THE WATER TOO:

There’s no better way to water efficiently than with drip irrigation. In fact, in some water-strapped states with regulations, it’s the only way you can supply H2O to thirsty plants regularly. Have a system installed or put on in yourself with components from the hardware store. To save even more water, get a programmable timer with a rain sensor. No more turning the faucet on and off or having the system come on when it rains. These handy gizmos can be added to an existing system. Even more high tech is the “smart” controller. It communicates with area weather stations or satellites to supple the right amount of water for your garden based on current weather and rainfall. Get a controller just right for your garden from a dealer such as Rainbird or a local irrigation specialist. (Source: Garden Gate 2008)

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Green Fatigue: [/gren fuh teeg/] noun 1: a term (first spotted in media coming out of the über-eco UK) referring to the growing backlash of apathy among people for whom the initial buzz of going green is wearing off.
n. 2: the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness that can get greenies down, resulting in occasional indulgence in plastic and conventional fruit.
n. 3: doing and trying everything you can to live a more eco-friendly and eco-conscious life and still feeling like you haven’t done enough.

Usages in a sentence: “Hey, don’t succumb to green fatigue; it too shall pass, and your convictions will be restored again soon. Let’s do something green together, shall we?”