Happy Halloween Everyone! I want to share a few ideas for how to handle your pumpkins and gourds after they’re done as decorations. Fresh Pumpkins Pumpkins in good condition (not soupy or moldy) even if they’ve been carved can be donated to the Central Texas Pig Refuge or a similar organization in your area. No…
All posts in Composting
Homemade Popsicles
These homemade popsicles are based on an idea my mom had when my brother and I were little. We’d pour a single serving of yogurt or orange juice into one of the smallest Tupperware cups, freeze, and then chip away at the filling with a grapefruit spoon. It’s a process, it’s cold, and the chipping…
Paper Bags: Recycle or Compost?
This has been a popular topic lately, especially because so many of us are doing curbside pickup right now. The best and highest use for paper bags and all paper products that have absolutely no food contamination, if they aren’t reused, should go in the recycling vs. compost. The City of Austin actually gets revenue…
If it grows, it goes, for composting
A neighbor of mine just emailed me to ask if shellfish shells can go in the City of Austin curbside compost carts. Yes! The little mantra/quote I want you to remember is “If it grows, it goes!” If the plant or animal bits or byproduct (honey, milk, cheese, eggs, etc.) are from a natural item,…
Parchment , Butcher, and Wax Papers
This post is an expansion of my update to Composting Questions and Confusions. Are parchment paper and butcher paper compostable? Great questions especially since so many more people are home baking and cooking right now. For parchment, it depends on the brand. You’ll need to read your box to determine if your parchment is compostable.…
The Down-low on To-Go
As more people resort to having meals carry-out/to-go/takeaway and delivered, please take time to consider your options for end-of-life. Are the containers recyclable or compostable? Are they reusable or returnable? Will you be able to re-home freezer bags or ice packs? Mueller area restaurants seem to be on the right page with take-out containers. I…
Valentine’s Candy and Gifts
It’s the time of year. Flowers, balloons, cards and candy. A few tips and helpful reminders are listed here. Flowers and plants can be composted. Please remove any container or plastic wrap/plastic sleeves before composting. Only the actual plant part should be composted, “If it grows, it goes!” Plastic containers (hard/rigid plastic) can be recycled…
Product Review: Patch bandages
I purchased this product myself and my review is my own experience. I’ve been trying out Patch bandages over the last several months. I have two of the four types: coconut oil and aloe vera. I’m almost out so I’m ready to share. I first heard about Patch bandages on Treehugger. Read the post, it…
Christmas Tree and String Lights Recycling
Here is the information shared about where, when and how to recycle Christmas trees and string lights in Central Texas this holiday season. The City of Austin’s website for Christmas Tree Recycling is http://www.austintexas.gov/department/christmas-tree-recycling. Details below are from Austin EcoNetwork’s EcoNews 12/19/19 and Austin Resource Recovery’s site: Christmas Trees: If you’re an Austin Resource Recovery…
Zero Waste Degreaser
I’ve used lemons to successfully clean both the microwave and the oven. Before & after✨ Roll a lemon? on the counter a couple of times. Cut the lemon in half and put it in a microwave safe bowl of water. Microwave for 1.5 – 2 minutes. Dip a cotton cloth in the water (you may need…