A Follow up to the Kleenex "Rant"...

...with a great post from "It's Starts With Me" blogger Danielle! Click below to read all about buying recycled vs. non-recycled paper products.

It Starts With Me: 90 Years: "That's how long it takes to grow a box of Kleenex Brand tissues. Back in 2005, my father in-law started talking to me about buying recycled..."

Choosing a *Green* Hotel

Something new is happening in the world of hotels.  A little process by the name of LEED, which stands for "Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design," that was dreamed up back in 1998.

It's a 3rd party rating systems that certifies companies based on these criteria:
Location and Planning, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation and Design Process & Regional Priority.

When we went to Gatlinburg, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, which was the 1st LEED certified hotel in the town. (click on the underlined words to read in depth the extent that this hotel is green). 

What we saw in the hotel were:

recycle bins inside & outside the rooms,

dual flushing toilets

recycled toilet paper

as well as, thermostats for the rooms, and the request to reuse your bathroom towels. One more tip from us is to skip maid service - do the sheets & blankets really need to be cleaned so soon?!

Our New "Neighbors!"

Our yard is a constant work in progress. We are trying to create less grass and more garden beds with perennials and ground cover that doesn't need constant mowing and watering.  We took out a bunch of old bushes this spring and are excited to replant the beds around the house with wildlife sustainable plants and flowers.  We are trying to attract butterflies and birds and maybe a toad or two!  Last year we had it certified as a "Backyard Wildlife Habitat" through the National Wildlife Federation.  We have lots of wildlife that visit - birds, bunnies, hawks, chipmunks, butterflies and deer. But none have chosen our small suburban yard as home - expect for bugs!

(a work in progress! the deer eat everything!)

Last night we discovered our first inhabitant! My oldest was so excited and said, "our yard must be perfect with enough food and water and shelter for her to pick our tree!" Normally this Rhododendron tree is feeding station to a handfull of purple finches.  Lately I've noticed that they haven't been hanging around and was curious as to why.  So dad spotted a nest, but let the little ladies hunt for it instead of showing them where it was hiding.

And yes! A Robin family has taken up residence! We will update pictures as things progess.  The little ladies are anxiously awaiting the hatching of these beautiful eggs!

You too, can certify your backyard by following these

5 steps from the National Wildlife Federation.

1. Provide food for wildlife.

2. Supply water for wildlife.

3. Create cover for wildlife.

4. Give wildlife a place to raise their young.

5. Let your garden be green.

And Voila! go get certified!