Lifestyle

Grey Water Toilet Hack

Submitted by Barbara on Thu, 01/10/2013 - 17:03
Most municipal grey water regulation will not allow for the use of grey water in toilets. If you have ever looked in side a toilet tank then you may have observed that the tank does not empty 100% with each flush. This means that icky things have a stable water supply to grow in. This is the main obstacle to using grey water in a toilet tank. I believe this hack is in compliance with grey water codes. I should point out here that this is based on my understanding of our local codes. This may or may not meet codes in your area. Code may change in the future disallowing this type of use.

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Skeptical about buying things used? So was I.

Submitted by Greg on Thu, 01/10/2013 - 05:49

A few years ago, my wife told me about a group of people who make a pledge to not buy new things for a whole year. There are exceptions on their list, of course; there is no such thing as used food or fuel, or other consumables, and it is expected that certain important items like underwear will still be purchased new, but for the most part, the rule was to buy it used or do without.

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Hand Washing Dishes vs Mechanical Dish Washers.

Submitted by Barbara on Sun, 01/01/2012 - 06:15

Dishwashers vs hand washing is one of those debates that rages though the green community and you can find plenty of facts, research and evidence to support both sides.

Trouble is, that most people try to compare apples and (some un-specified fruit that proves the desired outcome) so we here at greenknowe.org set out to do our own first hand practical kitchen analysis.

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How to make a fruit fly trap

Submitted by Barbara on Wed, 09/14/2011 - 05:08

Now that you are growing some beautiful fruit and shopping at your local farmers market you may find you have more fruit flies.  Relax, this is actually a good sign.  If the flies actually want to eat what you have in your house, then you should take this as a sign of improvement.

On the other hand, we perfectly understand if you dont want them taking over your kitchen.  We dont either.

Here is a simple and very effective fruit fly trap you can make yourself in a few seconds.

Build your own bicycle cargo trailer

Submitted by Barbara on Sun, 04/10/2011 - 04:30

So being part of the riot4 austerity and just generally wanting to live a better, healthier life has led us to try and spend more time biking around.  Most of our local errands we accomplish on foot but what about errands that take us out of town but arnt so far that we need to take the car?  What about those intermediate distance shopping trips?  How to get the goods home?

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How to make Self Sealing Insulated Curtains.

Submitted by Barbara on Mon, 01/17/2011 - 06:47

Windows, even double and triple pane are still one of the weakest parts of a building envelope.  A typical wall may be R13 while a good double pane window is only R-4.  Adding good insulation to your windows can greatly improve your over all insulation.

These instructions are for DIY insulating roman shades.

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