Even if your friends don't know you as the tree-hugging couple, you can still partake in an earth friendly activity by planting a marriage tree. Let your love grow, blossom and flourish inside and out by planting something that will not only be a symbol of prosperity and affection but also be a welcome addition to any yard or garden. Plant your tree outside a window where you will be able to view it and be reminded on a daily basis of your time together as a couple. Visit your local nursery and inquire about something sturdy enough to thrive in the climate you live in. Fruit trees or evergreen, whichever type you choose, you will be sure to enjoy this eco-friendly symbol of love. When it gets big enough, mark an anniversary by carving in your initials together. Who knows, you might even get some nesting love birds of your own come spring. How sweet!

Photo by: Gail Edwin-Fielding

I came across this mirror in a Remodels & Makeovers magazine last weekend and it caught my eye because I love all things green...the color and the eco-friendly aspect! Instead of throwing away that ugly ol' mirror that's been sitting in your garage or storage space...re-frame it with twigs! Gather twigs or driftwood floating around your yard, cut them into 3 or 5 inch pieces, and spray paint them! You don't have to paint them green either...how fun would bright pink be? Then just cover up the old ugly frame by hot gluing your new beautifully spray painted twigs onto the frame. If you want a twig mirror of your own, and don't have an old one laying around, you can pick one up at a thrift store for around 5 or 10 bucks! The best part? You'll be reusing a mirror that would have otherwise ended up in the trash AND cleaning up your yard of the twigs laying around! How green and great is that? Have a great weekend!

Happy Friday! DIY Jill

Sustainability

This is a common thread that is running through most major and influential furniture shows this season. While it is in the early

stages, this is definitely more than a trend. This one is here to stay! Why not..it just makes sense! If you have

the option why would you want to surround yourself with tox

ins that not only poison the environment, but more importantly can damage your family. My favorites are non-toxic paints and carpets. There is no quicker way to get a head ache than sleeping with toxic carpet glues and paints surrounding you.

Many fabric companies are following suit with the development of organic, semi-recycled and ecologically friendly fabrics. One of my favorite fabric vendors, Robert Allen, is a great example. Here is what they have to say about their eco-friendly fabrics (for more detailed info

check out their eco page:

FABRIC CONTENT: At least fifty percent of the fibers in our eco-friendly fabrics are sustainable, organic and/or recycled.

• Sustainable fibers come from rapidly renewable resources with growth and harvest cycles of five years or less. Fibers that fall into this category include alpaca, bamboo, mohair, hemp, wool, and cork.
• Organic fibers are grown without the use of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. Fibers that fall into this category include organic cotton, organic hemp and organic linen. All of our organic fabrics are made from certified organic fibers.
• Recycled fibers come from post-consumer waste such as soda bottles. They also come from post-industrial waste: byproducts from the manufacturing process. Our post-industrial recycled fibers come from petroleum byproducts, recycled cotton, corn derivatives (PLA), recycled silk, and soybean husks.