Tax Breaks and Rebates Help Ease the Switch If you’re looking for one more way to slow water consumption, save energy, and save money, consider buying a new refrigerator, dishwasher, or clothes washer. The environmental benefits are immediate, and you’ll earn your investment back in a few years, especially with the rebates, Oregon tax credits, and federal incentives now available to most homeowners. Why is making the switch important? Because saving energy prevents pollution. When you choose... more

Ever wonder what happened to that old school gymnasium floor you played basketball, volleyball or kickball on as a kid? Most people think it ended up in the landfill when the school was remodeled or demolished. New hardwood floors hold little comparison to older, sturdier salvaged material. Take, for example, a typical gymnasium floor, also known as strip plank Eastern hardrock maple. Brand new maple flooring comes packaged in plastic wrap on a pallet with typical lengths from 10“ to 8′ long.... more

Even though we’ve had a cool and wet spring, I’ve managed to get out in the garden and get going. I’m having fun pulling treasures out of my greenhouse and finding summer homes for them. I need a few new containers to accommodate my plants’ new sizes, which brings me to my topic this issue: container gardening. I’m a junkie for container gardening and as there’s a courtyard outside my kitchen, I have the perfect spot. But you don’t need a courtyard to have a fabulous collection... more