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Note from Sweet Greens: The following post on simple, eco-friendly ways to improve your home was submitted by Hollie Downes. Hollie is a green journalist for MortgageLoans.com. She blogs about simple green ways to improve your home. 
 
These days, many people are concerned about global warming and the environment. They mistakenly believe that they can’t make an impact, or that it is already too late to stop the devastating environmental effects from pollution. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. It is never too late to go green, and the best way to begin is to make some simple, inexpensive changes in your home. Read on to learn my favorite simple, green ways to improve your home.

#1: Get a Bright Idea
The first way you can go green and save money at the same time is to change all of your incandescent light bulbs to LED bulbs – once the incandescent bulbs burn out of course! While the LED bulbs are more expensive to purchase, they last 22 years, are much better for the environment and will save you hundreds of dollars each month.

#2: Do a Quick Switch
Consider switching your energy plan to a “green” or 100% renewable plan. Many utility companies offer these plans, and the rate difference can be as little as half a cent per kWh. Your total bill could go up as little as $5 in one month to have your house powered by renewable energy. This is a small cost that makes a big different in the environment, and also helps to create jobs in the green energy field.

#3: Get Recycling
If you are not recycling, now is the time to start. Most cities and towns recycle at least some materials, and larger cities may take all manner of recyclables. Go online or call your recycling center to find out which materials they are currently accepting and if curbside recycling is available. Some centers will even provide you with recycling bins free of charge when you sign up for the recycling service. Even if your city does not offer curbside recycling, all you need is a few bins to store the recyclables until you are ready to take them to the recycling center. Some recycling centers even pay for some materials such as; metals and cardboard.

#4: Get the Money You Need for Improvements
If you are worried that you can’t afford to make even these simple changes to your home or lifestyle,  there are energy efficient mortgage loans that are offered through private lenders as well as through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. These refinance loans allow you to make improvements on your home to make it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

As you can see, there is no reason not to start living a greener lifestyle in your home. Today is a great day to begin living in a more environmentally friendly way. The change that we need to fix our environment begins with each of us!

photo credit

Hello, Friends! Today’s giveaway is sure to get you in the holiday spirit! The always delightful Tiny Prints is offering a $50 gift certificate to use  to order your holiday cards!

Tiny Prints is known for their beautifully designed cards and your friends and family will be delighted to receive. However, don’t forget you can also find great gifts for everyone on your shopping list. Like super cute iPhone cases, personalized notepads, calendars, and wall decor.

The photo books – especially the hardcover options might be my favorite! Wouldn’t they make a fantastic holiday gift?

I just ordered my holiday cards and I can’t wait for them to arrive! The winner will be announced on December 5th – Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I have dreams of living in a tiny space. Do you? I saw the eco-PERCH, a versatile home that sleeps four people. The eco-PERCH can be delivered and assembled within five days – I really like the layout!

The best part, it can either be assembled on the ground or above the ground – like a treehouse. Unfortunately, it looks like it is only available in U.K. at this time. However, if and when it becomes available in the U.S., I think it would be perfect for our little family of three.

What are your thoughts?

photos via Architizer

I love getting holiday cards via snail mail, I always have! I remember when I was a child, I would run home after school everyday, simply to check the mail – especially during the holiday season. I would close my eyes and hope there would be a red or green envelope amongst the junk mail. And since my mom didn’t mind if I opened the cards, I would sit on our living room sofa and run my fingers over the glittery words and study the family photos.

Now, as an adult I still adore getting holiday cards in the mail – especially if they are well-designed, beautiful and eco-friendly! That is why I love Tiny Prints, their pack a huge punch with their luxuious eco-friendly  paper, beautiful designs and stunning layouts! What’s not to love? 

Have you ordered your holiday cards yet – I am getting ready to order mine from Tiny Prints! You can check out all of the great special offers Tiny Prints has to offer here, and keep the tradition of holiday cards via mail alive!

This post is sponsored by Tiny Prints, however all opinions are my own!

Eben has a stuffed crocodile that I gave him as a gift when he was a baby. And even though he no longer carries it with him everywhere, it is still his most prized possession! It is worn, loved and really shows it’s age, yet it still has a special place in his bedroom and is THE only toy that he would rather no one else touch.

When I saw the new stuffed animal collection from Cate & Levi, I immediately thought of baby Eben with his stuffed lovey in tow! All of these sweet stuffed animals from Cate & Levi are made using reclaimed materials from American Apparel and filled with 100% recycled polyester. I also love the eye-popping color, wouldn’t these be a lovely bright addition to a child’s bedroom? Fantastic!

They look so soft and cuddly, I think Eben would adore the penguin – and that flamingo just makes me smile. Which is your favorite?