Recycle Your Walk

A while ago we discussed walk-ability. We talked about litter being a hindrance to a city's walk-ability. Litter causes many problems, including pollution. Did you know that litter also can end up directly in our streams and waterways? This can add to pollution, affecting our drinking water and eventually our health.

Have you noticed this in your city? What can you do about it? Well, if you want to be a part of the solution, recycle while you walk. Sounds strange? Not really. I do it all the time. While you are on your daily walk, look for littered bottles or cans to recycle. If you live in an urban area, they wont be hard to find. Take a look:

I normally collect 4 or 5 each walk. When I carry a bag with me, I collect much more. I have become a Walking Recycler and you can too. I started a few years ago after a friend asked me to join her in neighborhood cleanups. This progressed to my participation in UnLitter Us as a Business Ambassador. My office is in a Litter Free Zone.

Become a Walking Recycler. Join in, walk AND recycle for your health. You wont regret it.

My Home Urban Garden and Farm: A Beginning

Before I build my window box, I need to choose what to plant, preferably a plant that can grow without much difficulty since I am not an experienced gardener. If you have experience successful planting, then you should have no problem. I have always been a fan of home gardening however, in the past, I have attempted to plant at home with limited successes. But as my mother always says: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." (Frederick Maryat) So I will try, once again.

Since it's late in the season, it's important to know what will grow successfully this late in the year. I had to do some research.

The following vegetables can be planted in September and will be available in approximately one month:

• Bunching Onions
• Radishes
• Broccoli
• Lettuce
• Mustard
• Spinach

Source: Fall & Winter Vegetable Planting Guide

I haven't made my choices of vegetables yet, I will start with something easy, herbs. Many people grow herbs in the home with little difficulty. Since I am an "urban dweller", I need to make the least difficult choices for my garden. Herbs can be a great addition to a home garden and are useful in flavoring food and drinks.

Easy herbs to plant in the home:

• Mint
• Spearmint
• Basil
• Oregano
• Dill
• Chives

I decided to plant basil, since I had a planting kit for basil given to me from the recent Brownfields Conference.

The seeds were fairly easy to plant.

Tips to produce a successful crop of herbs:

• Choose a sunny window
• Plant in a pot that can drain easily
• The temperature should be approximately 60 degrees F

I placed the pot on a window sill to receive good sunlight. Now all I have to do is watch them grow!

 Source: Growing Herbs At Home

Next, more planting and the window box design. If you are working on your own, be sure to send in your updates!