Brummet's Conscious Blog

You've likely heard me talk about greening buildings, yards, balconies etc. on the radio show, or read posts about it here or in our Trash Talk book series... Today I'd like to share a few thoughts on how planting a little green can save you a lot of green - cold hard cash.  First - landscaping can increase the value of your home by 15-20%! This works best when you are considering curb appeal, planting for privacy and also diversity. Mature landscapes or those a few years old are much more likely to drive up the value of your home. Simply installing a patio area and entrance area with interesting plants can increase the value of your home by 4-12%! It really is that easy.  As you've heard me talk about on the radio show, you can use plants to increase the energy efficiency of your home. If you plant deciduous trees (those that drop leaves in the fall) on the south and west sides of your home - shade will be created, keeping the home cooler i...

-- Positive Eco-News -- I love celebrating youth initiative programs or group efforts... the youth have such a powerful voice and once they learn to use it, they can then choose to employ it for the rest of their lives. So often younger people feel like they are powerless, like their voice doesn't matter and that they can surely hardly have an impact on this imposing society. But they can, and do... In Japan, for instance, there is this really interesting program called The Shibuya Flower Project that involves youth organizing groups of volunteers that work to grow flowers " in front of the Shibuya train station, on the side of Miyashita Koena Park, and along Sibuya Park Street ". This project started in 2003 with potted flowers, in an effort to create a garden environment in a place where the congested streets are often littered with garbage and cigarette butts. Local shops support the youth by offering incentives, and the youth get to share their experiences through ...

-- Quote of the Day -- Example sheds a genial ray  Which men are apt to borrow,  So first improve yourself today,  And then your friends tomorrow   ~ Anonymous  -- Conscious Discussions Talk Radio -- Our guest today is: Clare Marcus - here today to speak about her love of nature, of the Scottish Island known as Iona in particular, and how her pilgrimage there helped heal her troubled heart. We will be talking about writing memoirs and the healing power of both writing and of nature. She is also the owner of Healing Landscapes , a consulting firm that specializes in the analysis of outdoor space in health care settings.  – She is recognized internationally for her work on the social and psychological implications of urban house and garden design.   Check out the live interview from 10-11 AM Pacific this morning, or access the archived show at your convenience via the  hyper-linked show title: Nature's Healing Power Find Da...