(This interview has been transcribed.)

John Fuller: First of all Craig what is this furniture and metal to food program?
 
Craig: There is a program that Operation Food Search started about four years ago. What they do is take all of the old furniture and all of the old metal that comes from all of the corporations that partner with their programs. Well the program got a little large for them to manage. So they came to us St. Louis Green and said hey would you be willing to take this program over. We acquired it in October. Since October we have worked in all the programs that we’ve done with all the people and diverted 300,000 pounds of furniture in something like 60 days so it’s been fabulous. A group like Johns is one of the groups that we’ll send the furniture to if it’s still useable.
 
John Fuller: A beneficiary?

Craig: A beneficiary.

John Fuller: Well then how can a company help as long as we’re talking about the program.

Craig: A beneficiary. Well the biggest thing is to get a hold of us if you’re planning on moving anything let us decide if it’s of value or not for us to come in and say yes we can get someone to use it here or we can use it there that the best way for us. Just call us if you would.
 
John Fuller: Now the beneficiary or the group the Harris House tell us about the Harris House John

John Alipertz: Harris House is a not for profit United Way agency located in south St Louis we provide residential treatment services for men and women suffering from alcoholism chemical dependency and mental health issues. We have 99 beds. Being a not for profit we have a relatively limit budget so; the furniture and various items that we have gotten from St Louis Green. It’s just been like Christmas for us.

John Fuller: How big of a problem is substance abuse and alcoholism you say you have 99 beds how many people do you provide services too.

John Alipertz: Close to five hundred a year

John Fuller: Wow.

John Alipertz: The impact of Harris House goes well beyond that five hundred people leave the Harris House and they return to the work place. We help people get jobs. Provide employment skills. A lot of the women come to Harris House in an effort to regain custody of their children they lost due to their addiction. So it’s a tremendous impact on their community.
 

John Fuller: What would be some of the items that you would reuse from Craig’s group?

John Alipertz: We got some beautiful furniture and it’s gonna be the first time in our 50 years history that we have matching furniture in our living room. (Everyone Laughing) We’re pretty excited about that!

Craig: Washington University redid their library last week the nineteenth. We went in there with five agencies and took four floors of old furniture from Wash U. and they were one of the agencies that got some of that furniture. It’s just fabulous.

John Fuller: Wow and it’s keeping it out of the landfills as a waste
Craig: Yeah everybody wins.

John Fuller: Thank you John and Craig also for joining us today about how about precious earth segment can help other by repurposing furniture for those who need it.

See the video interview from KPLR 11 Precious Earth: Green Furniture and Metal To Food Program

CHAPEL HILL, NC – The Sustainable Furnishings Council GREENleaders course has been approved for credit in the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Continuing Education, the world-renowned certification system. The 6-ceu GREENleaders exam course, the first and most comprehensive certified sustainability training in the home furnishings industry, was created in 2009 by a LEED-AP and SFC founding member, and vetted by the Sustainable Furnishings Council board including ranking staff of World Wildlife Fund, Rainforest Alliance, and Founder of USGBC/LEED.

“LEED started the ball rolling by setting the standard for commercial buildings and sustainability education. GREENleaders represents a tremendous effort put into initiating, developing and delivering equally valuable education for the home furnishings industry that didn’t exist before,” says Mike Italiano, Founder of USGBC/LEED and CEO of Market Transformation to Sustainability.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, promotes sustainable building and development practices with strict rating systems and a curriculum. These courses offer credit toward the credential maintenance requirements of the LEED Green Associate and LEED Accredited Professional, with specialty professional credentials. The Sustainable Furnishings Council’s GREENleaders contributes an essential piece within the Education Review Body-approved continuing education courses. While most of the LEED programs focus on the building shell itself, GREENleaders is unique in exclusively focusing on furnishing the interior.  It is also distinguished by the practical business-building recommendations it provides.

“It has been wonderful to see how the SFC has developed in such a short time, from setting standards and sharing best practices to providing first class education, particularly in sensitizing the industry to the importance of verified legal wood sourcing,” adds Mark Comolli, Director of Markets in the Forestry Division for Rainforest Alliance.

To date, over 600 home furnishing professionals have been certified by GREENleaders as Accredited Professionals in green residential furnishings, with many more on the way. The six-unit program is worth 6 continuing education credit hours for ASID and LEED, covering a wide-range of topics including the factual basis for environmental issues affecting our industry, consumer awareness and behavior, sourcing products and components, design issues and showroom operations.

“The response to the program has been terrific from the start,” says Jeff Hiller, current SFC President and chief developer of GREENleaders, “We have graduates from leading raw materials suppliers, manufacturers, importers, retailers, product and interior designers, literally every point in the supply chain. This is a major part of our plan to keep the industry growing through greening.”

The Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) just celebrated its 5th anniversary as a professional, non-profit coalition of suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and designers formed to promote sustainable practices within the industry. The SFC is considered the leading organization in green home furnishings with the best opportunities for education and networking.

For those interested in GREENleaders certified training, the course is offered online as well as live in various locations throughout the US. To register, please contact admin@sustainablefurnishings.org or 919-967-1137.

While STL Beds believes that 5 percent green is better than making no effort what so ever and while some mattress stores are beginning to introduce bio foams, organic cotton and wool STL Beds continues to strive for bedding products that can make a bigger difference.  They refuse to settle for non-genuine  green marketing or better known green washing practices in the name of profits a practice being found industry wide.

Why go green?

Why promote sustainability and recycling? Because all of these initiatives preserve the Earth, life, jobs, and health for our friends, family, and fellow men and women. All of the following are industry leading offerings that STL Beds is proud to established before all other furniture, mattress, and specialty bedroom stores in the area.

• In 2009 STL Beds became the first member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC)
• 2010 STL Beds Manager Doug Belleville becomes 1st Green Leader Certified Accredited Professional in St. Louis and 2^nd in MO.
• 2011 STL Beds is 1st store to recycle worn out mattresses and boxsprings by giving those recycled components new life as other products.
• 2007 Continued to sell two sided mattresses for longer life and save landfill space while nearly all companies went to one sided mattresses.
• 2007 First mattress store in Saint Louis to display and sell organic mattresses.
• 2007 First bedding store to offer organic mattress toppers in store.
• 2009 Second furniture store behind Carol House Furniture to voluntarily support wind energy through Ameren UE Pure Power.
• 2010 Begins showing a second brand of organic mattresses in STL.
• 2008 Initiates new chemical free organic pillows a first time in any St. Louis Mattress Store
• 2008 New Organic Cotton Sheets that is toxic free. A real different choice for those wanting to get a way from potentially harmful bleaches and dyes.
• 2008 Organic mattress protectors begin being offered in showroom.
• 2007 Recycles Plastic Mattress Bags
• 2007 Recycles Cardboard
• 2007 Gives usable old mattresses and boxsprings away to local food pantries, charitable organizations, churches, and individuals
• 2006 Recycles its paper, plastic bottles, and aluminum
• 2009 Paints entire showroom using No VOC Paint.
• 2011 Picks up King Koil Extended Life Mattress sets. These mattresses may be the strongest and longest lasting beds on the mattress market and will save landfill space by not wearing out as fast as other beds.

These terms can mean many different things and quite frankly they all seem to get lumped together under one big umbrella term which is referred to as green mattresses.

Environmentally Safe Mattress Starts With Thinking Green

Mattresses are but one part of the home furnishings industry and they have been making great strides to offer the consumer a product that is easier on the environment both outside and inside the home.

Define an Environmentally Safe Mattress?

The mattress market encompasses many different kinds of mattresses that range in selection that includes a coil spring mattress and box spring, memory foam, or natural latex mattress. It can be defined as a bed that requires less energy to build and is easy on the environment both inside and outside your home. Such mattresses may use all or some of the following:

• Organic textiles: These are fabrics and goods that are made from organically grown plants such as cotton or organically raised sheep for their wool.
• Bio-hybrid cushioning: Foams that are constructed with plant base substitutes. They make up a percentage of the oils that are obtained from the plant making at least of portion of the petroleum needed sustainable and eco-friendly.
• Made from rapid renewals: Plants or trees that can grow to maturity and can be harvested for their wood, sap, or anything else very quickly.
• Certified wood: Wood that has been certified or independently verified by a third party as being responsibly harvested in order to maximize industry, wildlife, and nature in a sustainable manner.
• Plantation grown: Artificially established forest, farm where various types of trees or crops are grown for sale. It is rare to see local on-site consumption most of the raw goods are sent to distant markets. Some plantations are certified as organic.
• Contain recycled content: A product that contains materials that have been used before and now given new life within a new product. This often reduces energy cost and the need for more raw materials.
• Consider the transportation and shipping: Look for companies that reduce waste of fuel by figuring out better more efficient shipping methods like sourcing from local suppliers instead of suppliers located thousands of miles away.
• Reduced or Zero Off gassing from potentially toxic or harmful chemicals: Various chemicals that exist in the form of synthetic foams, flame retardants, and bleaches and dyes used in fabrics give off potentially harmful gasses called Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC’s. The list is numerous of harmful effects that VOC’s are attributed too.

One mattress company refers to their mattress selection in shades of green. Depending on your budget, your concern for the environment both inside and outside your home, the extreme you choose to go to is your own. Air quality, sustaining our precious natural resources like wood, and safe drinking water can be affected by the choices we make when we purchase a new bed. The shade of green you choose to buy is up to you. Environmentally Safe and Friendly Mattresses can be found to fit most any budget.

Will buying an Environmentally Safe Mattress make me healthier, wealthier, and wiser? Yes.

1. Investing in naturally built mattresses is an investment in your health that could save you money in medical expenses including respiratory issues.
2. You’ll be rich in spirit and mind knowing that your mattress is chemical free, and reduces the burden on the environment through sustainability.
3. It’s smart to think about the future of friends, family, and the planet.

Tickets By ChiBart

STL Beds is giving away a limited supply of Free Admission Tickets Valued at $8.00 a piece for the Healthy Planet Natural Living Expo 2011. (Limit 5 Tickets Per Family Please!) That saves you up to $40.00. Simply drop by our STL Beds location or send us a self-addressed stamped envelope and mention this blog or print it out too redeem your free money saving tickets. Hurry because when they are gone they are gone!

Information about Green Event:

Healthy Planet Natural Living Expo
When: Sunday, February. 27, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Webster Groves Recreation Complex Located at I-44 at Elm Avenue.
33. East. Glendale Road. Zip Code 63119

This is one of the best St Louis green events of the entire year you won’t want to miss it. Healthy Planet Magazine who sponsors and puts on this home show does it right. It is located in Webster Groves, Missouri. This rare STL Green Event is meant to educate the consumers with an wealth of information for living healthier lives and saving the environment through sustainable and green daily living. Whether people choose to do nothing at all, just 1 thing, or completely change the way they buy, use, and dispose of products people will be shocked and surprised how easy, cheap, and healthy green living can be.  Healthy Planet Magazine and their expo always manage to gather a large diversity of green goods and services under one roof and 2011 will be no different. This show will include everything from health screenings to energy saving tips and products for the home but that is not all.

What’s going on at the Expo?

• Healthy eats include Free Organic and Natural food sample.
• Would you like to learn how to make your work or living space more energy efficient?
• Look for chemical free or low or no VOC household goods?
• Every considered environmentally friendly cosmetics as an alternative?
• How start or own your very own “green” business, there will be plenty of businesses there to share ideas.
• Spinal screening
• Free chair massage
• Organic, Natural, and Eco Friendly Mattresses and Bedding
• 1^st 300 guests will receive a free reusable tote bag
• Wine and beer samples
• Live Music
• Free Giveaways
• Someones going to win a weekend vacation to the YMCA Trout Lodge worth $600.00
• Did we mention FOOD?

There will be live music, wine and beer tasting, and tons of give-a-ways. According to Healthy Planet Magazine, “the first 300 guests will receive a free reusable tote bag.” There will be an Amtrak Ticket Giveaway and a weekend vacation at the YMCA Trout Lodge in the Lake of the Ozarks that is worth $600.

Day of the event

Cost: $8.00 for adults

Cost: Kids under 16 FREE!

Who’s going to be exhibiting at the expo?

Wildlife Center of Missouri

Vitality Unlimited Spa

True-Dose Pets

Treats Unleashed

Thomas Construction

The School of Metaphysics

The Healing Center

St. Louis Vegetarian Society

STL Beds

Soul Esteem Center

Sierra Club

Shining Rivers Waldorf School

Schnucks Market

Schalafly Beer

Sappington Farmers Market

Renewal By Anderson

Pure Power

PB Design

New Life Solutions

Neel’s Pharmacy

Missouri Coalition for the Environment / Earth Designs

Midtown Home Improvement

Juice Plus

Inmotion Health Center

Holistic Fitness

Healing Arts Center

Elements of Wellness

Eckankar – Spiritual Literature

Dancing Spirit Healing & Arts Center

Culver Way Ecovillage

Crown Valley Winery

Complete Wellness Center

Community Acupuncture of St. Louis

Committed to Health Chiropractic

Chipolte Mexican Grill

Butterfly Energy Works

Build St. Louis

Body & Mind / Healthy Harvest Gardens

Blueshadow Photography

Berhanu Organic

Bellaspark Productions

Bath Fitter

Bales Junk Removal

Arbonne International

Animal Health & Healing

Amtrak

Alternative Hospice

Alpha-Health Solutions

Advanced Energy Solutions

You can find more information about the Healthy Planet Green Expo by calling 314-962-7748 or go to www.thehealthyplanet.com

 and to do your part in helping keep the environment clean.   People use special energy saving light bulbs, only wash clothes in cold water, hang wet clothing outside to dry, install solar lights and do many other things to save energy and money.   However, have you given any thoughts as to how you can actually go green in your laundry room?  While this is one of the most commonly used rooms in a person’s home, it also one of the most overlooked as well.

There are several things a homeowner can do in terms of saving money and energy in the laundry room. 

By carefully selecting a washing machine and dryer, you can find machines that have passed energy saving standards and carry the Energy Star Label, which allow a consumer to save water and energy at the same time.  Getting a new energy efficient washing machine and dryer, means a person can use less energy and save money on their utility bill each month.

Approximately 90% of the energy exerted during washing clothes is the amount of energy required to heat the water.  Washing clothes in cold water whenever possible will save energy and extends the life of some of your clothing so it is a good practice to “go green” in your laundry room.  Also, it is a good idea and saves money to wash clothing only when you have enough to make a large load; you run the machine much less and save money on laundry soap and energy as well.

When looking for other ways to go “green” in your laundry room, do not overlook the products you use to wash your clothes.  If you want to go green when doing your laundry, look for a detergent that is plant-based and use non-chlorine bleach products made from sodium perborate or sodium percarbonate.  When you have stains, soak the clothing in Borax, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or vinegar.  Instead of using fabric softener, add a quarter cup of baking soda to the load for extra softness and brighter colors and whites.

As a consumer, going green means committing yourself to purchasing natural cleaning products and using the least damaging cleaners you can find.  When buying laundry soap, purchase a brand that uses recycled containers.  Most conventional laundry detergents are made from petroleum based chemicals and phosphates; these can be linked to certain types of cancer and reproductive problems.  Chlorine bleach should also be banned from the laundry room, it is highly caustic and it goes from the drain and directly into the environment.  Bleach contains chemicals that are carcinogenic (cancer-causing), and can damage the earth’s ozone layer as well, so it is a good idea to find an alternative when you need to get your clothing whiter and brighter.

Through adopting a “green” attitude and being cautious when purchasing laundry room products, a person can do their part to keep the earth clean.  Going “green,” is a good way to enrich your home environment and helps reduce the release of greenhouse gases and other harmful chemicals.  Going “green” is the best way a consumer can protect their health, and by reducing the amount of harmful chemicals used in the house and thereby making the earth a friendlier, cleaner place in which to live.

Contact Information:
Doug Belleville 636-296-8540
info@STLBeds.com

Salesman becomes St Louis’ First Green AP Certified in Eco-Friendly Home Furnishings and Design

One year ago Doug Belleville’s small 3-man business STL Beds became a member of a unique group called the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC). They are a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and educating people inside and outside the furniture industry about earth friendly alternatives and choices. The SFC green furnishings group consists of industry suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, and interior designers. Doug felt the need within his industry to reach out to his customers by helping them get a better understanding of why it’s important to support green furniture programs. Recently he completed an intensive course, the only one of its kind, which focuses on training industry leaders so that they can educate their customers in sustainability, eco friendly home furnishings, and design. Doug is the 1st in St. Louis, 2nd in the state of Missouri, and is one of only a handful of people across the nation to be certified as a Green Leader Accredited Professional  (Green AP) recognized by the SFC.

Why be Green Leader Certified?

Anything and everything green is certainly the buzz. Up until now most of the populace has taken few steps in the direction of green education. Doug took those steps and found a way to make a difference not only in his own life, but also in the lives of other people he comes into contact with everyday. He says “often times the consumer knows very little about green initiatives. They do the best they can, purchasing organic food, recycling aluminum cans, and possibly even participating in a local recycling program. As they should most say they feel good about what they’re doing, yet more often than not these same people are not always sure how or if they are really making a difference. While each of the aforementioned are important steps to saving the earth, it’s also important to recognize every little thing we do can makes a difference in either a positive or a negative way . The first step is recognizing personal responsibilities like what kind of individual impact each of us have on the environment in which we all live.”

What Doug and His Company are Doing to be Green

For nearly 4 years Doug has researched sustainable green home furnishing and has put in a plan to educate others in sustainable furnishings as well. Not only by becoming the first Green AP certified furnishing salesman in St Louis, but he has put his money where his mouth is and expanded his company product selection to include chemical free, organic mattresses and various other environmentally safe products. He is one of the first to actually deal with issues of biodegradable mattresses. Doug says “Mattress recycling is virtually non existent curbside in St. Louis and it is a huge undertaking to try and budge a waste disposal system that is virtually entrenched in the old habits of simple throwing mattresses away. Costs of disposal will only get higher as landfill space becomes scarcer. That’s why three years ago we chose to offer consumers new cutting edge product choices that utilize recyclable materials, biodegradable, and sustainable parts saving up to 25 cubic feet of landfill space.” He believes buying recyclable products, chemical free organic foods, and sustainable goods can make a real difference – and that people must continue to do that.

Doug saw the waste in his industry and has made a switch to try to do more business with companies that practice sustainability – such as companies that make use of earth friendly growing methods, source their raw materials legally and properly, and make a difference in indoor air quality.

Investing in an organic mattress may seem like an extravagant expense, but after doing some preliminary research many people become convinced it is a worthwhile purchase.  However, you may be wondering why you should change to a natural organic cotton mattress.  Most people sleep on traditional bedding and spend a great deal of time surrounded by toxic fumes, dust mites, and other dangerous things.  However, “green” mattresses are manufactured using sustainable, all natural fibers like cotton or organic wool and even rubber and they are just as comfortable as traditional bedding.

Green mattresses are safer because they are non-toxic, extremely durable,

and do not pose the same health hazards as traditional mattresses.  The toxic fumes and chemicals contained in a traditional mattress will enter the air while you sleep and are inhaled deeply into your lungs causing aggravating allergies even causing skin or eye irritations.  The materials used in conventional mattresses are usually synthetic materials like nylon, polyurethane, and polyester, most of which are treated with chemical fire retardants which can be very harmful.

An example of this is mattresses containing polyurethane foam or memory foam. These beds containing polyurethane which is basically a highly flammable petroleum derivative.  To counteract the polyurethane foam hazard, these mattresses are richly coated with flame retardants.

Organic cotton mattresses are great to use in place of a traditional inner spring mattress

and are very durable, with a life span of up to fifteen years sometimes more.  An organic cotton mattress will improve indoor air quality in your bedroom while eliminating VOC’s  released from traditional beds.  When mattress shopping, a person should give serious consideration to alternative materials like organic wool or organic cotton  product due to the pesticides and synthetic materials used in traditional mattresses. A green mattress is both environmentally friendly and has less harsh chemicals, which translates to a safer night of sleep.

Natural latex rubber mattresses are an environmentally friendly solution to

a problem that is the synthetic nightmare we call a mattress.  These natural, sustainable, and organic products are a good fit for anyone looking for comfort, durability, and little to no chemical usage.  Consider beds made from the sap of rubber trees.  A latex rubber mattress is both comfortable and durable and will last for many years  while being environmentally sound. Most are not treated with harmful chemicals. Instead organic models utilize organic wool as a natural fire retardant and quilt it within a organic cotton cover.

Anyone considering buying a new bed should give serious consideration to getting a “green” one.  A green mattress often is very high quality, hypoallergenic, mold and mildew resistant, all of which translates to being better for your sleep, health and peace of mind.  Choosing an organic cotton mattress and bedding material that are free from toxins  is an easy way for you to “green” your home with little effort.  Consumers are now demanding more “green” products, it supports organic growers and allows you to do your part to make the environment cleaner.

By using an organic mattress and bedding products, not only does the ecosystem benefit, but natural fabrics are breathable, help you maintain a consistent body temperature and are a sure way to ensure you receive a safe, restful, non-toxic, night’s sleep.  No matter what type of budget you may have, there are many economical options when it comes to organic bedding, so you are sure to find a great selection and not have to break your wallet to do it.

There are many advantages to “going green” in the work environment

and it can be done by incorporating certain practices and making a few changes, but it all makes a real difference.  You might be the first one adopting this attitude on the job, but soon the efforts will begin to be noticed by co-workers and before you know it, the entire office might jump on board with you too.  Going green is as much of a choice as it is a lifestyle and when you are serious, even the smallest efforts will translate to mean big changes with time.

Paper is one of the most common office materials which people seem to take for granted,

but did you know how many trees are cut down to make paper?  If you think about it, how many times a day do you reach for a piece of paper to write down something to remember or perhaps a telephone number or message?  The amount of paper you use is staggering, so it might be an idea to check into the paper your company uses for its supplier.  Is your office paper made of recycled materials?  If not, talk to your employer about making the change and do your part to save trees, one of the earth’s most precious commodities.

If you work for a company that sends out a lot of flyers and printed materials, do you know what kind of ink your company uses?  Is it vegetable-based ink?  Many people are surprised to find out about this new trend which is becoming more well-known.  Ink is currently being manufactured from soybeans so it does not release harmful greenhouse gases.  Not only is vegetable based ink better for the environment, but makes it much easier to recycle the paper used as well.

Another good way of going green in the office is to shut down and unplug any unused electronic products when not in use.

If you are not going to be using your office computer, why not reach under your desk and unplug it at the end of the day to save energy.  A good way to turn off many different electronics at once is to use a surge protector or power strip, this way with the flip of one switch everything can be easily turned off until the next time you need to use them.

Going green in the workplace is not as difficult as people might have originally thought.  With a few simple changes like we mentioned or even working from home, you can make a genuine dent in energy use, save your company money and hopefully inspire your co-workers to do their part as well.  If everyone were to make just a couple of small changes here and there in the workplace, it would generate to mean a cleaner, healthier environment and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

turn those leaves into compost and save energy and space in the local landfill.

According to statistical information from the Environmental Protection Agency, homeowner yard waste is the second biggest trash item, behind paper and comprises about 25% of the whole community trash haul.  Dead leaves are rich in nutrients and minerals that can be used for landscaping and gardening purposes. There are many ways to make a home compost pile and it is one of the easiest ways a person can observe the “going green” trend and help protect the environment.

Leave and yard waste can be beneficial

Compost is a super rich pile of decomposing materials, which contains humus, carbon and nitrogen.  It is very simple to make your own compost heap at home and you can build or purchase a bin from your local hardware store.  If you live in the country, chances are good your compost pile will not be a bother to anyone, but if you are an urbanite, then purchasing a plastic compost container might be the better option to avoid upsetting any neighbors.

Once you have your compost heap container constructed or purchased, place it in a shady location if possible.  To begin your compost pile you should rotate layers of brown material like dried leaves, twigs, straw, weeds and vegetable trimmings and manure.  The next layer should be green and you can use such things as grass clippings and leaves.  It is very important to never use animal or dairy products, pet or human waste, diseased plants or those treated with harmful pesticides.  Water each compost layer as you build the next and ensure each one is saturated well before proceeding to the next layer.

After your compost pile has sat for a week or two, the next thing you want to do is stir the layers up.  Using a pitchfork or rake, mix the layers together, then cover the pile back up again and let it cook and decompose.  Allow time and nature to do the work to turn the compost in a nutrient rich mishmash which will be used to fertilize your garden next summer.  Often it takes 2-3 months for a compost pile to reach full maturation, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time if you plan on using it in the springtime on your flowerbeds or garden.

Almost anything can be used in a compost pile and not only are you cutting down on your trash load, but you are also getting the added benefit of using organic compost in your garden or home landscaping projects.  Composting can become a hobby, passion and for some, even like a religion, but it is a highly enjoyable and productive pastime which many homeowners participate in.  Composting is a great way to clean up the environment and is just one of many ways you can make the most of the “going green” trend.

Learn about Biodegradable Eco Friendly Mattress.