Brock Pub + BGBG!

I'm happy to announce that Brock Publishing has just finalized a sponsorship deal with the Boulder Green Building Guild. In case you're not familiar with the BGBG, check out their website: www.bgbg.org.

The BGBG is chock full of talented, incredibly responsible business owners who practice sustainability. Many of the members are leading the nation in green & sustainable building. I'm excited to see the growth of this fantastic organization.

Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine offers consumers an in-depth look at the latest in "green" by a member contributed section called Green Builders Corner. Available in print or online. Look for the spring version coming in early April.

For more on green building, sustainable living and more, check out our sister publication, Green Mag. Go online to www.greenmagonline.com

Black Gold: Converting Banana Peels into Spring’s Delightful Soil - by Susan Tucker

I am a consumer … no, really, a CONSUMER. I am truly amazed at how much waste we produce in our household. I’ve been feeling pretty guilty about it, but without taking drastic measures I wasn’t sure what we could do to minimize our footprint. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the ReSource booth at the Sustainable Resources Fair in Ft. Collins last fall that I found the answer - by way of a beautiful, plastic, black bin.

Ah-ha, composting! Don’t get me wrong, I have heard of composting, and all the glories of it, but figured my thumb was too black to even try it out. However, after a quick chat with the ReSource guy, coupled with an inexpensive price tag, I knew I HAD to get started, and right away!

I set up our newest addition at the back of the house in its own cute little compact spot. I poured over the instructions and promptly got started collecting leaves, twigs and kitchen scraps. As with my million other projects, my husband just stood by – shaking his head, mind you - as I gushed and gushed about how wonderful it’s going to be and how I’m going to take good care of it and how it’s going to be the “best soil ever!”

I’m proud to say that four months and several hundred banana peels into the process my hard work is paying off and I can’t wait for spring! Upon last rotation, I was amazed to see fluffy, beautiful soil beginning to form. What an incredible feeling. And, best of all, our waste is down and my husband is finally seeing an end result to one of my many projects!

If you’re interested in starting a compost pile, please do your homework – there is an art to making black gold. Here are some things I’ve learned:

1) No need for fancy equipment. A large plastic container with holes and a lid will work just fine.
2) Place your bin in the sun so your ingredients can “cook.”
3) There are many materials you can include in your pile (do your research!), but the most important ratio to remember is 3:1 – three parts “brown” to one part “green.”
4) Turn it once a week. I use an old shovel and just get in there and flip it all around like batter.
5) Don’t let it get too dry or too wet. A nice mix of materials can prevent that from happening.
6) And, most importantly, have fun. You’re recycling in the best way you can!

Find out more about composting in the Fall 2006 issue of Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine or at www.compostguide.com.

Home Remodeling Options in 2006: “You have a WHAT kind of room?” - By Susan Tucker

According to the Census Bureau, the average home size has increased by 47% since 1970, yet the average family has decreased from 3.1 to 2.6 people per household. This begs the question: What are we doing with all that space?

I started out my research by contacting several of my clients who advertise in Boulder County Home & Garden Magazine. Our county was recently named the seventh wealthiest in the nation, so I figure if anyone knows what’s happening to that “luxury” space, my clients do.

Their responses were amazing. Guess what people? These aren’t our childhood homes! In the age of HGTV and Cribs, it’s not surprising.

With rooms such as media rooms, wine cellars, libraries, sewing rooms and craft rooms the norm. Homeowners are upping the ante by adding ballet studios, beauty salons, massage suites and lets not forget about the indoor pool (or better yet, the “spool”).

The action doesn’t stop here. My research indicates that our furry family members are getting their fair share of the space, too. For our beloved companions we’re adding customized Pet Suites that can include: a doggy wash- room, automatic pet feeder, treat dispenser, and of course the pint size door so they can come and go as they please. We can’t leave out mans best friend when we remodel, can we?

It looks like the lady of the house wins with her spa room and beauty salon – but, oh no – the man of the house has found a room customize however he likes, too. The garage! You fellas are spending $2.8 billion (according to the National Association of Homeowners) a year to drive home your very own space. Designer workbenches, hard wood cabinets, custom painted flooring … the options are endless.

In the land of the free, I’m happy to know that I can make my house my own. I look forward to a day when, I too, can add a spool or a massage room. At least when I do, I’ll know where to turn to, Boulder County certainly is chock full of experienced home remodelors who will understand that no request is too silly, no job too hard. Until then, though, I’ll be happy in my very average house that has no specialty rooms … just yet!