Design & Lifestyle...

I recently read this awesome post at CalFinder - Tools & Tips: Fencing Types that Just Say “Vintage”. This cool post looked at vintage fencing and why old can often be the best choice, both in terms of aesthetics and reuse. Check out the whole post for ideas about materials for fences such as wrought iron, wood options, and stone and rock.

The reason this post rocked is because it easily translates to good green choices. You can find many items for fence building at reclaim stores, junk yards, or you can find left over materials from a recent home construction or deconstruction project. Often, you may find a material that is not truly meant to be a fence, but could work. Try thinking outside the box, and you may get a totally unique home idea. For inspiration visit Junk Creation.

Other outside living ideas that can be created out of reclaimed or recycled materials include porches and patios, big fat garden containers, walkways (think old flat rocks or bricks), cooking areas like a fire pit, gates, arches, gazebos, kids play houses and treehouses, even swimming pools.

When you're trying to go green, your house is a large opportunity to apply greener building and remodeling practices and techniques, but don't forget about your outdoor living spaces - all of them can easily be made more green.

To learn more take a look at:

• Selecting Your Fencing Material
• The Scavenger’s Guide to the Galaxy
• Building A Reclaimed House - Where To Find Used Materials
• Locating Green Goods & Services