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Sustainable Living

Tips for Mulching a Garden: 12 Types of Mulch and How to Use Them

A pair of feet wearing green shoes standing on wood mulch.

Mulching a garden is one key way to keep it healthy and sustainable. Here are helpful tips for using mulch, including twelve different types and how to use them. We’re kind of obsessed with mulch over at our house. Wood

larissaswayze May 27, 2024March 24, 2025 Sustainable Living No Comments Read more

Starting a Garden from Scratch: A Step by Step Guide for Beginners

An empty raised garden bed near a kids' play structure with a wheel barrow and shovel nearby.

Always dreamed of starting a garden? Me too! Here is an easy to follow, step by step guide on how to start a garden and watch it grow. “How do I start gardening?” is definitely a question I once asked

larissaswayze May 11, 2024April 16, 2025 Our House in the Trees, Sustainable Living No Comments Read more

Canada’s 7 Most Sustainable Cities: Which City is the Greenest?

City of Edmonton skyline with trees in the foreground.

Learn more about Canada’s seven most sustainable cities, including eco-friendly initiatives and how they’re leading the way in green living. Whether you’re a fellow Canadian, you’re thinking of moving or visiting here, or you just really love reading about all

larissaswayze February 29, 2024April 10, 2024 Sustainable Living 2 Comments Read more

Can Candles Really Be Toxic? A Helpful Guide to Clean Candles

A candle in a white vessel sitting next to dried lavender on top of a wood slice.

Can candles really be toxic? Here are four questions to ask yourself when shopping for clean candles, plus five of the safest candles to burn in your home! One of the big issues with trying to find non toxic candles

larissaswayze October 7, 2023March 17, 2025 Sustainable Living No Comments Read more

Trees in Our Lives: 3 Tree Planting Initiatives You Need to Know About

A little girl standing on a fallen tree in a forest.

Wondering how you can give back to the planet that gives us so much? Consider supporting tree planting initiatives like One Tree Planted, Environmental Restoration Communities and Ceriops Environmental Organization at Nullker. What does the word “home” mean to you?

larissaswayze August 28, 2023March 25, 2025 Sustainable Living No Comments Read more

How Does Wind Energy Work + Building Durable Wind Turbines

Two wind turbines against a cloudy sky.

So you’ve heard of wind power and now you’re wondering, “but how does wind energy work?” The answer is actually pretty simple! Did you know that every June 15 the world celebrates Global Wind Day? I only recently found this

larissaswayze June 22, 2023July 26, 2023 Sustainable Living No Comments Read more

9 of the Best Plants for Privacy and Creating a Cozy Yard

A collage of three different yards with beautiful landscaping - one with boxwood hedges, one with a crabapple tree and one with ivy.

Love the convenience of city living, but not the lack of privacy? Move over fences – because the best plants for privacy screening are right here! While living in a town or city with neighbours to befriend and amenities nearby

larissaswayze June 17, 2023January 29, 2025 Sustainable Living No Comments Read more

Which Off Grid Water System is Best for You and Your Home?

A hand submerged in water holding a green leaf.

How do you choose the right off grid water system for you and your home? Here are four options, including pros and cons to help you decide! While many people dream of living off the grid, it certainly isn’t for

larissaswayze April 22, 2023February 10, 2025 Sustainable Living No Comments Read more

Quick Guide to Composting for Beginners + 4 DIY Compost Bin Ideas

A hand holding fresh compost.

Just getting started with composting? This quick guide to composting for beginners will help you steer away from the most common mistakes. Composting seems kind of foolproof, right? Throw some fruit and veggies parts in a pile, stir it occasionally

larissaswayze March 2, 2022February 11, 2025 Sustainable Living No Comments Read more

5 Simple Tips on How to Reduce Waste at Home

A stainless steel coffee mug, a bamboo straw, a bamboo fork, a glass jar and green pears sitting on a fabric grocery bag. Click to visit post.

If you want to minimize your environmental footprint, there are a couple of small changes you can start with. Here are five simple tips on how to reduce waste both in and away from home. Using a refillable water bottle,

larissaswayze February 8, 2022July 29, 2024 Sustainable Living No Comments Read more
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Of Houses and Trees logo. Click here to visit the Of Houses and Trees homepage.
Click here to visit the Of Houses and Trees contact page.Click here to visit Larissa Swayze's Facebook page.Click here to visit Larissa Swayze's Instagram page.Click here to visit Larissa Swayze's Pinterest page.Click here to visit Larissa Swayze's YouTube channel.

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