Coffee for the Birds
Coffee plants evolved as understory shrubs, growing in the shade of forest canopies.  In the 70’s, producers discovered that by removing the canopy and adding chemical fertilizers, coffee grew faster and yields increased.  But erosion and a dramatic loss of bird habitat ensued.  In response, some coffee growers have reintroduced shade-grown coffee, and bird aficionado Steve Frye carries several varieties at his Wild Bird stores.  So pick up some coffee the next time you stop for some suet.  A warbler will thank you!  Locations: Wild Bird Center of Boulder, 1641 28th St., 303-442-1322; Wild Birds Unlimited, 4520 Squires Cir., Boulder, 303-443-9659; Wild Bird Center of Longmont, 1834 N. Main St. #5., 303-485-3204.

This is the Bee’s Knees!

Burt’s Bees of Maine has acquired five parcels of land which they hope someday will become a significant part of North Woods National Park, America’s next great national park.  The purchase of land was made possible by the marketing of their “earth friendly, all natural personal care products,” each with a beeswax seal of approval.  Burt’s Bees’ policy on packaging is to keep it minimal and recycled, recyclable, or both.  For more information about the company, its products or conservation efforts, visit www.burtsbees.com. You’ll find Burt’s Bees products in Boulder at Wild Oats, Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, and the CU Bookstore; in Longmont at EcoGifts, 454 Main St. and Healthway Foods, 2130 N. Main St.; and in Broomfield at Melt Inc., 1 West Flatiron Cir.

D’Mand Hot Water

As we face our worst drought conditions since 1729 (according to a recent tree ring study), who hasn’t felt guilty watching cold water go down the drain while waiting for the hot shower water?  Install a Metlund D’Mand System and waste no more.  With the push of a button, the cold water in the pipes recirculates back to the hot water heater until hot water is available.  Hot water arrives 4 to 5 times faster, and average household savings are in the area of 12,000 gallons of water/year, averaging about $300.00.  You’ll find this water- and energy-saving system at Eco-Products,3655 Frontier Ave, Boulder.  Call 303-449-1876 or visit www.ecoproducts.com for more information.

Palm Fiber Friends

On a remote island of thePhilippines, the native people traditionally used the fiber of the Buri sugar palm tree to make brushes for cleaning bottles. The advent of our throw-away society and the introduction of plastic bottles rendered bottlebrushes useless. Even so, the workers, who had always crafted animal figures from the brushes for their friends and families, kept the factory open. Today, they create a variety of brush animals ranging from tree ornaments to 22” tall figures decorated with carved wooden pieces and organic dye. The figures are poseable, cute, and make great gifts.  Available at Hard Copy Recycling and EcoGifts, 454 Main St., Longmont , 303-772-2902.

You Really Are What You Eat

The Boulder Co-op Market is here!  Eschewing pesticides, chemical fertilizers, Genetically Modified Organisms and excessive packaging, the co-op is a market that reflects its members’ values. The vegetarian market offers organic produce, a preponderance of local products, many bulk items, herbs, natural supplements and body care products.  More than that, the co-op is about building community. You’ll find a café, an organic juice bar, and a community center with an emphasis on community outreach and education.  So check it out, become a member/owner and support local farmers and sustainable farming practices.  The Boulder Co-op Market is located at 1904 Pearl St., (the old Business Express building), 303-447-COOP,  www.bouldercoop.com

Recycled-Content Lumber: The Miracle of Reincarnated Plastic

Recycled-content lumber is easy on the environment, maintenance-free, easy to work with, long-lasting, affordable and saves natural resources. Recycled-content lumber is an alternative to wood that can contain100% post-consumer plastic or a composite of recycled plastic and recycled wood waste. (In fact, the plastic bags Eco-Cycle collects will be made into this product.) It is rapidly gaining popularity in the construction of structures such as playground equipment, pallets, park benches, picnic tables, fencing, decks, and docks. Using plastic or composite lumber conserves trees and keeps milk jugs and plastic bags out of landfills and incinerators.  The material does not leach harmful chemicals into water and soil like pressure treated lumber and its associated cleansers, stains and sealants. Though initially more expensive than wood, savings come in avoided maintenance and replacement costs. Recycled-content lumber is available at any lumber yard near you.

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