Putting up Green Beans by Blanching and Freezing Them

"Green beans are one of most prolific vegetable plants in my garden, year after year. Once the plants start producing, they'll keep producing green beans all season long. The pole bean varieties will continue growing and actually increase their production over time as the plant continues to get bigger and bigger. With just six pole bean plants in my garden, I am picking them at least two days out of three and getting more than my wife and I can eat each time we pick." So what do we do? We blanch and freeze the excess and enjoy green beans all year round.

Read more about how to optimize production of green beans and blanch and freeze them here.

Reducing your home's energy needs

One of the ways in which we live a greener lifestyle is to use energy more efficiently. Properly insulated homes, energy efficient appliances and lights, and good energy use habits all play a major role in reducing our electricity usage.

Since we are drawing electricity from the grid, our power comes in large part from the burning of fossil fuels. Reducing the amount of electricity we use, therefore, also reduces the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere.

One way in which the average homeowner can make sure their home is as energy efficient as possible is to conduct a DIY home energy audit. the link below is an article I wrote in my capacity as the Manchester Green Living Examiner which gives some detailed information on home energy audits and links to find even more detailed information from official sources.

• DIY Home Energy Audit Information