Eco-friendly wallpaper removal

Okay, I know this is not on the top of everyone's to-do list but you might be able to guide your painter toward this natural solution to removing wallpaper.  My kitchen reno is now complete and as I emptied out the room we were using as our temporary kitchen, I decided it was the perfect time to remove the previous owner's 80's wallpaper.  Never being patient enough to get on somebody's schedule, I decided to tackle this myself.  Most of the paper was vinyl and peeled right off but there was a wall that had a different paper beneath which required the use of a steamer to remove.  No scoring the wall, no spraying with DIF, just hold the steam plate in place for about 30 seconds, lightly scrape, and move to the next section.  That wall took about 45 minutes.  Next I had to tackle the residual glue stuck to all the walls.  I had read that vinegar and water was all that's needed and, indeed, with a light action with a metal scrubbie, a rinse with a wet sponge and a final swipe with a dryish towel and I'm ready to spackle!  I have to say that this method is far easier than any other method I've used.  I just wish I'd stop thinking about pickles!!!

Rain Gardens

Often, when we think about environmental issues, our focus is on our carbon footprint, the oil crisis or toxic products we are using in our homes. However, if you think back to last summer's water crisis in Georgia, you'll realize that water conservation is equally important.  

     Rain gardens can be an effective way to divert clean rainwater back into the ground water system instead of being wash over driveways, streets and sewers collecting contaminants from pets, lawn chemicals and road pollutants. Lynn sent me the following note and pictures. "I thought you might like to see the rain garden the Rockaway Valley Garden Club built last week.  The water runs off the road into this area and all the plants are natives . It is located next to the grammar school on Valley Road in Boonton Twp. (take Powerville Road to Valley Road)."