Fairview Gardens Homesteading Classes

Fairview Gardens has a series of classes on composting, tree grafting, soap making, raising chickens, and more that appeal to the Laura Ingalls Wilder side of me.  I'm planning on attending the Bee Keeping class in April.  Click here for information on the whole series.

Make Water Better

Do you have a Bobble yet?  If not, stop by Lazy Acres to get at least one.  The reusable, BPA free bottles come with a replaceable carbon filter that removes impurities from water as you drink.  Each filter lasts for about 300 bottles of water.  Made in the USA.

Tri-County Plant Cards

The official name for this item is Tri-County Medicinal Plant Cards, but I think the title could limit the value of this set.  This unique deck has cards with both a color collage of photos and a detailed summary for 75 local plants.  They are color coded and sortable to assist the user to identify local plants based on toxicity, edibility, practical uses, habitat, holistic healing, flower color, and month of bloom.  Hikers, parents, artists, teachers, and others would find a variety of uses these cards.  Author Sue Reinhart is a local teacher and the cards were printed in Ventura.  I got mine at Chaucer's.

Typical card that shows photos of plants.  Description and more info on the back.










Poisonous plant cards have a red border.

Reduce Your Forkprint

I have a feeling I'm going to be posting about many things that can be found at Lazy Acres.  Not only do they have a large list of local products, they also carry a wide assortment of green gift and household items.  One example is the Bamboo Utensil Set made by To-Go Ware.  I received a set last year and have used them almost daily.  They are made with sustainable products and clip easily to my lunch box, so I can't lose them.  You can also find them at the Isla Vista Food Co-op, Plum Goods, and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

             

Solmate Socks

You can find these cute recycled cotton socks at Vice's & Spices and enjoy a cup of their delicious coffees or teas while shopping.  It's the only family owned coffee shop in SB.  They only carry adult sizes, but you can find a more extensive selection at the Socklady site.  Never worry about finding a matching set again!

Nursery Rhymes Book Set

Chaucer's is definitely the best bookstore in town.  They have a wide variety of books, magazines, cards, and gifts.  Here is one item that would be a welcome addition to a toddler's library.  It's made of 98% recycled materials and just the right size for little hands.

What's the Purpose?

With so many friends and family converting to a more eco-friendly lifestyle, I decided to compile some resources that will make it easier to find green, sustainable, and locally made products in our community. I'll post the stores and items I find that are better choices when shopping for gifts or daily life! Inspired by my friend Janet Rienstra-Friesen, I'm hoping that this site can become a resource for Santa Barbarians.