Bits ‘n’ pieces of green around the Web

I’ve been spotting some interesting and possibly useful nuggets around the Web, so I thought I’d round them up into one blog post. Here goes:

1. With the chilly, wet spring we had I am NOT going to complain about the recent heat wave. I love it. But if you’re looking for earth-friendly ways to be comfortable, Mother Nature Network offers these natural ways to stay cool . My favorite was No. 5: fill a hot-water bottle with ice water and bring it to bed with you at night.

Re-nest just posted information about a super energy-efficient ceiling fan this morning.

And About.com’s Guide to Environmental Issues offers some practical advice here , such as turning off lights and shutting curtains or blinds during the day.

2. I could spend the next month exploring the list of blogs and websites Re-Nest recently recommended to backyard farmers. And that post led me to the new magazine Urban Farm . Among Urban Farm’s content: a video on how to make a rain barrel to collect water you can use in your garden instead of irrigating it the regular way. I really could have used one of those this spring.

3. Speaking of videos, check out this collection of videos with green-living tips . This one , on how to make organic laundry soap, is on my to-do list.

4. Finally, I never get tired of seeing the insides of people’s homes, even if I have to do it online and from a distance. I’m always inspired by the look people can achieve when they use antiques or repurposed junk. Take a look at these home tours and think of the ways you could give your space a new look without buying new, mass-produced products off the shelves.

Kate and Anton’s mix of old and new on Design*Sponge

Kirsten’s cheerful pink-accented home on Design*Sponge

Erin and Ben’s loft in a former toothpaste factory on Apartment Therapy

The I-can’t-believe-it’s-a-basement basement on Apartment Therapy (more great projects by the designer here ).

A tween’s vintage bedroom on Ohdeedoh

Scarlet’s vintage baby nursery on Ohdeedoh

I could go on and on. Do you have any favorite home tour links? What is your home’s personal style?