The Dirty Glove: Remote Control Edition

Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?

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How to Go Green While Grilling

Tis the sweaty season of backyard barbecues! As you crack open a cold drink and watch the smoke from your trusty grill waft into the cloudless blue sky, take a pause and remember that you don’t have to limit yourself to barbecuing vegetables in order to practice eco-friendly grilling!

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Sustainable Fireworks for 4th of July

Sunshine, barbecue, and fireworks. Every American knows that these 3 elements are fundamental for a bonafide 4th of July. For those who are keen to the hazards of fireworks, however, this perfect American formula may lose some of its wholesome charm…but be not disappointed! Safe, non-toxic alternatives can serve as worthy substitutes to help celebrate our Independence…

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Compost Pedallers: Local, Green, & On the Go!

Any resident of the greater Austin area is bound to have driven past a unique yard sign by now — an “I [heart] Compost” logo with a chewed-out apple core substituting for the heart. Who is responsible for these mysteriously clever signs, you ask? The answer is a source of pride for our environmentally inclined…

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The Summer of Seedlings

If you’re like the majority of Austinites, you’re probably a wannabe urban gardner stuck in a tiny rental space with an even tinier (if not nonexistent) yard in which to nurture your green thumb. Luckily our urban ancestors were clever enough to invent simple and sustainable tricks to work around the plights of indoor gardening, creating…

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100% Natural Sugar Ant Repellent

During this awkward, semi-annual Transition of the Seasons (Spring/Summer edition), the weather in the great state of Texas oftentimes finds itself straddling crisp breezes and suffocating humidity. Along with this infamous fluctuation in temperature comes the reawakening of our infamous summertime pests: house and fruit flies, June bugs, mosquitoes, and cicadas just to name a few. But one…

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Austin Earth Day Festival 2016

With its reputation for being an eco-minded city that nurtures a passion for the environment, Austin couldn’t resist throwing our planet a party and celebrate eco-awareness with the 2016 Austin Earth Day Festival!

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The Dirty Glove: Cutting Board Edition

Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?

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Easy Origami Compost Liner

While the satisfaction of composting organic waste far outweighs the task of emptying out the bin, it can still be a messy chore! Fortunately for the responsible composter, a simple and biodegradable tool can be used to keep your hands from getting dirty: newspaper.

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The Whole Foods Labeling Debate

Sloughing through the grocery aisle is difficult enough these days, with labels like “non-GMO”, “organic”, and “USDA approved” stamped- oftentimes recklessly, as with the case of the misleading “all-natural” sticker -above rows of both produce and dry foods alike. While a superior diet inarguably consists of 100% organic food, Whole Foods Market’s recent announcement of their entirely new…

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Netflix Picks: Docs to Watch This Winter

Finally the bitterly cold winter weather has us in its icy grip, and families- especially Texans -turn inward for some much-needed hibernation under the couch blankets. If you find yourself nestled in front of the television for several hours with no clue what to watch, the Purple Fig encourages you to switch on Netflix and enjoy your holiday break…

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The Dirty Glove: Laundry Edition

Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?

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Clean Fuels for the Future

We’ve officially stumbled upon the season of holiday travel, folks! Despite the temporary joys of lowered gasoline costs, our environment must pay the true price each winter with the enormous rise of carbon emissions due to increased traffic. While you’re tossing gifts and over-stuffed suitcases into your vehicle of choice, try and take a moment to wonder- be you…

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Give Thanks to Mother Earth!

The week of Thanksgiving is finally upon us! Before you let the turkey legs and stuffing crumbs and mashed potatoes fly across the table, give the gift of ultimate thanks to our beautiful planet by chowing down on sustainably grown, organic, and local ingredients!

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Autumn Closet Detox

Every year, as the weather jumps from humid and sweaty to bitterly cold, we Texans take its cue and scramble to prepare for winter during a small window of time: rediscovering our storage bins, relocating those ornaments and decorations, and repurposing our closets for cold temperatures. But nothing is more off-putting than pulling out your winter wardrobe…only to…

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Pumpkin Seed Delight

As pumpkin sales skyrocket this week, consider the delicious insides of the orange squash as well as the outer shell. Why spend your hard earned money on a pumpkin to carve…but discard those delicious and nutritious seeds? Munch on this recipe after carving your jack-o-lantern, as a well-suited appetizer to your sweet Halloween treats! Why Pumpkin Seeds…

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The Dirty Glove: Tile & Grout Edition

Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?

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Green Supplies for the New School Year

Whether it’s rushing to eat their breakfast, hurrying to cram for that quiz, or asking for help with their math homework…it is officially that time again! With school almost in session and supply shopping in full swing, it can be tempting to turn a blind eye towards environmentally friendly and health conscious supplies in order…

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The Dirty Glove: Sink Edition

Ensuring our top-quality house cleaning services are thorough, efficient, and environmentally friendly is our top priority here at the Purple Fig. However, we understand that there are certain areas of the house that can be quite challenging to clean. That’s why we have dedicated this post to providing tips on how to effectively scrub those…

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6 Eco-Friendly Recipes for Pet Stains

It happens to all of our beloved pets from time to time: a wee (or not so wee) accident on the carpet, the sight and odor of it unbearable. From kitty hairballs to doggy urine, the prospect of getting on your hands and knees and scrubbing the stain is inevitable…so why not make it eco-friendly?…

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A Salute to America’s Greenest Hotspots

As unique of a city as Austin is, it only takes up a tiny corner of the map when it comes to the rest of this sprawling nation. To celebrate America’s 239th birthday, we at the Purple Fig want to pay homage to the exciting eco-friendly progress this country has made over the recent years by…

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Plants that Deter June Bugs & other Pesky Summer Bugs

Yes, it’s that time again: the season of insects. Just as we venture forth from our homes to enjoy the summer weather, so do the dreaded flying bugs from hiding. Summertime naturally draws out mosquitoes (especially with Austin’s recent soggy weather), fruit flies, houseflies, june bugs, and the like…and none of them are welcomed guests. Instead…

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Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

Planning a much-needed summer getaway this year? Whether you’ve only just begun hatching those vacation plans, or you’re already zipping up the luggage bag, don’t forget to keep your carbon footprint in mind during your travels! There are many simple and helpful ways to experience an amazing journey while still being kind to the planet.

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Urban Gardening for Beginners

As Austin continues to transform from a sleepy college town into a booming concrete jungle, there seems to be less and less room for anything– let alone plots of land to call your own. The average city-dwelling Austinite definitely doesn’t own a greenhouse, so what do you do when you want a productive garden in a teeny…

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The Dirty Glove: Stove Edition

Cleaning thoroughly, efficiently, and greenly is the name of the game here at the Purple Fig, but we all have those areas of the house that- let’s face it -nobody likes to tackle. What better way to honor those dastardly, dirty crevices then to dedicate a post about how to scrub them until they shine?

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