At first I wasnt sure about finding people who had their own coops and goats and things, says Ruby. I went through a network of my clients, former clients and students. I found referrals in my own neighborhood; someone would mention hearing chickens in somebodys yard, and other leads.

I was in Grand County a couple of years ago, she recalls. It was breaking my heart to see all the trees dying from pine beetle infestation, and then watching all the dead trees logged and burnt, releasing all that C0 [carbon dioxide] in the air.

For years, Hayes has had a studio in the industrial strip in back of the nursery. He works with musicians and other artists there as well, recording and promoting. Having embraced the back to the Earth movement of the 1970s, Hayes says he raised his family with home-grown produce on the table.

Marti Matsch, Eco-Cycle communications director, recommends that any countertop container you’re using to collect kitchen scraps be made of either ceramics or stainless steel, with a charcoal filter. Also consider stowing scraps in a compostable bag in the freezer until pickup time.

If you’ve ever wondered if neoprene wetsuits can be recycled, the answer is yes, as can discarded synthetic climbing rope, highway billboards and banners made from vinyl — all converted into more kinds of colorful and handy bags, bracelets, and other accessories.

These small, practical buildings are a light year away from the standard mass-produced shed. Want something good-looking and built to last in a nice garden house, a kids’ playhouse, recreation room, cabana, kiosk or some other small building? Nothing’s too humble to ask about.

“I was a business major hired right out of college to work for the Federal Reserve,” says Nancy Anderson. “But when I had my daughter 25 years ago, I was looking for something I could do at home and be challenged. I was raised by a family that appreciated the nostalgic in antiques and crafts, and I had a big collection of bits and pieces.

Most of their customers are regulars — contractors of every kind, towtruck drivers (they get to keep cars if customers don’t pay), machine shops, small manufacturers, renovators and do-it-yourselfers, as well as 60 to 70 people a day with five or more pounds of aluminum cans each.

It will tell you what the drop-off center at 5880 Butte Mill Rd. in Boulder accepts, its hours, and how to transport it safely. It’s free for most Boulder County residents. Louisville charges residents a $10 copay per visit to help pay program costs. For more information, call 720- 564-2220.

Think you’ve seen everything Boulder County farms offer at your favorite grocery store or farmers’ market? As you read this, boxes of fresh, local farm products are being picked up or delivered to people who have memberships in a community supported agriculture program.