Lawd knows it’s been a “hot minute” (as the kids say) since EcoJoes dot com has had the care and maintenance it deserves. There there, website, it’s all better now.

Anyhoo, on a completely different note, awhile back I was lucky enough to receive a sample of colored shell mulch from none other than Colored Shell Mulch ™©. Intrigued, I learnt a bit more about their company.

Their mulch is lighter than rock (which makes shipping more eco-friendly and easier), but not so light that it floats off. It’s made out o’ seashells, and is colored with a non-toxic, water-based product. Take a gander at it right here:

Also, like any mulch, it helps keep the ground under it from drying out, meaning less water is used keeping plants watered.

One thing they stress is that their shell mulch is fire retardant (unlike lots of other wood-based mulches). Why do they stress this? Well, legend has it that before founding Colored Shell Mulch in April 2007, Jim Bisgrove’s house caught on fire after an errant cigar landed in nearby mulch.

His house (and anger, no doubt), thus incensed, he founded this company to provide an eco-friendly, fireproof mulch. Inspired by Jim’s heroic story of literally rising from the ashes, I created a small desert biome (with the help of my shell mulch) to grace my window. In a fit of artistry, I made sure this photo was not quite focused.

So if you’re looking for a colorful, flame-proof alternative to normal ol’ mulch, hop into the information superhighway and take a trip over to their website (which is under construction at the moment).

Addendum (Sent in from the owner of Colored Shells)
We never kill animals for their shells!! All of our shells are fossilized and are a by-product of quarries. We then wash them and then color them.
We are essentially reusing a “garbage” by-product of mines and quarries all throughout Florida.
Our website will be up and running soon.