When you layer organic matter like dead leaves, grass clippings and vegetable waste in a compost heap, it "warms up" as the items degrade into beneficial mulch. In the cold winter months, anything war... more
Did you know more than 12 million tons of furniture is thrown out every year, and almost all of it ends up in landfills? Among the biggest items are sofas; there are things you can do to make sure you... more
Washing your clothes in cold water does more than save energy and money on your utility bill: It also preserves your clothes. The fibers of your clothing last longer when they're washed in cold water;... more
If you're lucky enough to fly somewhere and have the option of a meal on the plane as part of your travel, you can take steps to reduce food waste. If you get an upgrade to a premium class and you pla... more
While many of us always ask for nonsmoking hotel rooms away from the elevators, have you thought about asking for a room far away from the hotel pool? Hotel rooms right above indoor and outdoor pools ... more
Since marijuana is legal in many parts of the country, dog owners need to watch out for the butts from tossed joints, which can end up being accidentally consumed by your dog. THC poisoning is becomin... more
The phrase "don't let the bedbugs bite" is reality for many people. One way to help curtail the risk of bedbugs at home is to add mattress cleaning to your monthly checklist of household tasks. To cle... more
Ginger root is fast becoming a kitchen staple for its healthy digestive properties, and it's a delicious addition in all types of cooking. If you find yourself with a leftover chunk of ginger root, do... more
Since most of us don't travel with a water testing kit, there are signs you can look for that will tell you if the H20 from the tap is more like H2-NO. The obvious one is odor. A rotten egg or sulfuri... more
Those little stickers you find on the outside of bananas, apples, avocadoes and other produce are both a nuisance and a marvel. They help keep the massive supply chain of perishable foods in check, bu... more
Many of us have a junk drawer full of old USB flash drives that we're not sure what to do with. They are reusable, so you can wipe them clean and use them at home or to share files with others. But if... more
One way to help extend the life of food is to freeze perishables and leftovers so they can be defrosted later to be enjoyed. But how do you know if your freezer is actually cold enough to preserve foo... more
Traditional kitchen sponges are notorious for not lasting very long; they're also made from nonrenewable resources like plastic and other synthetic materials. They aren't recyclable, and over time, as... more
Another item to always buy organic: raisins. Up to 26 pesticides have been found in independent studies on conventional grapes. Fresh grapes are often plucked and dried to make raisins, but it's up fo... more
Another reason to avoid artificial fragrances: They can confuse bees. Bees are vital to the natural world for the important work they do to pollinate flowers. They are naturally attracted to the sweet... more