When looking for mulch, be sure to choose an environmentally friendly alternative to hardwood chip mulch, which likely comes from trees harvested from natural forests. Instead, look at cocoa bean hull mulch -- the hard shell of the cocoa bean that smells like chocolate -- or recycled rubber mulch made from ground-up tires. Or think locally: When a tree falls down in a storm, it is often chopped up. Ask your local utility company if you can have the mulch to use at home.

4/4/09

P.S. -- While many people advocate using newspaper to clean windows, I find they streak, making it difficult to clean the windows efficiently. They also dirty up your hands. But choose whatever method you feel works best for you.

4/3/09

4/2/09

Get your home ready for spring by wiping all the dirt and grime off the window panes. Instead of using paper towels and smelly glass cleaner for the job, grab an all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner and a stack of microfiber towels. Toss the dirty towels into the washing machine and be sure to wash them separately from your clothes.