Just like us, birds need fresh water to quench their thirst. But a dirty birdbath can be a breeding ground for diseases and bacteria that can harm our feathered friends. Be sure to disinfect the birdbath every month by using a combination of nine parts water to one part bleach. For a wooden bird feeder, just use three parts water to one part white vinegar to scrub them clean. Also be sure to change the water and food frequently and sweep up any droppings on the ground.

7/31/09

Billions of disposable alkaline batteries are thrown away in landfills every year. Many of these batteries contain harmful mercury and only a small percentage are safely disposed of or recycled. So when you need to use batteries, think rechargeable instead. Rechargeable batteries can be charged up to 1,000 times before they need to be pitched. Plus, there are more than 50,000 free recycling boxes in stores like Best Buy, Home Depot and Radio Shack to collect them when they need to be replaced.

7/30/09

It's almost time to start car pooling again. If you and your neighbors drop the kids off at school every day, why not try to set up a car pool schedule and save time as well as natural resources? The rule to avoid chaos is to just keep it simple. Ask one neighbor to car pool at first and split the schedule in half. If more parents want to join, add them one at a time to keep it manageable.

7/29/09