8/11/09

An old housewives' tale worth trying is to use soda pop to clean a clogged drain. The next time you have a party, gather up all the leftover soda and pour it down a slow or clogged drain. Let it sit overnight and then flush it with boiling water. The carbonation in the soda helps clear away debris and the boiling water forces it all down the drain.

8/10/09

If you have a personal digital assistant (PDA), like a BlackBerry or Treo, use it to e-mail yourself tree-free to-do lists instead of printing them out. Work electronically and start aspiring toward the wonderful, clutter-free ideal of a paperless office. And after your device is fully charged, remember to unplug the adapter completely from the wall, because it's still using electricity even if the BlackBerry isn't connected to the adapter.

8/9/09

Many pet owners recycle old tennis balls as toys for their dogs to chew and chase. But if you love your dog, think again: The balls can be a choking hazard for large-breed dogs. Do the responsible thing and get proper toys for your beloved pooch. One brand I love is Planet Dog (planetdog.com), which makes durable, recyclable and eco-friendly chew toys for our furry friends.