2/26/10

If you don't want to use harmful de-icing solution for your slippery stairs and sidewalks, try kitty litter or sand instead. While they won't melt ice the way rock salt does, they will add traction to help prevent slips and falls. For truly slick surfaces, use rock salt at a minimum and be careful to keep it away from vegetation, because it can be corrosive and harmful to plants.

2/25/10

Doing some home improvement work this weekend? When painting walls, make sure you buy just enough paint. Go to popular home improvement Web sites like Lowes.com and search for "paint calculator." Type in the dimensions of your room, and it'll compute exactly how much paint you need to buy. No more overbuying and a lot less waste.

2/24/10

Did you know aluminum foil is recyclable? After you're done baking a casserole in the oven, just peel off the aluminum and crumble it up into a ball. If it's coated with last night's dinner, a quick rinse under the sink should remove any leftovers. Toss it in the curbside recycling bin for pickup.