3/20/10

Start a "freebie" office supply drawer in your kitchen. Place empty, clean takeout containers in the drawer and designate each one for a specific office supply. When you buy fresh flowers, save the rubber bands; save paper clips from the mail; keep twist-ties from your produce bags and anything else you might use. Anytime you need something, you'll have a stash of supplies ready to go.

3/19/10

Stop wearing shoes inside your house. It's estimated that up to 80 percent of all household dirt is brought inside by shoes and clothes. You can cut down on allergy-causing dirt by doing what many Asian households do: leave your shoes at the door. When guests come over, offer them a cozy pair of socks to make the ritual less demanding and more inviting.

3/18/10

If you can't change all your lightbulbs to energy-efficient, compact fluorescent bulbs, change the ones where the type of light being used isn't an issue. Replace bulbs in awkward places like basement stairways, laundry rooms or a pantry. Change the overhead fixture in a rarely used room. The super-white, bright light is too harsh for some, but when it doesn't really matter, go fluorescent.