3/30/10

Ask if your local animal shelter is in need of newspapers. Many animal shelters depend on donations of old newspapers, so they can use them as shredded bedding for orphaned animals. While you're there, consider adopting a stray cat or dog to be a loving companion in your own home, or volunteer some time helping the shelter with charitable works.

3/29/10

Before mowing down a patch of wildflowers to plant a perfectly manicured bed of roses, think about leaving it alone. A patch of wildflowers and grasses can be tamed easily by mowing neatly around the edges to frame it in or by mowing pathways through the field in a crisscross pattern. Use natural trellises, arches and edging to tame the wild, flowery beast, too.

3/27/10

When storing sweaters away for the winter, make sure they are completely clean so they repel moths. Any organic materials -- food residue, grease (yuk!) -- is nourishment for moths. Place the clean sweaters in a storage box and add sachets full of dried lavender to naturally drive away the hungry insects.