6/21/10

Avoid the temptation to "top off" when using the gas pump. When filling up, allow the gas pump to automatically shut off when it's full; you'll hear a clicking sound and the gas nozzle stops pumping gas. Adding more gas can actually be a waste of money because gasoline is often fed back into the tanks via a vapor-recovery system, which prevents gas from escaping. When it's full, stop filling up.

6/20/10

If you love your favorite sports team and want to show your adoration by attaching pennants to your car windshield or antenna, think twice: Cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible; by adding a flag, you increase the drag and decrease your car's fuel efficiency. If you want to show your support, think bumper stickers instead.

6/19/10

If you suffer from allergies and plan to rip up the wall-to-wall carpet and replace it with hardwood floors in your bedroom, think again. Dust, allergens and other particles can easily build up on hardwood, which means it'll need constant cleaning. A carpeted room cleaned with a HEPA-filter vacuum can actually keep the room cleaner. It's not what's on the floor that matters, but how you clean the room.