7/15/10

Be wary when you see a "brand-new mattress; never used" ad in the classifieds like Craigslist. Old mattresses are sometimes picked up from the curbside before trash collectors can get them and are simply recovered in new fabric and wrapped in plastic to appear new to unassuming buyers. These old beds made to look new can sometimes be filled with bed bugs, dust mites, mold and mildew. Always buy from a reputable dealer.

7/14/10

Think green at the beach. One of the biggest problems facing our planet's beaches is erosion. While tropical storms and construction damage are big contributors to it, so are small things like loose sand collected in shoes, sandals, tote bags and towels. When you consider the small amounts of sand taken by the millions of people who visit beaches, it adds up. Make it a habit to deliberately shake your belongings clean before heading home.

7/13/10

Avoid using electric bug zappers in the backyard. Mosquitoes are attracted to two things: light and carbon dioxide. If you use a bug zapper, the mosquitoes will flock to it; if you're sitting anywhere near it, they'll sense you breathing out CO2 and divert their flight from the light to you. Instead, turn on an electric fan when you're outside to create a breeze; mosquitoes won't sense any CO2, so you'll stay bite-free and cool.