7/23/10

Many people are kicking their disposable water bottle habit by using a reusable bottle instead. Why not extend your green hydration efforts by investing in reusable coffee cups, too? There are many reusable ones coming to the market that are just like the throwaway cups we use now, but are made with durable, dishwasher-safe materials. Starbucks will even give you a discount if you bring in your own reusable mug, too.

7/22/10

When it's time to replace your shower curtain, save the old one and use it around the house. The waterproof liner works great as a drop cloth when you're painting around the house or as protection for outdoor plants in the cold winter months. And when you do replace your shower curtain, be sure to look for one that is free of polyvinyl chloride. PVC releases chemicals into the air and is very difficult to recycle. A good option is nylon, which is waterproof and does not need a liner.

7/21/10

Bedbugs are becoming an epidemic all over the country, and one of the main reasons is that many of us are world travelers. Hotels in both American and international cities host millions of guests every day. An easy way to avoid picking up bedbugs in your clothes and bringing them home is to avoid using the dresser drawers, which are rarely sanitized, and to hang the clothes in the closet instead.