A dishwasher can be eco-friendly if you follow this tip: Run yours when it's completely full, but not overloaded. If you have an energy-saving option, use it -- and skip the drying cycle; instead, when the dishes are finished, open the door and let the hot, steamy air evaporate off the plates.

8/28/11

Ever wonder what to do with all those annoying Styrofoam packing peanuts? Try something a bit fun: Buy an empty beanbag chair cover and fill it up! If you don't have enough peanuts to fill up a chair, ask friends, family and co-workers. They are sure to have packing peanuts that they'll be glad to contribute to your chair-building project.

8/27/11

Grilling corn on the cob but don't have holders to keep your fingers protected? Look to the backyard: Clip fresh twigs and sharpen them in a pencil sharpener. Insert the twigs into the ends of the corn and you've got instant holders. When you're finished, just toss the sticks back into the yard.

8/26/11