01/14/12

It's no secret that using cold water instead of warm or hot water in your washing machine can save you money on your utility bill. But did you know it also prevents your clothes from looking old? Synthetic fibers like nylon or any elastics are designed to be washed in cold water. Detergents today are formulated to work better in cold water, getting your dingy jeans clean and looking almost brand new.

01/13/12

Dog waste can be a problem in communities if it isn't properly disposed of. The waste can pollute waterways and raise the harmful bacteria level in public water. So don't just leave dog waste in the yard or in the woods and let nature take its course -- you need to properly dispose of it. There are two options: You can recycle plastic bags and scoop up the waste to dispose of it in the trash; or, for the greenest method, dig a hole in the ground around 12 inches deep and bury it. This will help it slowly decompose properly over time.

01/12/12

Another reason to ditch wasteful paper towels: they can harbor germs. A study by Laval University in Quebec City showed that bacteria can thrive on unused towels. The pulping process at the factories that make paper towels are often contaminated themselves, spreading germs like the Bacillus spore onto the towel. While no illness has been linked to paper towels, this is just one more reason to switch to microfiber towels, which absorb germs and bacteria and are machine washable.