03/06/12

Try generic frozen organic fruits and vegetables. If the cost of organic fresh peas and strawberries is too high, consider hitting the frozen section and trying store-brand produce. The USDA National Organic Program requires products that bear its certified organic label to prove that they are organic from farm to processing facility. Store-brand frozen organics aren't just cheaper; they are also picked at the peak of ripeness and flash frozen for freshness, so they are just as healthy as fresh produce.

03/05/12

Outdoor leaks can be hard to detect since drips absorb into the ground and don't leave any trace of a problem. To see if your outdoor faucets are leaking, attach a balloon to the opening of the faucet (make sure it stays in place with a tight rubber band or zip tie). Come back a few days later: If the balloon is full of any water, you have a leak. You can call a plumber to fix it or learn how to do it yourself by visiting a home improvement.

03/04/12

Take a moment this morning to check the showerhead in your bathroom for any leaks. A leaking showerhead that loses 10 drips per minute equals around 500 gallons of wasted water a year. That's enough to do 60 loads of dishes in the dishwasher! You can fix the leak easily with pipe tape and a wrench -- just watch a YouTube video explaining how. It'll make your old showerhead as good as new, and it's an inexpensive and easy fix anyone can do.