03/07/12

Did you know that waste haulers typically do not accept appliances, batteries, electronics, pesticides and paint in regular curbside pickup? For many of these items, it is illegal to dispose of them in your trash. What to do? Contact you local waste management provider and ask them to do a special handling pick up for certain items (usually for a fee per ton). Since these items need to be disposed of in a proper manner, make sure the waste is disposed of safely and for good.

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.