04/03/12

Spring-cleaning tip: Take the time to go around the house and unscrew light bulbs to give them a good dusting. Built-up dust can be an economic hazard -- it limits the amount of light the bulb can emit, causing it to burn up faster than a clean bulb. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates a coating of dust on a light bulb can reduce light output by as much as 50 percent. So dust away!

04/02/12

Here are some simple ways to properly store food in your refrigerator: Raw meat, poultry and seafood should never be placed on the top shelf of the refrigerator since bacteria can drip down and contaminate items on the lower shelves. Don't place eggs on the side of the refrigerator door -- not even in the built-in plastic egg trays. Eggs on the door don't get cold enough to remain stable. Many fruits emit ethylene, an odorless gas that quickens the ripening process. So keep these fruits (apples, bananas, peaches, pears and tomatoes, for example) separate from other produce to extend shelf life.

04/01/12

Clipping coupons from Sunday circulars can be a waste of time becuase organic and healthy brands are rarely advertised. Instead, "clip" coupons online for organic brands you and your family actually buy. Wholefoodmarket.com/coupons has more than $50 worth of downloadable coupons each month. The eco-living community Recyclebank.com rewards members with huge deals for learning how to go green, including money-saving coupons on healthy and organic groceries. And joining a brand's website, Facebook page or Twitter feed can reap rewards: Joining Stonyfield.com gives you downloadable coupons for up to $1 off their products. Use your coupons on your supermarket's double coupon days and you can get organic yogurt ... for free!