5/8/12

Many fast, casual restaurants not only serve fresh food quickly, they give you the option of using disposables or reusable items. When asked, "Is this for here or to go?" be sure you say you're eating in. Ordering "here" usually means your meal will be served on a reusable plate with metal utensils and a ceramic mug. It can help limit disposables and make your fast meal a green one, too.

5/7/12

Now is a great time to get your home prepared for the hot summer months that are just around the corner. One inexpensive investment is to install solar control film to existing windows and sliding glass doors in sunny spots. This easy-to-install film helps block the sunbeams from heating up your home, and it reduces exposure to ultraviolet light. Proper use of solar film can reduce cooling costs by 5 to 10 percent.

5/6/12

If you have a frying pan that has caked-on grease, food or anything else you simply cannot scrub off -- no matter how much elbow grease you use -- look to the fridge for help. Fill the cookware with cola (like Pepsi or Coke) and bring it to a boil. Simmer for around 15 minutes. The caked-on mess will fall apart and make cleanup a breeze -- just wipe the pan clean with a scrubby brush or steel wool sponge.