6/16/12

Here's an economical and ecological way to throw a backyard party this summer: Rent a keg. Liquor and grocery stores are good places to inquire about renting one. Typically, a keg holds about 31 gallons of beer, but you can also rent half kegs if you're having a smaller bash. Renting a keg eliminates endless cans and bottles, and the store will reuse it after you return it. You can green up your party even more by using glasses or compostable cups made from plant resin.

6/15/12

Many of us consider our dog to be another member of our family, so here's one easy way to help Fido stay healthy: Invest in a stainless steel food bowl. While plastic dog bowls are cheap, they can get scratched up or chewed on by dogs, which creates crevices and areas where bacteria can build up. A stainless bowl isn't just more durable, it can be sanitized so each meal is a healthy one for your dog.

6/14/12

Time to water the plants? As your morning shower heats up, let the water fill a watering can with the cold water. Wait for the water come to room temperature, and give your thirsty plants a soaking. (Plants prefer tepid water to bone-chilling H20.) What's that? You don't have a houseplant? Then go pick one up! Plants help purify the air in your home by filtering out toxins. Foolproof, hard-to-kill varieties include the spider plant and succulents.