9/1/12

When cooking on electric stovetops, be sure to use the right size burners for the right size pans. If you're frying an egg in a small pan, use the smaller burner; use the larger ones for stockpots or large skillets. Using a large burner to heat up a small pan or pot can use up to 40 percent too much energy.

8/31/12

Even a durable plastic shower curtain liner needs to be replaced every once in a while. When you do, launder your old one, and save it for your next picnic or outdoor event. By laying the old waterproof liner on the ground and placing your blanket on top, you're helping to protect your blanket and create a waterproof environment to rest on. Even a little bit of dampness on the ground can build up over time, turning your evening in the park into a wet and soggy mess. Plus, you don't have to launder your blanket when you get home.

8/30/12

Here's a one-time green thumb fix that will have a long-term impact on your air conditioning bills: plant some ivy at the base of your house. Allowing ivy vines to crawl up the walls of your home provides a natural buffer between your house and the hot sun in the same way a shaded tree keeps your home cool. The ivy plant absorbs heat and thrives from the sun's rays, and it reduces reflection on your home to keep it cooler. Ivy is also an easy-to-grow plant that thrives with almost no upkeep.