11/9/12

While it may be tempting to cover the racks of your oven with aluminum foil to keep spills to a minimum, don't. Foil reduces the heat flow and increases the cooking time, which uses more energy and raises your utility bill.

11/8/12

If your hybrid car is in desperate need of a wash and dry, leave it to the car wash. The automated car washes are the greenest choice, since they operate as efficiently as possible. Many car washes actually recycle water, too. When you wash your car at home with a hose, you are likely to use more water. It's even worse if you use a non-biodegradable soap, because it'll go into the storm drains or groundwater.

11/7/12

When shopping for a new laundry basket, head over to the gardening department of your favorite store. Wooden bushel baskets are typically used to haul big loads of leaves and other garden debris. But they also make for attractive laundry baskets, with two wire handles for easy transport. Since they are free of polyvinyl chloride and made from renewable wood, they are a greener choice, too.