11/28/12

Did you know that just because a package or container has the three-arrow symbol on it, it does not necessarily mean it's actually recyclable? Depending on what your trash hauler's recycling program accepts, many items -- particularly different grades of plastic -- are not actually accepted. Check your garbage or recycling collection website to find out exactly what it accepts, and put only those items in your curbside recycling. Mixing in items that are not accepted can actually contaminate a load of recyclables and send it straight to the landfill.

11/27/12

Did you know most water heaters are automatically set to 140 degrees when installed in homes? If you lower your default setting down to 120 degrees, it will still give you hot water and nobody in your family will even notice a difference. This one simple step can reduce your overall water heating costs by 6 to 10 percent over time and will save energy.

11/26/12

In older homes, fireplaces often go unused or have a broken damper inside. An open fireplace is like having a small window open all day every day, so it's a good idea to have the damper repaired. But if the repair costs are too high, do the next best thing: Invest in a chimney balloon. This inflatable plastic pillow is made from a superstrong poly plastic that inflates and creates a tight seal inside your chimney. It's also reusable, so if you do have a working fireplace, you can easily deflate and reinflate it between fires.