1/21/13

If you're a big black tea drinker, save your used tea bags to keep your wood floors looking their best. Toss five to 10 used tea bags into a large pot of water, and bring it to a simmer. Cool the mixture, then use the tea-steeped liquid to mop your floors or rub onto wood furniture. The natural tannins in black tea will add extra shine, help diminish scratches and bring luster back to dull furniture.

1/20/13

Adding mulch to your garden or landscaping is an easy way to help plants thrive, since it locks in moisture and blocks out weeds. It can also be expensive: about $11 for an 8-gallon bag. Instead, get mulch for free. Your local parks and roads departments regularly haul away dead or fallen trees and grind them into mulch. It's free for the taking. If you’re worried the mulch may come with weed seeds, simply seal it in black garbage bags and let the sun’s rays exterminate the seeds. Spread the mulch, and reuse the bags for garbage. Savings: hundreds of dollars.

1/19/13

Many nocturnal animals, including migrating birds, depend on pitch-black conditions to make their way through the night sky. With the holiday season over, be sure to take down all the decorative exterior lights as soon as possible to help darken the environment. Also, make a habit of turning off outdoor lights before going to bed to help our feathered friends find their way home.