3/25/13

Just about everyone uses technology, but how do you clean these items so you don't get sick from germs? For items like a keyboard, mouse, laptop or pair of headphones, grab regular rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs -- they'll do the trick to remove grime and dirt. But for anything with a touch screen, it becomes trickier because alcohol can interfere with the surface. Instead, place those items in a freezer bag and in your freezer for an hour to kill the germs. Bring them back to room temperature before turning them on.

3/24/13

Aseptic boxes, paperboard containers in which food items like juice, milk and ice cream come, can be difficult to recycle in many communities. Instead, save and reuse the small containers as seed starters for your backyard garden. Simply poke a hole in the bottom of the clean container, and fill the box with soil. Add seeds, water generously and wait for your new plants to grow. Once they are large enough, the paper can be peeled away, and the new seedlings can be put into the garden.

3/23/13

One easy way to recycle leftover paint in myriad colors is to simply mix it all together into one solid color of chalkboard paint. Make sure all the paint is water-based latex (most are these days) and in usable condition. Pour it into one large bucket and stir until it's completely blended. Add a few tablespoons of powdered grout from the hardware store and mix again. Voila! Instant chalkboard paint.