5/18/13

For small personal electronics that use rechargeable or disposable batteries, consider taking the batteries out when you're not using the item. Digital cameras, camcorders and even laptops can drain batteries left inside, even if the electronic is turned off. By removing the battery, you're preventing phantom draining and helping to extend the life of the battery.

5/17/13

Old prescription medicine can be difficult to dispose of properly. The old-fashioned solution was to flush it down the toilet, but studies have shown prescription medicine can pollute our water sources and harm aquatic wildlife. Throwing medication in the trash can lead to abuse and misuse by children and wild animals. CVS is making medication disposal easy by offering a safe and inexpensive solution: For $3.99, you can fill a postage-paid envelope with medicine, and it will be sent to a licensed facility for safe destruction.

5/16/13

Birdhouses are an excellent way to help our feathered friends with shelter to raise their brood, but these houses need to be cleaned every year, since parasites and illness-causing bacteria can live inside. Wearing rubber gloves, remove the old nest from inside the birdhouse; you can leave it in the grass to decompose naturally. Then use a mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts hot water and spray the birdhouse to disinfect it. Scrub it with a sponge. Place the birdhouse in a sunny spot to dry out. Once you reinstall it, new birds will quickly make it their home.