6/20/13

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) can last a long time and save you a lot of money on your electric bill, but CFLs aren't an alternative for all light fixtures, just for open-air lighting, like lamps and pendant light fixtures. Since CFLs are sensitive to heat and can burn out quickly if they get too hot, don't use them in recessed can light fixtures or airtight enclosed fixtures (like those typically used outdoors). The airtight nature of these fixtures can build up heat and dramatically shorten the lifespan of the bulb. Instead, opt for LED bulbs for those fixtures -- while they cost a bit more, they don't create heat and are even more energy efficient than CFLs.

6/19/13

Composting is good for the planet since it keeps beneficial organic ingredients like dead leaves, grass clippings and vegetable peels out of landfills and puts them back into the soil, where they become beneficial mulch. One caveat of composting is that it can attract mice and rats to your bin. To prevent that, try two things: One, bury food sources -- like potatoes and banana peels -- deep in the compost. This will mask the scent of food and make it less attractive to rodents. If your rodent problem is serious, consider composting only yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings and small branches. When the rodent problem is fixed, begin to add food waste back into your composting routine.

6/18/13

Recycling bins for compact fluorescent light bulbs are commonplace in stores such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Ikea. They're a free and safe way to dispose of these energy-efficient bulbs. But ever wonder how to safely dispose of or recycle a broken lamp? The website lamprecycle.org has a listing of recyclers in your area that can take old lighting and safely create scrap material from it. While it's not as convenient as recycling bins at big-box stores, it's a start to get old lighting recycled instead of trashed.