6/21/13

Ever wonder how to recycle old electronic waste like wires, cords, cables, remote controls, toner cartridges, rechargeable batteries, CDs and even the plastic cases CDs come in? Best Buy makes it easy with free recycling bins at the entrances of their stores. Simply deposit your recyclable electronic waste into the right slot in the bin, and it will get recycled properly and made into new products. The stores even takes old gift cards (from any store) and recycle them for free.

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.