7/28/13

According to the Humane Society of the United States, more than 1,600 pets died as a result of toxins from flea treatments over the last five years, so finding natural ways to prevent and kill fleas is important. Common sense goes a long way: Vacuuming carpets, rugs and furniture where your pet lives and washing his bedding in hot water regularly can capture and kill fleas. Lavender essential oil can also help for dogs: Add some to a natural flea soap and let the mixture sit in your dog's coat for 10 minutes during bath time. Rinse and repeat.

7/27/13

If you commute a lot for work, one easy way to save money, time and gas is to invest in an automatic payment device for your car for tolls, bridges and highways. In the Northeast, these devices are called E-ZPasses, and they allow you to breeze through tollbooths by paying with your synced credit card. This saves time, and you earn discounts on your tolls. You also save gas: By cruising slowly through a tollbooth instead of coming to a complete stop, you save a significant amount of fuel over time.

7/26/13

Air conditioning units can be real energy hogs in hot summer months. Plant shade-giving trees and plants around your HVAC system or window units to give them a little respite. Cooler air will help the compressors run more efficiently. And remember to replace the air filters in your system; it's an easy thing to do that helps keep your system running better all summer long.