7/31/13

It's easy to find zero-VOC paints in stores today (VOC stands for "volatile organic compounds," or the odor in paint). But in order to keep the untinted zero-VOC paint as eco-friendly as possible, go easy on the color and sheen. Choose a flat finish instead of glossy: Chemicals are added to make paint glossy. Choose light colors instead of dark tints; the lighter the finished color, the fewer colorants need to be added to make it that color. Finally, use an online paint calculator to know exactly how much paint you need to do a room. Simply enter the room's dimensions, and the calculator tells you how much paint to buy. No guessing and less waste.

7/30/13

Believe it or not, a simple way to keep your stainless steel appliances at home looking clean, shiny and streak-free is to use olive oil. If you have stubborn stains, water marks and fingerprints that just won't budge, pour a few drops of oil onto a microfiber towel and buff away. It will help shine the stainless steel while removing grease and dirt. The microfiber towel has millions of microscopic fibers that grip onto the surface and absorbs grime, and the olive oil works as a lubricant.

7/29/13

Many people are juicing fresh fruits and vegetables at home to create delicious and healthy drinks. But what do you do with all the dry pulp? One idea is to semicompost it in your potted plants. Simply rake the topsoil of your plants and sprinkle the dry mixture into it. Rake it again until the pulp is incorporated fully into the soil. The organic mixture will break down quickly and become beneficial mulch. Your plants will thrive, and you'll find a way to deliver great nutrition to them.