8/2/13

The greenest option when using a printer at work or in your home office is to not use it at all. But there are times when it helps to print out work and review it on paper, so do the next best thing: Decrease the margin sizes. By decreasing the margin sizes to 0.75 inches instead of the default size, you can fit more content on each sheet of paper. Decreasing the font size will save even more trees.

8/1/13

When buying drapes for your windows, consider more than just fabric, color and style: Think thermal. Thermal drapes are lined to help block heat, harmful UV rays and drafts. They are also useful in the hot summer months -- they can block the rays from the sun that heat up your home. Just by switching to thermal drapes, you can save as much as 20 percent on your energy bill. On average, that equals about $480 a year for a typical household. Over time, your drapes could actually pay for themselves.

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.