8/3/13

Do you enjoy the convenience and taste of microwave popcorn? According to a report from the Food and Drug Administration, a chemical coating inside microwave popcorn bags can break down if overheated. This chemical -- known as PFOA -- is a carcinogen that has been found in nonstick cookware and is now being phased out. Most microwave popcorns contain fake butter chemicals and hydrogenated oils, making it an unhealthy snack. If you like the convenience of microwave popcorn and don't want to pop popcorn the old-fashioned way, look for brands that use uncoated bags and natural ingredients.

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.