8/6/13

Plastic toys are commonplace in most households, and they are some of the hardest things to recycle. One way to keep plastic toys out of landfills and to give them a new life is to donate them. Second Chance Toys collects lightly used plastic toys and distributes them to disadvantaged children across the United States. The organization has major toy collection drives twice a year, and it looks for toys that are clean, in working order and have no missing parts. The next drive is in December, so take the time to start collecting. Learn more at secondchancetoys.org.

8/5/13

Who doesn't love their washing machine? It makes the task of laundry so much easier. But have you ever thought about washing your washing machine? You should: Over time, dirt, grime and excess detergent can build up. Twice a year, clean your washing machine to help keep it working like new. Choose the hottest water temperature setting and pour 1/2-cup baking soda where the powdered laundry detergent goes. Run the washer empty. This will scrub away bacteria, soap scum, deposits, dirt and anything else that may be in there.

8/4/13

New technologies in fabrics have led to the growing industry of T-shirts, jackets and pants embedded with SPF to protect you from the sun's harmful rays. But there's no need to ditch your old wardrobe and buy pricey new high-tech fashions to have fun in the sun: You can wash SPF protection right into your existing wardrobe. SunGuard RIT is an additive you combine with laundry detergent that leaves a safe, active ingredient on the fibers of your clothes. It blocks up to 96 percent of the sun's harmful rays and has an equivalency of an SPF 30. One coating will withstand 20 future washings.