8/17/13

Frozen organic berries -- blueberries, blackberries and strawberries -- can be expensive during the fall and winter months. During the summer, when berries are at their peak and most affordable, stock up on the fresh supply and freeze them yourself. Simply remove stems and leaves and rinse the organic berries; let them air-dry on a towel, and place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Freeze them and transfer the berries to airtight plastic containers. Come fall, when you're in the mood for a summer smoothie, you'll be stocked and ready to go.

8/16/13

When you hear a creaky door, it usually means grabbing a petroleum-based lubricant to spray on the hinges to stop the noise. But you don't have to use a nonrenewable chemical product to have hinges move with ease. Try food-grade mineral oil (from the pharmacy) or a few drops of tea tree oil instead. These oils are made from renewable resources and will have a lasting effect to keep joints, hinges and anything else in your home moving effortlessly. Just avoid vegetable and olive oils: While they do the trick, the oil will go rancid and create an unpleasant smell.

8/15/13

You may think taking a pre-swim rinse is a waste of water, but it's actually an eco-friendly choice every pool-goer should make. Our bodies have natural oils, plus skin care products, like body lotion and deodorants, that can contaminate pool water. A quick rinse removes those oils and products from your body and helps keep the pool water cleaner. Cleaner water means less chlorine needs to be used, and less chlorine means fewer chemicals on your skin.