8/29/13

Ink cartridges for at-home inkjet printers can be very expensive. One way to conserve ink is to automatically set your printer default to draft mode when the overall quality of the printing really doesn't matter; this uses less ink and will help extend the life of the cartridge. Another way to go green and save money is to replace your inkjet cartridges with remanufactured cartridges. These are recycled cartridges that are refilled and resold at up to 60 percent less than new ones. Try the site carrotink.com to see the savings yourself.

8/28/13

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 15 percent of Americans rely on private drinking water wells as their source of water at home. While public water is routinely tested and regulated for safety, private water is often not. If you use a private well, have your water tested for coliform bacteria and nitrates by a private water-testing lab. It will cost about $10 to $20 and will give you peace of mind. You can learn more and get a list of certification officers in your state at water.epa.gov.

8/27/13

Many beachfront vacation destinations are home to delicate habitats, including nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles. Sea turtle hatchlings use the light and reflections from the moon to find their way to the water at night, but artificial light from hotel rooms can cause confusion for them, forcing them to crawl inland instead of into the ocean. Plus, lights from fixtures reflecting onto the beach discourage adult female turtles from nesting on the shore. One easy way to help is to make sure your drapes and blinds in your hotel room are fully closed to block all light from reaching the beach. This will help keep the natural cycle intact and protect sea turtles.