9/8/13

When sowing seed for a new lawn or repatching a brown area with new grass, remember this one simple rule: Not all grass seed is the same. First, take note of the type of climate you live in: Do you get lots of rain or very little to no rain? Does your lawn have lots of sunlight, or is it shady for most of the day? Purchase the right type of grass seed that will thrive in the type of environment you're trying to grow. And in the fall, make a habit of overseeding your lawn by spreading grass seeds on top of the lawn. This will ensure a thicker lawn that actually helps crowd out weeds, which then removes any need for chemical herbicides in the spring.

9/7/13

Your public library can be more than a free resource for books, DVDs and as a place to research new information: It can also help your home become more energy efficient. Many public libraries also offer money-saving devices you can borrow for free. One item is called a Kill A Watt monitor, an electricity usage monitor. It tells you exactly how much energy your electronics use and empowers you to make energy-saving adjustments on the spot.

9/6/13

More than 36 million tons of food waste reaches U.S. landfills every year where airtight conditions prevent perfectly biodegradable material from becoming beneficial mulch. To prevent such waste, compost organic matter at home whenever possible. One more thing you can do: Eat the peels from foods. Instead of buying slivered almonds, buy whole ones with the skin still on; it's loaded with essential flavonoids that have cholesterol-lowering benefits. Don't peel apples; instead, wash the whole apple and eat the skin -- studies have shown the peel can help reduce bad cholesterol, too. And the other waste? Try juicing it to get all the benefits, and then sprinkle the unused pulp on the yard for instant nutrition for your lawn.