10/17/13

We all know eating fresh fruits and vegetables is a tasty way to live a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that when produce is picked, it loses nutritional value? The further fruit or veggies have to be transported, the greater nutritional value is lost due to a chemical process that deteriorates the nutritional peak of that produce. To prevent this, try to buy much of your produce locally, so it takes the least amount of transport time to get to your kitchen. And if that isn’t always possible, consider frozen vegetables and fruit: Freezing right after harvest limits the nutrition loss since it stops the chemical deterioration process.

10/16/13

You’re going to turn the lights on in your kitchen anyway, so why not use a light bulb that gives you energy-saving illumination and neutralizes odor at the same time? New compact fluorescent light bulbs feature deodorizing titanium dioxide coating. When the CFL is on, a photocatalytic reaction is created that neutralizes strong odors, damp smells and stale air. So instead of using chemical air fresheners to mask smells, you are creating fresher, healthier air.

10/15/13

It’s not always possible to bring your own reusable bags with you when you go shopping. When you buy clothes or household items from a retail store, save the heavy-duty paper and plastic shopping bags and use them the next time you bring a donation to Goodwill or the Salvation Army. In addition to needing your donation of clothes, shoes, housewares, toys, sporting goods and decorative items, the stores also need shopping bags. These bags will be reused at the cash registers. While they may not have a tax deduction value, donating shopping bags is one way to help a worthy cause.