10/22/13

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, energy costs reach $2,196 per room each year in the 47,000 hotels and motels in the United States. That equals about 6 percent of all operating costs for a hotel. When staying at a hotel, follow the same mindful habits you do at home: Turn off the thermostat or lower or raise it to save energy when you leave the room. If you notice a leak in the bathroom, report it to the front desk. If you use the hotel gym, turn off the TV when you’re done to cut energy costs. The more we do to lower energy usage, the lower hotel rates will become -- it's a win-win for everyone.

10/21/13

It's common knowledge that choosing the cold water setting on your washing machine is the most energy-efficient way to do laundry. With advancements in laundry detergent, many of us opt to wash everything in cold water. However, a recent study published in the Daily Mail showed there were high amounts of bacteria still on undergarments after being washed in cold water. By washing your undergarments in hot water with white vinegar and detergent, you can effectively kill the bacteria. Bedding for young children who still have accidents in bed should also be washed in hot water.

10/20/13

Here are two clever way to reuse coffee grounds: Use damp coffee grounds as an abrasive cleanser for your cast-iron pans. The natural oils in coffee will help break up stubborn stains or burnt-on food without ruining the natural nonstick surface of the pans. Just scrub with a sponge and wipe with a damp cloth. And the next time you’re cleaning the fireplace of white ash, sprinkle damp coffee grounds on top before scooping away. The grounds will help settle the ash so it’s easier and cleaner to scoop up. When you’re done, you can toss both the grounds and ash into your compost bin in the backyard.