11/11/13

When your air conditioner unit is on its last leg, fall is the best time to replace it. You'll get the best deals on the unit and installation since those are the slowest months for installers. And while you're at it, visit Energy.gov to choose the most energy-efficient unit for your home, which will save money and help the environment.

11/10/13

Give up this one sweet treat: chewing gum. Despite the fact that chewing gum goes in the mouth, it does not biodegrade, and you cannot compost it. Old gum that ends up improperly disposed of on sidewalks, lamp posts and everywhere and anywhere else in between is also a health hazard; it can be filled with bacteria and germs from the person who chewed it. And young birds that mistake chewed gum as food can die, since it’s not ingestible. If you do chew gum, wrap it up in a piece of scrap paper and throw it in the trash. But if you want to curtail bad breath, reach for an apple instead of gum: It contains pectin, which helps neutralize odor.

11/9/13

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, being diligent about paying attention to the weather forecast can help the environment and save you money. If you plan to fertilize your lawn, do it when conditions are dry, not rainy. Fertilizing your lawn before a storm will simply cause it to run off the lawn and down the storm drain, where excess fertilizer can pollute rivers, lakes and other waterways. Wait for at least a 72-hour window of dry weather to maximize both your savings and environmental responsibility.