12/4/13

Resealing a macadam driveway is a smart way to protect a pricey investment, but be sure to ask your resealer to use only coal tar-free sealants. Coal tar is a common ingredient found in many asphalt seal coating products. The bad news? It’s also a suspected carcinogen. If you are resealing your driveway, do two things: Keep your windows closed during the resealing and for at least one week after a fresh application, and keep shoes off inside your house. Better yet, use sealers that are coal tar-free; DIYers will be glad to know that stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s have banned coal tar completely from all of their asphalt sealing products.

12/3/13

So, what’s the greenest trash bag? One made from biodegradable materials like potato or cornstarch, or one made from recycled plastic, which does not biodegrade? Go for the recycled one. While biodegradable trash bags may sound like the greenest choice, the reality is they don’t degrade when thrown away in landfills. Modern landfills are designed so no outside air or water can get in, so nothing inside will ever degrade, including biodegradable products. Recycled plastic is generally more durable than biodegradable bags, which prevents trash from accidentally ripping through the bag and flying all over the street.

12/2/13

The nonprofit Partners in Development works to help people in extreme poverty in countries like Haiti and Guatemala; it provides financial support, guidance, education and supplies to help the poor create their own businesses to spur economic development in those countries. As its network of volunteers visits these countries, they find a need for lightly used suitcases and duffel bags to help store and bring needed supplies. If you want to donate your luggage, visit pidonline.org to learn more.