1/31/14

Many community parks are implementing environmental improvements like recycling bins to make it easier for guests to be green. But if you’re visiting a park during a non-peak day or during an off-peak part of the season, don’t use the recycling bins or trash cans at all. Since these cans will be emptied less frequently, wild animals can get into the recyclables to root around for food. Many get their heads stuck in glass or plastic jars with no way to escape. So instead of recycling or throwing trash away, take it home with you and sort it there.

1/30/14

Permanent ink pens are a popular choice since the ink doesn’t smudge when you make notes or sketch out ideas. But the plastic casing for indelible ink pens are hard to recycle and most likely will be thrown in the trash when the ink is gone. If you can’t live without permanent ink pens, look for newly designed stainless steel pens that are also refillable. When it’s time to replace the ink, you simply replace the cartridge and reuse the metal case. And if you ever need to recycle the pen, the stainless steel case can be easily tossed into the recycling bin.

1/29/14

Do this one thing to help maximize the heating efficiency in your home: Move furniture away from vents and radiators. Having the backs of sofas, chairs or headboards near heating sources prevents warm air from heating the room. Just moving these pieces a few inches away helps air circulate in the room, making heating more efficient. The same rule applies to drapes that hang to the ground; if they cover a heating source, they block warm air from heating the room.