2/15/14

One of the most commonly accepted recyclable metals is aluminum. Soda cans are easily recyclable: Just empty the can and toss it into the bin. Slight residual liquid waste inside is fine. But foil products like aluminum wrap, disposable burner covers for the stove and bakeware are also recyclable. Just be sure to wipe off any residual food, grease or other waste on the foil. It should be easy: Aluminum metal is naturally nonstick. The best part is that aluminum can be recycled infinitely into new metal products.

2/14/14

Office paper recycling for computer paper, magazines and other documents can be easily collected, sorted and recycled into new paper products. But one thing that can be almost impossible to recycle is paper that has been through a paper shredder. Shredded paper leads to short paper fibers, which are harder to recycle. If you must shred for security reasons, try ripping the paper by hand into several smaller pieces and scattering it in several recycling bins.

2/13/14

Recent storms across America have left households without power for several hours and up to several days. One way to help preserve the freshness of perishable food in the refrigerator is to not open the door during a blackout. But one way to help extend the life of a chilled fridge is to be proactive. If the forecast calls for bad weather, fill empty plastic containers -- soda bottles, food storage containers, empty margarine tubs -- with cold tap water. Place them in the back of the fridge. When they're chilled, they'll help keep the temperature lower inside the fridge during a power outage.