2/20/14

Using a dishwasher is more energy and water efficient than washing dishes, pots, pans and glasses by hand. But there is another thing you can do to make your dishwasher even greener: Skip the drying cycle. When everything is clean, open the dishwasher while the dishes are still wet. This will save energy and prevent streaks, spots and overdrying on more delicate items like plastic handles and food storage containers. All you have to do is let the hot water evaporate or wipe down your cookware with a dishtowel.

2/19/14

This winter, many harsh storms have brought down trees and limbs. Instead of cutting up the debris in your yard and throwing it away, consider stockpiling it for spring. You can rent wood chippers from most home improvement stores and turn those fallen trees and branches into beneficial mulch. Spread it around plants and shrubs to help retain moisture, prevent weeds and enrich the soil.

2/18/14

Over time, air and water can cause even the toughest cast iron pan, bakeware or "stainless" steel teakettle to rust. Failure to treat rust stains can make the cookware useless and lead to total disintegration in rusty spots. The good news is that treating rust on your kitchen items is easy and can be done naturally. Sprinkle salt all over the rust (be generous) and squeeze half a lime on the salt so the rust is saturated. Wait 15 minutes and rub the salt into the rust stain, then wipe away with the used lime half. Repeat if necessary. For tougher rust stains, soak the item in white vinegar and scour it away with crumpled aluminum foil. Keep repeating until the rust is gone.