3/17/14

Is it green to use your garbage disposal? After all, food waste is ground up and not thrown in the trash, where it's sent to the landfill, right? Unfortunately, using a garbage disposal is not the greenest way to get rid of food. All of the food sludge that is sent to the wastewater plant is actually collected and landfilled anyway. It's best to sort organic matter, like fruit and vegetable peels, for the compost bin and throw away food in the trash only when it's absolutely necessary. Skipping the garbage disposal will help you save money on water and electricity in the long run.

3/16/14

When buying a new bed and mattress set, double-check to make sure you need the box spring. Many modern bed designs are "platform style," which means they are designed to hold a mattress without the support of an additional box spring. But many mattress dealers automatically include the price of a box spring or foundation support with the cost of the mattress. By buying a “mattress only” bed, you won’t be stuck trying to give or throw away an unnecessary foundation support. Plus, buying only a mattress can result in savings in your overall purchase price.

3/15/14

Here's an old wives tale worth disputing: Throwing glass in the trash can actually help break down garbage in landfills. The theory is that broken glass cuts through refuse, making it more efficient and compact. The verdict? False. Modern landfills are designed to be airtight and superefficient. Throwing away glass -- which is infinitely recyclable -- is not eco-friendly. All recyclable glass should be recycled in curbside bins, and nonrecyclable glass, like Pyrex cooking containers, donated to charities.