3/28/14

Most curbside recycling programs accept plastics marked with a No. 1 or 2 resin code on the bottle. These are plastics like soda bottles, laundry detergent containers and clamshells from foods like prerinsed salad mixes. Many common food items like yogurt containers and water filters are made with plastics marked with a No. 5, making them nearly impossible to recycle. The company Preserve Products has an easy and free in-store recycling program called Gimme 5, which collects any type of No. 5 plastics to be recycled. You can find the bins in Whole Foods stores. Learn more at preserveproducts.com.

3/27/14

Habitat for Humanity is known for building affordable housing for people in need in communities all over the United States. But did you know it also accepts good-quality building materials that they resell at low prices to fund its charitable works through its ReStore shops? Items like working appliances, doors, cabinets, hardware, leftover drywall, excess tile, bathtubs, sinks, windows and more can be saved from the landfill and donated. Plus, you get a tax deduction for your charitable donation. You can also shop at the store and save money if you're doing your own home renovation projects. To see what it does and doesn't accept and learn where to give, visit re-store.com

3/26/14

If your houseplants or outdoor plants have an infestation of destructive insects, ditch the chemical insecticides and reach for red pepper flakes instead. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and add several tablespoons of the spicy flakes. Allow the mixture to sit overnight. Spray the leaves of the plant infected with insects, then wait a few days to see if the infestation cures itself. Insects are not attracted to spicy flavors, so this spray mixture will naturally repel them.