7/16/10

Bamboo has become a popular landscaping plant because it can grow fast and very tall to create natural fencing and borders. If you're lucky enough to have bamboo or have a neighbor who is willing to part with some, consider using it in your home as a sturdy (and free) curtain rod. Just measure the length of the rod you need, cut the bamboo to the appropriate length, and thread the curtains onto bamboo.

7/15/10

Be wary when you see a "brand-new mattress; never used" ad in the classifieds like Craigslist. Old mattresses are sometimes picked up from the curbside before trash collectors can get them and are simply recovered in new fabric and wrapped in plastic to appear new to unassuming buyers. These old beds made to look new can sometimes be filled with bed bugs, dust mites, mold and mildew. Always buy from a reputable dealer.

7/14/10

Think green at the beach. One of the biggest problems facing our planet's beaches is erosion. While tropical storms and construction damage are big contributors to it, so are small things like loose sand collected in shoes, sandals, tote bags and towels. When you consider the small amounts of sand taken by the millions of people who visit beaches, it adds up. Make it a habit to deliberately shake your belongings clean before heading home.