11/4/10

Old gardening hoses that leak are pretty much destined for the garbage bin because they are difficult to recycle. One way to reuse them is to ask local landscaping or tree service companies if they would like your hoses to use as supports for freshly planted trees. They will cut them up into strips and use them to stake trees to help them grow straight.

11/3/10

It doesn't make sense to use a chemical cleaner to clean the inside of the microwave; any residual spray inside will end up steaming and getting into your food the next time you use it. Instead, fill a bowl with water and squeeze half a lemon, leaving it in the bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, and the steam and citric acid will cover the inside of the microwave. Use a sponge to wipe it clean.

11/2/10

Unfortunately, most animal feed -- dog, cat and bird -- comes packaged in bags that are easily accessible for other animals to tear into and eat or, worse, contaminate. One way to keep the food fresher is to save the air-tight containers many bulk-size food products come packaged in. The next time you buy a warehouse-size jar of pretzels or candy, save it and use it to store your animal's food. The twist-on cap will prevent anything from getting inside.