01/05/12

During the holiday season, many of us receive gift baskets and floral arrangements from local florists as presents. What to do when the flowers whither and the treats are gone? If you don't have a use for the vase or basket, you can return it to the florist, who can reuse it for another gift so nothing goes to waste.

01/04/12

Did you know that corrugated cardboard and newspaper are compostable but magazines are not? Wood pulp products that are not processed with colorful inks can be safely and easily added to your compost bin. Just tear them up into small pieces and water well -- they'll degrade quickly and turn into beneficial carbon for your compost. Of course, if you have a curbside recycling program that takes these items, choose that first.

01/03/12

If you're thinking about replacing your central air conditioner, think fall, not summer to do it. When your AC unit is on its last leg, waiting until fall lets you get the most juice out of your old unit. Autumn months are also the best time to get good deals on ACs and installation because they are typically slow month for installers. While you're at it, visit energy.gov to choose the most energy-efficient unit for your home.