7/30/12

If you have an older home, take a look at your refrigerator and dishwasher and determine if they need to be replaced based on age. A dishwasher made before 1994 likely adds $40 a year to your utility bill and wastes more than 10 gallons of water each time you use it. If you have a fridge from the '80s, you could save $100 a year by replacing it; if it's from the '70s, you can recoup more than $200 a year. Replacing these items with energy-efficient models can help you save money and the environment.

7/29/12

Have a bumper crop of tomatoes, corn or other healthy fruits and vegetables in your garden? If you hate to see your cornucopia of produce go to waste, donate it. The nonprofit organization AmpleHarvest.org has a complete database of food pantries around the U.S., which helps gardeners donate excess harvests. Even if you don't garden, you can help update the database by working with local food banks to see what they need throughout the year.

7/28/12

A garbage truck that picks up curbside trash or recyclables can be susceptible to something called a "hot load." In a hot load, the truck catches fire and smolders as a result of toxic chemicals that have been illegally dumped. Items like motor oil, antifreeze, paint, pesticides, batteries and even cooking oil can all trigger fires when they interact with other chemicals inside the truck. If you have household hazardous waste to dispose of, contact your local municipality and drop it off on designated days. It isn't worth the risk.