10/4/13

Ever wonder what to do with old metal keys you no longer need? The good news is that they are recyclable, since most household keys are comprised of brass with a nickel coating. All you have to do is remove any plastic covers you might have on the key and bring it to scrap metal or recycling facilities. Old keys are melted down to make new metal products. Here’s another idea: Have a key fundraising drive. Ask everyone to bring old keys from their junk drawer, and sell the whole lot to a scrap metal dealer. Local businesses like car dealers and realtors could donate tons of keys to help you raise money, too.

10/3/13

Recent reports indicate 40 percent of fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables are simply thrown away because they are too ugly. Instead of being used to help feed people, it ends up landfilled and totally wasted. Do this one thing: Overlook aesthetic beauty when choosing produce, and look for the freshest and highest quality instead. When looking at irregularly shaped fruits and veggies, rely on scent to determine if it’s ripe and ready to eat. Touch the produce to make sure the skin is firm and taut. By buying the ugliest in the bunch, produce won’t go to waste at the supermarket.

10/2/13

Are mineral deposits in your showerhead and faucets causing clogs? There’s no need to uninstall them or replace them -- reach for a freezer bag, rubber band and white vinegar instead. Fill the bag halfway with white vinegar and submerge the showerhead in the bag; use the rubber band to secure it to the neck of the showerhead. Leave the bag for two hours, then reuse it for other showerheads or faucets. The mineral deposits will dissolve because the natural acids in vinegar work as a solvent.