11/2/13

It may seem like a green thing to do, but don't use used gift wrap to start a fire in the fireplace. The high levels of inks, dyes and metallic flecks in gift wrap can emit harmful chemicals into the air when burned. Many paper recycling facilities cannot recycle glossy paper, and adding old gift wrap to the used paper stream can contaminate it, making a whole load of recyclables useless. Instead, when disposing of shiny and colorful wrapping paper, either reuse it or throw it away. When wrapping presents in the future, think less is more: Simple recycled kraft paper can do the job and is totally recyclable and perfectly fine to use as a firestarter.

11/1/13

Are pesky insects eating away at your household plants? There's no need to spray them with chemical insecticides. Instead, head to your pantry and grab self-rising flour. Sprinkle a light dusting of the flour on the plant and leave it alone. When insects attempt to eat the leaves from the plant, they'll ingest some of the flour. The natural leavening agent -- baking soda -- expands when in contact with moisture, so insects die since it expands in their stomachs.

10/31/13

Have you ever wondered what your donation of lightly used clothes, books and household items really mean to Goodwill? Donations are sold, and the money is used to help people in your community train for careers. Last year, more than 6.7 million people benefited from Goodwill's training programs. At goodwill.org, you can calculate the impact of your donation by entering the amount and type of clothes, household items and electronics you are donating. Its online calculator determines the value of those items and then tells you the number of hours you've contributed toward career counseling to help someone in need.