Do Just One Thing

12/15/13

It’s true that cars built more than 10 years ago are not as efficient as cars built today. But many people have their motor oil changed at the same frequency, no matter if their car was built in 2003 or 2013. You may be surprised to learn that you may not need to change your motor oil as frequently as you think. The simplest way to find out is to visit checkyournumber.org and enter the year (available for cars built after 2000), make and model of your car. It will tell you the exact manufacturer-recommended oil change for your car, not the average for all cars. And here’s a bonus tip: If you change your motor oil at home and have a spill, grab dryer lint to clean it up. The lint will soak up the spill and you can properly dispose of it with ease.

12/14/13

Old cardboard boxes are easily recyclable, but they can also be used to make festive ornaments for your holiday Christmas tree. Cut out gingerbread men from old cardboard boxes, and “frost” them using puffy paint from any craft supply store. Allow the ornaments to dry, punch a hole at the top and run a piece of string through it. This is a fun eco-craft project to do with kids. The best part? The ornaments can be saved and hung year after year on the Christmas tree.

12/13/13

Here’s a smart way to upcycle an old bath towel to save energy at home: Use it as a draft dodger. Roll the towels into a tight sausage shape, and tie string or rope at the ends and in the middle to keep it secure. Jam it along the base of a door or window, and it will keep chilly drafts at bay. And here’s another simple idea: Cover your ironing board with an old towel before ironing. The soft surface will protect clothes, speed up the ironing process and is easily removable in case you need to wash it.