1/29/14

Do this one thing to help maximize the heating efficiency in your home: Move furniture away from vents and radiators. Having the backs of sofas, chairs or headboards near heating sources prevents warm air from heating the room. Just moving these pieces a few inches away helps air circulate in the room, making heating more efficient. The same rule applies to drapes that hang to the ground; if they cover a heating source, they block warm air from heating the room.

1/28/14

Is there an ecological difference in airline that you fly? While flying may not be the most fuel-efficient way to travel, sometimes it’s unavoidable to get from point A to point B. But if you can choose, go for airlines like JetBlue or Southwest, which offer all coach seating. Since first-class seats take up more room for fewer passengers, airlines that offer all coach maximize space and increase the plane's per-passenger capacity. In the long run, the total carbon emissions per passenger are less than a plane with first-class seating sections.

1/27/14

Local food banks help people who are down on their luck or need extra assistance during times of need. When donating food to a food bank, think about things beyond the typical cans of beans, vegetables and dried pasta. Food banks are often in need of things like spices -- salt, pepper, chili powder and cinnamon -- because lots of the donated food is unseasoned (think rice, beans and oatmeal). Also, canned pineapple is one of the most donated items, so if you can, give other types of fruit the next time you give.