4/16/14

According to the Audubon Society, exterior lights left on at night are light pollution to animals like migrating birds. The artificial light disorients the birds and gives them a false horizon when flying at night. Often, birds will fly toward backlit windows in order to correct their flight, ultimately ending in death. At least 100 million birds die every year due to exterior lights. How can you help? Turn off your exterior lights between midnight and dawn, the peak migration hours for birds, and close your blinds and drapes. Use timers if turning lights on and off becomes tiresome.

4/15/14

Want to save money on the latest laptop, smartphone or tablet? Consider looking for refurbished electronics instead of new ones. A refurbished electronic is one that has been opened from its original packaging and returned to the manufacturer. The manufacturer reviews it, makes necessary repairs and brings it to like-new appearance and functionality. The savings can be significant: Most refurbished electronics can save you around 20 percent off the full retail price. One tip: Be sure you purchase only "factory refurbished" items and not just "refurbished." The "factory" part means the manufacturer did the repairs and will often add a warranty to your purchase.

4/14/14

Instead of using toxic chlorine bleach to whiten whites, head to the produce section of the supermarket. Real lemon juice can have almost the same brightening power of bleach and will help remove rust stains and dullness. Just add about 1/4- to 1/2-cup lemon juice to the wash cycle and let the natural bleaching properties of the lemon juice do its work. An added benefit? Lemon juice smells fresh and clean, and your clothes will, too.