What not to leave in a hot car
During the summer months, a car left in a parking lot can quickly heat up. There are some things that should never be left in a hot car, because they can be affected by high temps. Be sure to remove overthe-counter and prescription medicine. Most medicines are formulated for efficacy at room temperature; high heat can alter the chemicals and make them ineffective. The same goes for sunscreen; the heat can alter the formulation and turn your SPF into nothing more than moisturizer.
ON THE TAKE
If your neighbors put out an old piece of furniture with their trash, is it illegal for you to take it? In 1988, there was a Supreme Court ruling that determined that once someone throws something out, it’s considered “public domain.” Unless the community you live in has passed an ordinance that makes the art of “dumpster diving” illegal, you are free to take it. But if the trash in question is in an enclosed area or has a sign clearly posted that says “no trespassing,” that could be considered illegal. When in doubt, just ask.
BEST FRUITS
The independent Environmental Working Group (EWG) has assembled a list of fruits that “pack the most nutrition for the lowest cost, are low in sugar and toxic pesticides and have plenty of vitamin C, fiber, folate and potassium.” When you’re trying to eat healthy and green on a budget, the EWG says to aim for two servings of these fruits per day. The list includes apricots, avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon, tangerine, nectarines, papaya and orange juice. Even dried apricots, mango, raisins and prunes are nutritionally dense and have low pesticide loads.
BLEACH ALTERNATIVE
Many of us look for safer alternatives to bleach, especially when it comes to disinfecting countertops and surfaces in places like the bathroom. While white vinegar is hailed as a biodegradable and disinfecting ingredient, it’s not strong enough to kill tough bacterial strains like staphylococcus. If you want to truly disinfect, use a vinegar/water solution as a general cleaner and spray hydrogen peroxide after the first clean. This is an antimicrobial approach that can be just as effective as bleach.
HOSPITABLE GARAGES
Many of us are converting our garages into workspaces and adding things like air conditioners and heaters to make it habitable for year-round use. To make your garage as energy-efficient as possible, make sure the door is as insulated as possible. Avoid garage doors with windows; they are rarely well-insulated and can leak air very easily. Try to use “triple-layer” doors, which have foam insulation that protects from the elements. And if you use a garage-door opener, opt for one that is designed for low-energy standby mode; it won’t draw as much energy when it’s not in use.
NEW IN KITTY LITTER
When it comes to taking care of cats, kitty litter is a necessity. But you should avoid claybased kitty litter, since unsustainable strip-mining techniques are used to source and harvest the clay. Instead, look for alternatives that are flooding the market, like litters made from recycled newsprint and biodegradable materials like wheat, corn and soy. And there are ways to compost used kitty litter, but it’s a bit more complicated than traditional composting. Find those instructions online.