Wax paper can’t go in compost
If you compost at home, you might be wondering if wax paper is compostable. On the surface, it feels natural, and paper and wax are both natural materials. But sadly, the answer is no. Unless you are composting soybean-based wax paper, you’re likely using a petroleum-based product. Almost every wax paper is coated in paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. And it’s this petroleum byproduct that makes conventional wax paper both noncompostable and nonbiodegradable. You can find soybean wax-covered paper in some health-food stores if you do want to make the eco switch.
FLEA FIGHTER
If your dog wears a nylon or fabric collar, why not supercharge it and give it some natural flea-fighting properties? Simply put four drops of all-natural cedarwood oil on the dog’s collar, and throw it into an airtight container, like a glass jar or a plastic sandwich bag, overnight so the oils can slowly and naturally saturate the fabric. The slightly fragrant collar is a natural deterrent to fleas, and it’s a safe way to use essential oils with your dog, since you’re not applying the oil directly to his coat. The collar should last
around two to three weeks before you need to repeat the process.
A COOL, DARK PLACE
When it comes to storing canned fruits and veggies, jarred sauces and other foods, it’s imperative to store them in the right place at the right temperature. All canned and jarred food should be stored in a cool, dark place. When temperatures exceed 100 degrees, it increases the risk of food spoilage in the can or jar, so when grocery shopping during the summer months, do it as one of your last errands to avoid leaving them in a hot car. At home, prolonged storage when temps are just above 75 degrees can lead to nutrient loss in the foods. And ultraviolet light can also quickly deteriorate nutrients of foods in glass jars.
RECYCLE HEADPHONES
When your headphones need to be replaced, the last place you should send them is in the trash can. The metals and plastics that make up headphones are recyclable. The company Think Sound accepts any brand and any style of headphones — from the small in-ear pieces to the large on-ear style — and recycles them free of charge. And for your good deed, the company will give you a coupon to take 15 percent off the purchase of new headphones from its site. To learn more, visit thinksound. com.
KEEP WASHER ON BALANCE
Your washing machine is probably one of the hardest-working appliances in the house, so it makes sense to have it be as fine-tuned as possible. One important thing to check is to make sure your machine is balanced, meaning it’s on the ground evenly and does not wobble — especially if you have uneven floors. Take the time to adjust your washing machine in the corners so it doesn’t shift or move easily. When you have an unbalanced machine, not only can it be loud when spinning clothes, it can also force your appliance to work harder and waste energy. This creates wear and tear, and it means the washer will break down faster.
GMO SEEDS
If you like to grow fruits and vegetables from seed at home, what’s the best way to avoid genetically modified seeds? The good news is that most GMO seeds are limited to larger-scale farming, and those crops are mostly things like corn, soybeans, cotton and crops for sugar production. For home gardeners, the only chance you’ll buy GMO seeds is for corn or squash, so to be extra sure, look for certified organic seeds. Otherwise, the likelihood the seeds at your store are GMO is very low. You can also look up seed companies that have signed a Safe Seed Pledge, which lists seed brands that have promised not to sell GMO seeds.
SEEK SHADE
Does parking in the shade in the hot summer months make a difference for your car? Researchers in Phoenix tested the theory and found that cars in peak sun were significantly hotter than those in the shade. That’s obvious, but what’s interesting is that the sun-parked cars heated to temperatures that exceeded 160 degrees, which is when materials like car seats and dashboards can burn your skin. And when it came to cooling the interior of the car, a shaded car took just 12 minutes to cool down, while the car in the sun took 21 minutes. When it comes to long-term car parking, seek shade whenever possible.