It’s time to replace your AC (no, really)
With the chill outside, central air conditioning may be the last thing on your mind, but this is actually a great time to consider replacing yours if your home needs it. In the hot summer months, not only are installers busy, but prices are also highest for new central air-conditioning units. In the cooler months, prices are at their lowest, and wait times are virtually nonexistent. If your AC unit is on its last leg, consider replacing it with an Energy Star-qualified model now, before it gets hot again.
LAUNDRY DETERGENTS
Who knew? Liquid laundry detergents actually have a shelf life! The whitening agents in liquid detergent degrade and break down over time, making them less effective at getting your clothes clean. The solution? Use powdered detergents, which are much more shelf-stable. If you prefer liquid soap because it doesn’t clog your machine, you can
dilute powdered detergent in hot water and pour it right into your machine while loading it up with dirty laundry.
KILLER COLD
Take advantage of the opportunity colder weather offers to detox the things in your home. When the temperature dips below freezing at night, lay out a clean tarp in your unheated garage and put items like plush toys, throw pillows and comforters on top. The freezing overnight temperatures will effectively kill microscopic dust mites and other allergens, giving your plush things a fresh new start the next day.
RECYCLED GOLD
When you invest in fine jewelry, consider the eco-options of your purchase. Mining for new gold, for example, is an incredibly destructive and nonsustainable practice that involves massive amounts of drilling and blasting to get small nuggets of gold. Instead, forward-thinking designers are now using recycled gold, which is melted down from old pieces and recast into new. It’s easy to find large selections of recycled precious metal jewelry online and in stores now.
BULB SAVERS
If you have a problem with rabbits and other small animals digging up freshly planted flower bulbs from your garden, start collecting used plastic and cardboard berry containers right now. Dig a hole in the ground and place the berry container, insert the bulb inside and cover it with dirt. The container will create a barrier that prevents animals from digging up the bulbs, all while giving the flowers room to send out roots and grow.
PIZZA BOXES
Any grease stains on a cardboard pizza box make it impossible to recycle, so do this to make your takeout eco-friendly: Ask for a sheet of aluminum foil. Have the pizza shop put the sheet of foil in the bottom of the box and lay the pizza on top of it. This does two things: It helps keep the pizza hotter for longer, and it prevents grease from leaking into the bottom of the box. A clean pizza box is a recyclable one! And don’t forget: Clean aluminum foil is also recyclable in your curbside recycling bin.
SWEEP THE SNOW
Yes, even a broom needs to be cleaned periodically. In the winter months, you can make the process quick and easy by taking your broom outside whenever fresh snow has fallen. Sweep the broom through the clean snow a few times; the crystals will run through the bristles and dislodge dirt and other debris. Just be sure to do this when the snow is powdery rather than wet, so you don’t end up with a wet broom.