Separate trash and recycling
In most communities, you’re given two trash receptacles — one for recycling and one for actual garbage. Ever wonder what happens if you decide to not recycle and use both for trash? If a recycling container (full of trash) is picked up, it can contaminate an entire load of recyclables. Not only does this potentially divert a whole truck of recyclables to the landfill, but it can also cost you money. Many trash companies notice misuse of bins and will bill you for the additional trash and inconvenience of contaminating a load of recyclables.
COMMINGLING
Remember when you needed to sort your recyclables based on material, such as newspaper, glass, paper and metal? Now the materials may be commingled in one bin for recycling. Trash companies and recyclers opted for what’s called “single-stream recycling” for both convenience and to increase recycling. In comparison to “source-separated” recycling, the commingled system wins hands down. A Waste Management survey showed a 300 percent increase in recycling participation when people didn’t have to sort. That’s a big increase to reduce waste.
CARPENTER ANTS
Around this time of year, carpenter ants invade homes and can be a nuisance. While they don’t bite, they are busily looking for food sources in your home. To naturally repel these ants, first remove all sugary items from surfaces
and secure them in a safe place, like a refrigerator. Then make a mixture of boric acid and white powdered sugar and leave it where they tend to gather. The ants will feast on the mixture and take it back to their colony. The boric acid is a natural insecticide and will do in the entire colony. In no time, no ants.
VITAMIN STORAGE
If you take vitamins, it’s important to make sure they are stored properly so they maintain their potency. Avoid high heat, bright light and fluctuating temperatures; bathrooms are the worst place to store them. And while a refrigerator may sound like a perfect place (it’s cool and dark), it’s also humid inside. Only truly airtight containers will protect your vitamins in the refrigerator. The best place is a cabinet that’s dry, high and away from heat sources. It’s also a safe place to keep them out of small hands.
TENNIS BALLS
If you often play tennis, you know that once a tennis ball loses its bounce, it’s either ditch it or give it to the dog to play fetch with. One way to upcycle a deflated tennis ball is to simply cut it in half (poke it with the sharp point of a scissor or knife and snip away). Then use the half ball around the house. A stuck jar lid? Use the rubbery inside of the ball to grip the lid and twist away. Even whole tennis balls can help you save money; toss a few into the dryer when you’re drying towels. The balls will fluff the towels, so they’ll dry faster.
APHID REPELLENT
Do you have garden or houseplants with a small infestation of insects like aphids? To easily get rid of them, mix a simple all-natural solution. Fill a spray bottle with regular tap water, 10 drops of liquid soap (like dish soap or hand soap) and a little bit of vegetable oil. The soapy solution acts as a deterrent for insects, and the oil helps the mixture stick to leaves. It’s perfectly safe for plants but excellent at repelling pesky insects.
‘ORNAMENTAL’ GARDENING
If you’d like to protect your vegetable garden from birds, there is one festive alternative to netting that actually works: Raid your Christmas ornaments. Hanging up ball ornaments on plants like tomatoes and cherry trees can fake birds out. Birds will see the ornaments (use the indestructible plastic-looking ones, not the delicate glass ones) and peck at them, then fly away when they realize they’re not food. It may not be 100 percent foolproof, but it’s one small measure to help stay a step ahead.