Use frozen condiment packets to soothe what’s ailing you
Do you have a drawer full of mustard, ketchup, lemon juice or mayo condiment packets, and you’re not sure what to do with them? Toss a few into the freezer and let them get icy cold. The next time you need a small cold compress to soothe an insect bite or bee sting, or you just need to depuff the bags under your eyes, grab a few frozen condiment packets. You can use them over and over again as your quick homemade first-aid remedy.
AIR OUT HOME, CAR
In warmer months, many of us will open windows in our home to flush out airborne toxins. This cross ventilation works wonderfully on a breezy day to help improve your indoor air quality. While you’re at it, do the same for your home away from home: the car. Park your car outside and open all the windows to flush out the odors and toxins building up inside. Remove floor mats and vacuum them well; leave them out in the light so the sun’s rays naturally deodorize them. Finally, open the trunk and declutter to lighten the load and improve your car’s fuel efficiency.
KEEP YARD DARK
Outdoor lighting in your garden can create an enchanting paradise at nighttime, but it’s also very disconcerting to nocturnal creatures, who can get confused by the ambient light. If you must have lights, opt for solar-powered lanterns that cast a soft glow when the sun sets and will automatically turn off when the internal rechargeable battery is used up. Or put your outdoor lights on a timer so they’ll automatically turn off at a regular hour. By keeping your yard as dark as possible, you’ll create an environment perfect for giving many wild animals a safe, comfortable and protected place to call home.
EMBRACE GARAGE SALES
Yes, an old-fashioned garage sale is the most environmentally friendly way to find a new home for your old things and make a little cash. While selling previously loved items online is good, too, selling in your community eliminates the need to package and ship items to the new owners. To have a successful sale, do it on a Friday or Saturday, and choose the first weekend of the month, when more people have discretionary cash. Set the date at least one month ahead to allow time to price everything and promote your sale.
USE DRYER BALLS
Reusable wool dryer balls are a fantastic investment to amp up your laundry routine. The reusable balls help speed up drying time and reduce wrinkles and static. They work because they fluff up clothes as they dry, allowing hot air to circulate more freely, which can reduce energy usage and drying time by as much as 50%. The balls absorb excess moisture in the beginning of the drying cycle, which reduces static, and then they release moisture during the latter stages of drying to flatten out wrinkles. Did I mention they are reusable for lots of other purposes?
USE PISTACHIO SHELLS
Do you eat a lot of pistachios? Save those shells and use them to help your indoor houseplants. First, if the shells are salted, soak them in water and give them a good rinse to remove all of the salt. Then fill the bottom of a pot up to 1 inch with shells, depending on the size of the pot. Fill with soil and pot your new houseplant. The shells help with drainage, and over time, they will degrade into beneficial mulch. You can use old shells as mulch in your garden, too.
USE BRAKE SPARINGLY
One of the best ways to improve your car’s fuel efficiency is to anticipate when you will need to stop. After looking ahead and seeing where traffic has stopped, coasting and safely braking can really save gas. Aggressive drivers who brake suddenly can actually burn 20% more fuel. Another tip is to use your air conditioner sparingly. On nice days, when you’re driving at low speeds, open the windows or open the vents. You should use the air conditioner only as needed when driving on highways. Opening windows at high speeds creates drag, which decreases fuel efficiency.