Properly dispose of produce stickers
Those little stickers you find on the outside of bananas, apples, avocados and other produce are both a nuisance and a marvel. They help keep the massive supply chain of perishable foods in check, but they can be a pain. Unfortunately, the stickers are not compostable or biodegradable. They are considered the worst offender in contaminating compost scraps, so keep them out of your pile. And never put them down the drain of the sink; they can clog pipes. They must be removed from the produce and thrown in the trash.
SAFE WATER
Since most of us don’t travel with a water testing kit, there are signs you can look for that will tell you if the H20 from the tap is more like H2-NO. The obvious one is odor. A rotten egg or sulfuric smell can mean there’s bacteria in the water. Metallic-tasting water can mean there are metals present, such as mercury, copper, lead and even arsenic. And while the taste of chlorine may be unpleasant, it could be a sign the water has actually been disinfected for safety. When in doubt, don’t drink it. Look for refill stations that use commercial filters, too.
HOME-GROWN GINGER
Ginger root is fast becoming a kitchen staple for its healthy digestive properties, and it’s a delicious addition in all types of cooking. If you find yourself with a leftover chunk of ginger root, don’t toss it in the trash; instead, grow a ginger plant from it. Fill a small pot with organic potting mix and place the ginger root in the soil, then water. In a few days, you’ll see new growth coming out of the soil, and in a few weeks, you’ll have a regenerated ginger root that you can harvest and use right away. You may never have to purchase ginger root again! Just keep replanting and grow your own.
AVOID BEDBUGS
The phrase “don’t let the bedbugs bite” is reality for many people. One way to help curtail the risk of bedbugs at home is to add mattress cleaning to your monthly checklist of household tasks. To clean your bed, simply strip it to the bare mattress and generously sprinkle baking powder and kosher salt on top. The baking powder will deodorize the mattress, and the salt will dehydrate any bugs or bedbug eggs that may be lurking in corners. Then vacuum, making sure to pay special attention to crevices and tufted areas where bugs may be lurking.
NOT FOR DOGS
Since marijuana is legal in many parts of the country, dog owners need to watch out for the butts from tossed joints, which can end up being accidentally consumed by your dog. THC poisoning is becoming more common for dogs, and they can become seriously sick. If you suspect your dog consumed some weed, be prepared to take them to the vet if they are overly tired, unable to swallow or have an abnormal body temperature. And if you smoke weed, never leave any remnant of it on the ground — dispose of it properly.
HEALTHY HOTEL CHOICES
While many of us always ask for nonsmoking hotel rooms away from the elevators, have you thought about asking for a room far away from the hotel pool? Hotel rooms right above indoor and outdoor pools may sound convenient, but in reality these are the unhealthiest rooms in a hotel. On hot days, the pool’s water evaporates and turns into chlorine gas, which can rise right up to your room. This creates an unhealthy air environment for you and your family. Be sure to pick a room far away from the pool for the healthiest stay on the road.
IN-FLIGHT WASTE
If you’re lucky enough to fly somewhere and have the option of a meal on the plane as part of your travel, you can take steps to reduce food waste. If you get an upgrade to a premium class and you plan on sleeping during the flight, go to the airline’s website to opt for “no food” so no meal will be prepared for you. This will help reduce food waste, since none of the prepared food can be reused after the flight lands. And remember to bring your reusable water bottle with you when you travel to avoid plastic cups and other single-use plastics when drinks are served in-flight.