Danny Seo

Do Just One Thing

If mosquitoes are turning your backyard into a buzzing nightmare, consider recruiting an unexpected helper: bats. A single bat can devour as many as 1,000 mosquitoes in one night, making them one of nature’s most effective pest controllers. To attract them, install a bat house — available at many home and garden stores — in a warm, sunny location at least 15 feet above the ground. Skip mounting it on trees, where predators can easily reach; placing it on the side of your home or on a tall pole gives bats a safer place to settle in.

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When it comes to composting, you may have heard that cooked foods are off-limits — but there are a few exceptions. Leftover cooked vegetables and grains can be composted if they were prepared using only plant-based oils. However, if butter, cheese or any other animal products were used, it’s best to keep those scraps out of the pile. The same goes for foods like rice, pasta and bread; if they were made without animal fats, they’re generally safe to add to your compost bin.

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While traveling abroad, it’s not uncommon to be visited at your accommodations by a friendly stray dog. Start by offering a bowl of clean, fresh water, especially in hot weather, when dehydration is common. If you have food to share, stick to safe options like plain cooked chicken, rice or small pieces of unseasoned meat. Avoid giving spicy foods, cooked bones, chocolate, onions or heavily salted snacks, which can be dangerous for dogs.

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Want a simple way to keep your toilet gleaming without harsh chemicals? Pour a half cup of borax into the bowl, followed by a half cup cup of white vinegar, and allow the fizzy mixture to sit for about an hour before giving it a good scrub. The natural bubbling action breaks down stains and neutralizes odors with ease. For tougher problems like mineral buildup, drop in two denture-cleaning tablets and let them work overnight before brushing and flushing.

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Here’s one smart way to reuse a broken terra cotta pot: Fill the bottom of a new planter with the shards to improve drainage and keep potting soil well aerated. If you do end up discarding the broken pot, you can feel good knowing it’s made from natural clay and, over time, slowly breaks down into claylike particles, rather than releasing harmful chemicals. Some organic food brands are even skipping plastic and packaging condiments and yogurt in terra cotta, so choosing those products is another simple way to cut back on plastic — even if your gardening skills lean more toward brown thumb than green.

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If you’re trying to make more eco-conscious choices, it helps to know that environmental impact studies often rank brandy, cognac and rum among the least eco-friendly spirits. Their production typically requires energy-intensive distillation and large amounts of agricultural land, which can increase greenhouse gas emissions. A simple step is to drink less but better — savoring smaller amounts reduces overall demand and environmental impact. Even small changes in what and how you drink can add up to a lighter footprint over time.

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Before donating to a charity over the phone, pause and do a quick check. Many telephone solicitations are run by third-party fundraisers, and in some cases over 90% of your donation can go to the telemarketing company instead of the charity itself. To make your gift count, hang up politely and donate directly through the charity’s official website or mailing address. This ensures far more of your money supports the cause you care about.

Through his best-selling books, television programs, products and syndicated column, environmental lifestyle expert Danny Seo shares the creative ideas that have made him America’s leading authority on modern, eco-friendly living.