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Do Just One Thing
By Danny Seo
Upcycle a large plastic soda bottle into a simple mosquito trap. Cut the bottle in half, then fill the bottom half with 1 cup of warm water, ™ cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of yeast. Invert the top half into the bottom to create a funnel. As the yeast ferments the sugar, it releases carbon dioxide (C02), which can attract mosquitoes into the bottle, where they have difficulty escaping. This is an excellent DIY when entertaining outdoors to keep mosquitoes at bay.
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Create a beautiful table arrangement that's as practical as it is pretty. Fill a wide vase or container with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, mint and sage, then tuck in edible flowers such as chive blossoms, marigolds and pansies. Set a pair of small herb scissors alongside the arrangement so guests can snip fresh garnishes for their meals or drinks throughout the gathering. Unlike traditional cut flowers that are often from faraway locations, an edible centerpiece is meant to be enjoyed and often all grown locally.
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Just because a product or its packaging has a recycling symbol on it doesn't mean it is easily recyclable. The question you have to ask is this: Is the item recyclable within your community or in your curbside recycling program? If it isn't, it does not matter if it has the symbol. Items like Styrofoam cups are marked with a No. 6 recycling symbol but are nearly impossible to recycle, so even if you toss them into the recycling bin, they'll end up in the landfill.
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Beauty products can still be useful in new and different ways well after they've been used up or expired. A clean mascara brush, for example, can be used to scrub between stones in jewelry or watch links to clear away dirt and debris. Unwanted nail polish (perhaps a color not to your liking) can be used to paint the stems of wineglasses to give them personality and color. And lipstick that broke can be melted in a microwave-safe dish for 20 seconds, then poured into a clean tin (think small mint tin) and applied to the lips with a brush or fingertips.
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Even in an age of digital reading, printed books are still in demand and can be donated if you're ready to make room on your bookshelf at home. The rule of thumb for donating books is this: If the book was published three years ago or less, donate it to your local library, which will resell the book at a fundraiser to raise money for its valuable work. If the book is older, donate it to a Salvation Army or Goodwill store, which will resell the book in-store. Either way you donate your books, be sure to get a receipt for tax-deduction purposes.
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Beautiful trees like weeping willows, poplars and birches can create unexpected problems in the landscape. Weeping willows and fast-growing poplars have aggressive root systems that seek out water and can damage septic drain fields, sewer lines and residential pipes. Birch trees also require consistently moist soil, especially in dry climates, which can make them heavy water users. For a more sustainable yard, choose native, drought-tolerant trees that thrive with less irrigation.
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Hydrangeas are a popular plant for landscaping, but they aren't all the same. Native varieties like smooth hydrangea and oakleaf hydrangea evolved alongside North American wildlife and provide valuable support for local pollinators. Many popular non-native varieties, such as bigleaf and endless summer hydrangeas, are bred for oversized, colorful blooms but often require more water and provide less ecological benefit. For a more sustainable garden, choose hydrangeas that are naturally adapted to your region.
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.