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Do Just One Thing
By Danny Seo
Salt may seem like an easy, natural weed killer, but use it with caution. It works by dehydrating plants, but it's nonselective and can permanently damage soil, making it impossible for anything else to grow there. It is an eco-friendly option to remove weeds growing in cracks between driveways, sidewalks or patio pavers -- not in garden beds or lawns. Mix one part salt with two to three parts hot water, then carefully apply it directly to the weeds' leaves on a dry, sunny day to avoid runoff into surrounding plants.
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A worn refrigerator door gasket can quietly waste energy by letting cold air escape. Check the seal every few months using the simple "dollar bill test": Close the door on a dollar bill and gently pull. If it slides out easily, the gasket is no longer sealing properly and should be replaced. Under normal household use, refrigerator gaskets typically last three to five years, but replace yours sooner if the rubber is cracked, torn, warped or loose. A tight seal helps your refrigerator maintain a consistent temperature, reduces strain on the compressor and can cut energy use by up to 10%.
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You may separate your whites from colors when you wash your clothes, but when it comes to drying them, separate according to weight. By drying heavy clothes like jeans, sweaters and thick flannel shirts separately from light fabrics like T-shirts and undergarments, you will be using the least amount of energy. Start by drying a load of light fabrics first; they will dry quickly and warm up the inside of the dryer. Then add the heavier items for a second load. The residual heat from the first load will help speed up that drying process. Since modern dryers have moisture sensors, it will automatically and accurately turn off when the batch of clothes is truly dry and ready to be removed.
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After you've fried up a delicious batch of homemade doughnuts, what should you do with the leftover cooking oil? There's an old wives' tale that you can pour used cooking oil onto the ground because it becomes food for earthworms. In reality, the oil can seep into soil, make its way into storm drains and waterways, and contaminate rivers, lakes and even drinking water sources. Instead, strain and store the oil for reuse if it's still in good condition, or take it to a local recycling center where it can be turned into biodiesel. If you need to dispose of it right away, let the oil cool completely, mix it with an absorbent material like used coffee grounds, sawdust or shredded newspaper until it's fully absorbed, then seal it in a container or bag before placing it in the trash.
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Thinking about giving the outside of your house a fresh paint job? The color of paint you choose can have a big impact on how energy-efficient your home can be. Lighter-colored homes in warmer climates have a higher light reflective value (LRV). Pure black measures 0% LRV, and pure white measures 100% LRV. By choosing a lighter tint, you reflect light away and your home uses less energy to stay cool. For homes that are in predominantly colder climates, a darker color can help absorb heat and reduce heating costs.
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If your workout clothes still smell sweaty after washing, try adding a half cup of clear antiseptic mouthwash directly to your washing machine drum along with your regular laundry detergent. Many antiseptic mouthwashes contain bacteria-fighting ingredients such as alcohol and eucalyptol that help eliminate the odor-causing germs trapped in synthetic athletic fabrics. Always choose a clear or light-colored mouthwash to avoid staining clothing, and wash on a warm-water cycle for the best results.
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Don't throw out used potting soil just because a plant has finished growing. To disinfect it naturally, place the slightly damp soil in a sealed, clear plastic bag and leave it in direct sunlight for at least six hours. The trapped heat solarizes the soil, helping kill harmful insects, weed seeds and many plant disease pathogens. Once the soil has cooled, mix it with fresh potting mix or compost (about 50/50) before reusing it in containers or garden beds.
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.