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Do Just One Thing
By Danny Seo
It's common knowledge that planting non-native bamboo in your yard can create ecological problems, from blocking natural light and crowding out native plants to damaging foundations and spreading into areas where it doesn't belong. But if you do plant bamboo, look for varieties labeled "clumping" rather than "running." Running bamboo spreads through long underground roots and can be nearly impossible to contain. Clumping bamboo, on the other hand, expands slowly in tight clusters, so it stays where you plant it.
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If you create a fire in your fireplace during the winter months, you know it's important not to burn things like pressure-treated wood, cardboard and plywood, since they can release a significant amount of toxins into the air when burned. But did you know that it's also imperative to not burn driftwood? Even though it came from a tree and simply tumbled in the ocean, driftwood also acts like a sponge, absorbing chemicals in the oceans that -- you guessed it -- are released when burned.
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Ever open a bottle of vitamins or medicine and wonder why there's a giant glob of cotton stuffed in there? It's there for a specific reason: to protect the pills from breaking so you can get pristine pills in their intended form. But that sterile cotton isn't actually cotton at all; it's finely spun rayon or polyester. That's because natural cotton can attract pathogens, and synthetic fiber cannot. So even though it feels like cotton, it should not be put in the compost bin. Instead, use the fill to wipe down your computer keyboard and then toss it into the trash.
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If you're looking for a highly effective and nontoxic way to control an ant infestation in your home, look no further than all-natural diatomaceous earth. It's a powder that acts like silica, but it is made entirely from fossilized marine phytoplankton. It's perfectly harmless to humans and animals, but it's deadly to insects with an exoskeleton (like ants, bed bugs and fleas). All you do is sprinkle it where you see insects, and it'll kill and repel. Just be sure to buy the "food grade" type at the store to get the truly safe variety.
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Most dentists agree you should brush your teeth for about two full minutes to get your pearly whites perfectly clean. But if you're a multitasker who brushes your teeth in the shower, you should reconsider that morning ritual. The reason? You're standing in the shower for two full minutes, wasting water while brushing your teeth. That's a waste of about 4 gallons of water every time you shower, which can equal hundreds of gallons of H2O down the drain every year.
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Don't leave freshly washed dishes sitting overnight in a tightly closed dishwasher. The trapped heat and moisture can create a damp environment that encourages bacteria, mold and mildew, while also leaving dishes with musty odors and water spots. Instead, crack the dishwasher door open an inch or two before bed to let steam escape and allow dishes to dry completely. This is especially helpful if your dishwasher doesn't have a built-in drying or ventilation cycle.
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If you drive an electric car, avoid making a habit of charging the battery to 100% or letting it drop close to empty. For everyday driving, keep the battery around 20% to 80% to help reduce long-term wear; save a 100% charge for longer trips when you need the extra range. Likewise, try to recharge before the battery regularly falls below 20%, and don't make a habit of running it all the way to zero. These simple charging habits can help preserve your EV's battery health and maximize its lifespan.
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.