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Do Just One Thing
By Danny Seo
The automatic dishwasher is the most energy- and water-efficient way to clean dishes when you wash a full load. But did you know that pre-rinsing plates and utensils isn't just a waste of water -- it actually can harm your glassware? Modern dishwashers and dishwashing tablets are designed to work with soiled plates. The detergents are activated by grease and work well to get everything clean. When items are pre-rinsed, the detergents don't have enough to work with and attack the top-rack glassware, making them scratchy and damaged. So just scrape food into the trash and let your dishwasher do its magic.
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Before freezing temperatures arrive, bring your garden hoses indoors for the winter. Leaving them outside can cause water trapped inside to freeze and expand, leading to cracks, splits and leaks. Disconnect your hoses, drain them completely and store them somewhere dry and protected, such as a garage or shed. A little effort now can help extend the life of your hose, keeping it out of the trash -- and away from the landfill -- for another season.
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If you give money to nonprofit organizations or charities, why not see if your financial donation can be doubled in just a few easy steps? Many corporations have little-known matching programs that match the money you give to charity. All you have to do is ask your human resources department if it has such a program. It usually works like this: The corporation has a list of preapproved charities and it will match employee donations. All you have to do is fill out some paperwork, and like magic, your donation is doubled.
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Smoke alarms are essential, but when yours reaches the end of its roughly 10-year life, consider replacing it with a photoelectric model. Unlike ionization alarms, photoelectric alarms use a light sensor to detect smoke and contain none of the radioactive americium-241 found in older models. They're a cleaner choice that provides excellent protection, particularly against smoldering fires. When disposing of your old alarm, check your local guidelines for the proper method.
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Windows are some of the biggest culprits in bird deaths. When birds fly, they don't always see a window; instead, they see the reflection of trees or the sky. This confusion can lead to birds thinking it's a clear path to fly, causing them to hit the window at high speed and mortally injure themselves. If you find a certain window is prone to collisions from feathered friends, attach wire or plastic mesh a few inches off the window. This still allows the light to come inside the home, but protects the birds. If they fly toward the window, they'll hit the mesh and just bounce off.
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If there are airlines or hotels you don't use often but have accumulated a small stash of frequent-flyer miles or hotel points, consider donating them to charity. Many airlines and hotel loyalty programs allow members to donate miles or points to nonprofit organizations, which can use them for flights, hotel stays and other travel needed for their work. Programs such as American Airlines AAdvantage, United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors and World of Hyatt offer charitable giving options. Just log into your loyalty account and search for "donate" or "charity."
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Got a smelly fridge? Upcycle a squeezed lemon and place it cut-side-up on a small plate inside. The citric acid can help neutralize some odor-causing compounds, while the lemon's natural oils provide a fresh citrus scent. It won't replace cleaning up spills or spoiled food, but it's an easy, natural way to freshen things up. You can leave it inside the refrigerator for up to a week.
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.