energy |Better safe than sorry
In honor of National Electrical Safety Month in May, The Leviton Institute offers the following tips for making sure your home is energy-safe. Look for more information and ideas at leviton.com/institute.
Never overload outlets. Using power strips and surge protectors is key to preventing electrical fires.
Maintain outlets and switches. Quickly replace any outlet or switch that has cracks or broken parts, feels warm to the touch or has plugs that hang loose.
Examine power and extension cords. Look for fraying or cracking. Replace cords that are showing wear. Never run cords under carpets, rugs or furniture.
space |Guilt-free luxury
Pottery Barn joins the green revolution with the launch of its Organic Cotton Fiber bedding collection featuring sheets, coverlets, duvet covers and towels woven from 100 percent organic cotton fiber. Organic cotton is healthier than cotton blends, and also softer and more luxurious. Pottery Barn says it is encouraging the support of organic farmers because doing so also promotes the demand for all natural products. Look for its Organic Cotton Fiber collection at Pottery Barn stores or online at potterybarn.com.
time |Spring savings
Lowe’s wants to remind consumers that conservation was behind this year’s earlier daylight-saving time change. The company also suggests these one-hour projects to make the most of extra seasonal daylight:
Install a dimmer switch. Dimming lights is a proven way to save on electrical bills.
Install solar powered landscape lights such as the Malibu 6-Light Tier Solar Light Kit, available at Lowe’s for $19.98.
Clean up around the house using Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner, a nontoxic, biodegradable product.
