energy|Cool as a cucumber
JELD-WEN Windows & Doors reminds consumers that the following energy-efficient steps will help keep the house cool this summer.
Shield the sun: Draw blinds to block and reflect heat from entering the home during the day.
Shut out high temperatures: Keep doors closed to maintain an even temperature throughout the house.
Grow your savings: Plant trees or shrubs to shade the home and air-conditioning units. Properly planting just three trees near a house can save from $100 to $250 a year in heating and cooling costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Air out: Increase air circulation by cracking windows during cooler parts of the day and using portable or ceiling fans, which consume less energy than central air conditioning.
time|Shopping for older adults
Elderluxe.com is a solution to the challenge of finding something special for a mature person who has almost everything. The online store encourages people to age “with a certain joie de vie in our hearts,” and carries a range of stock categorized as home accessories, fitness and spa, ElderTools, and health and wellness. Concierge shopping suggestions and advice about products for seniors are also available.
space|Enlightened kitchens
The kitchen tends to be the heart of the home. Better Homes & Gardens suggests making it the place to initiate Earth-smart living habits.
Sink solution. Drinking water purified with a filtered pitcher or a faucet-mounted filtration system saves money on bottled water and reduces plastic container waste.
Opt for cloth. Keep machine-washable dishcloths on hand instead of using paper towels or disposable wipes for small cleanup jobs.
Dishwasher safe. The dishwasher actually uses less water than doing dishes by hand, but run it only when it’s full, and use an efficient setting.
Recycle food scraps. Coffee grounds, banana peels and eggshells can become rich plant soil conditioner. Learn more at epa.gov/compost.
