Energy
Efficiency apartments. At least some of the success of Australia’s Hills Industries, manufacturer of a variety of home goods, stems from its plebeian beginnings. The company was founded in the 1940s by “a regular bloke who had a simple idea,” the rotary clothesline. Now the corporation is bringing its everyday usefulness to the States, so it compiled these easy-to-be-green ideas for renters and apartment dwellers.
Take the stairs. Walking up three flights of stairs instead of taking an elevator saves enough energy to power a 37-inch plasma TV for 3 hours, according to Hills.
Appliance police. Unplugging unused appliances and electronics — including power strips, iPods and cellphone chargers — can save from 5 to 20 percent on your energy bill.
Cool it down. Energy Star-rated air conditioners use about 10 percent less energy than conventional models.
Green cleaning. Volatile organic compounds in chemical-based cleaning products contribute to indoor air pollution. Look for eco-friendly products that contain such ingredients as grain alcohol and plant oils.
Line drying. Even condo and apartment dwellers can take advantage of this traditional energy-saver by using an indoor retractable clothesline.
money
Protect your power. With an eye toward consumers’ tighter purse strings, Duracell compiled these ideas for extending the life of your batteries during high- usage times like summer camping and road-tripping.
Store batteries in a dry place at normal room temperature. Refrigerating or freezing batteries is unnecessary.
Avoid storing batteries loosely or carrying them loose in your pocket or purse. They can be shorted by contact with metal objects and leak, rupture or cause personal injury.
Avoid mixing old and new batteries or different battery brands within a device. Duracell says doing so will reduce overall performance.
Replace all the batteries within a device simultaneously.
Remove worn-out batteries from equipment immediately to prevent leakage or damage.
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Dog Bite Prevention Week. This event is designed to raise awareness about dog bites. In keeping with that goal, the World Wide Pet Industry Association has this advice:
Ask before petting. Poorly socialized dogs may bite if a stranger pets or approaches them.
Be cautious. Avoid petting a dog whose hair is standing up — a sign of anger, agitation or defensiveness.
Mind your manners. Avoid approaching a dog from behind or making loud or abrupt movements when approaching it. Animals tend not to like surprises.
Kid care. Children are the most common dog bite victims, and half of young victims are bitten on the face. Talk with kids about appropriate behavior around dogs, especially those they don’t know.
