space
Less clutter, more peace. HGTV designer Libby Langdon is the author of “Small Space Solutions” (Globe Pequot Press). She always begins a space makeover by throwing away unnecessary items. Here are some of Langdon’s tips for eliminating clutter. Look for more of her space solutions at .
Decide which room is your biggest dilemma and begin there. This will help you stay focused.
Set a timer for an hour, put on some great music, light a scented candle and know that when the timer goes off, you can stop or keep going. Most people keep going because it feels so good to get rid of unneccesary things.
Make one garbage bag a “donate” bag and one a “pitch” or “trash” bag. Shred old office documents and papers.
Find a home for what’s left. Everything should have a place, but not every place should have a thing.
Be diligent about putting things back in their “home.”
Create an emergency clutter holder in a high-traffic area like the kitchen or entry area to keep mail and small essentials from cluttering countertops and passageways. Empty it regularly.
energy
Eco-minded lawn care. Simple adjustments to lawn care can make the chores more earth-friendly, according to John Deere. The company recommends these responsible landscaping practices.
Mow only the top third of the grass blade. Higher heights usually look better, provide for a deeper root system and help prevent weeds.
A sharp blade is key to a well-manicured lawn. Sharp lawnmower blades produce clean cuts, and clean cuts promote better grass health.
Regular maintenance, including an engine tune-up, can cut a mower’s fuel consumption up to 30 percent and emissions by up to 50 percent.
