Save me. . .
ENERGY
Simple savings. Eco Hatchery, a Wisconsin company that aims to make green living easier for the average homeowner, has released an Energy Efficiency Toolkit. With such items included as appliance energy monitors, refrigerator coil brushes, outlet switch sealers and water pipe insulation samples, these kits may save the average household $220 a year. Three types of kits are available; prices start at $50.
TIME
Key information. Wordlock () is a California-based company that makes locks that use letter and word combinations that can be set and reset by the user. The company reminds homeowners that summer is an ideal time to survey and update outdoor security needs. Wordlock products are available at Target, Kmart and Sears. Here are some of the areas around the house to pay especially close attention to:
Pools. Make sure fences surrounding private pools are gated with a functional lock to deny access to unsupervised children.
Tool sheds. Since these are prime targets for theft, make sure sheds are secured with weather-resistant padlocks.
Backyard and lawn equipment. The items that make backyards fun in the summer sometimes disappear, as they tend to be unsecured. A simple cable lock can help deter this kind of backyard theft.
Property fences. A padlock can ensure your privacy and keep out unwanted company.
SPACE
Laundry rooms done right. Amana, maker of the energy-efficient Tandem front-load washer/dryer system, believes doing laundry should never feel like a chore. Here are two ideas for making laundry rooms more fun. More at .
Control the chaos. Consider installing do-it-yourself shelves, hooks and cubbies in the laundry room to get clutter up off the floor.
Kick it up a notch. Step up the look of your laundry room by giving it a bold color such as red or aqua. Elana Ashanti Jefferson
