Money
Free school clothes
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, limited-income families can drop by the Volunteers of America Mission, 2877 Lawrence St., to pick up a free kids clothing voucher and then schedule a time “to shop” as part of the 9News Stuff for Students campaign. This “Back to School Clothing Giveaway” also is sponsored by ARC Thrift Stores and Crocs. For more information, call the VOA Mission at 303-297-0408.
Energy
Autumn efficiency tips
A outlined three easy steps that homeowners can take before the snow flies to ensure their nest remains warm and snug all winter long. They are:
1. Sealing windows. This weekend project is especially apropos for homes that are more than a decade old. Experts estimate the energy savings as between 10 and 15 percent.
2. Insulating attic doors. This also can help prevent ice damming along the roof during extreme cold weather.
3. Conducting mini-inspections. Change out heating and cooling filters, and consider a professional furnace survey. Also, watch your bill or the website for applicable savings incentive programs; the federal program also funds some energy-efficient home upgrades.
Space
A few things to reuse
“Remember how grandma used to smooth out her used silver paper … and store it in a drawer for reuse?” Lisa Bedford writes in “Survival Mom: How to prepare your family for everyday disasters and worst-case scenarios” (Harper One). “Well, that’s not such a bad idea anymore, is it?”
Among the common household products, besides aluminum foil, that this author deems worthy of a second or third or even fourth life:
• Plastic soda bottles, which can be washed out to use as water bottles or for dry-good storage.
• Glass jars with lids, which also can be washed out and reused to store other food. Ditto for resealable plastic bags.
• Empty tuna-fish cans and milk cartons, along with old Popsicle sticks, come in especially handy for kids’ craft projects. Elana Ashanti Jefferson, The Denver Post
