ArcaMax

Here’s a “Do Just One Thing” Hall of Fame tip. There are many unusual and clever tricks to keep squirrels from raiding the bird feeder in your backyard. But one simple item really works: red pepper flakes. Rodents like squirrels hate the spicy, sharp taste of red paper flakes and quickly learn to avoid stealing the seeds. Our feathered ...Read more

Here’s a simple way to save water: Stop pre-rinsing your dishes and cups before you put them in the dishwasher. Modern dishwashers are designed to be as energy- and water-efficient as possible, so they are a much greener option than washing by hand. And the dishwashing tablets we use today are also far more effective than detergents from the ...Read more

Adding mulch is a great way to lock in moisture and block sunlight so weeds don’t overtake your garden, but avoid over-mulching. If the mulch is too deep, it can create too sterile of an ecosystem that is normally fed by things like fallen leaves and other debris. Plus, birds often look for food like insects in the soil, and too much mulch can...Read more

It may seem odd as trees and shrubs lose their leaves, but fall is the ideal time to start planning for spring. While plants lose their vibrancy, the root systems actually are quite active underground. The National Wildlife Federation says fall is a great time to plant new trees and bushes (which are also usually steeply discounted at gardening ...Read more

Single-use plastics are a growing concern when it comes to pre-sliced cheese sold in supermarkets. To cut down on your plastic usage, try buying your cheese from the deli counter instead of from the refrigerated dairy section. You can get cheese cut from blocks and wrapped in wax paper to take home. At home, separate the cheese into smaller ...Read more

Yes, hardcover books are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs, but you have to do one thing before you discard them. Since books are made from 100% paper, all of the inside pages are easily recyclable, but the hardcover binding needs to be removed before you recycle them. Just tear the covers off and toss those into the trash before ...Read more

Every time you deposit a load of freshly washed clothing into the dryer, make it a habit to empty the lint trap. This one simple act actually improves the efficiency of your dryer by .5%. While this may not seem like a lot, it does help you save a little money and time. A clean lint trap means it takes less time to get your clothes dry. And it ...Read more

When you slice open an avocado, don’t toss the skin into the trash or compost just yet. Turns out the skin (which still has residual fruit) is rich in natural oils and is a fantastic beauty treatment for your skin. Just rub and massage the remnant avocado fruit and oils onto your face. The vitamin E and potassium help nourish dry skin. Even ...Read more

When a refrigerator stops cooling, you may automatically think it means you have to invest in a brand-new appliance. But before you take that pricey plunge, check a few things inside your refrigerator. First, is the gasket around the door of the fridge sealing properly? If cold air is leaking out, your appliance has to work harder. Is the ...Read more