January 7
To keep heat from escaping your home at this coldest season of the year, check these areas: dryer vents, windows, under entry doors, gaps around electrical outlets and bathroom / kitchen pipes. For details on remedies to these air leaks, visit familyhandyman.com/skills/ smart-homeowner/energy-saving-tips
January 14
To help conserve water, remember: (1) run your dishwasher and washing machine only when you have full loads, (2) up to 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes goes to heating the water. A warm wash and cold rinse will work just as well as a hot water wash and a warm rinse on nearly all clothes.
January 21
Earth friendly eating: production of fruits and vegetables is generally better for the planet than meat production. Not a vegetarian? Keep in mind: the production of meat from smaller animals, such as pork and chicken, results in a considerably lower demand on our natural resources than that of beef cattle. Also: in meal preparation, slow cooking maintains food’s nutritional content while using very little energy.
January 28
“Green Friendly” Laundry stain removers: Fruit and Wine: Immediately pour salt or cold soda water on the stain and soak in milk before washing. In general, it is a good idea to keep some soda water in the fridge as a stain remover. Ink: Soak in milk or remove with hydrogen peroxide. Remember to check your fabrics for color-fastness before applying any stain treatment method.