ArcaMax

Broccoli is considered a super-vegetable by many nutritionists, since the heads are nutrient-dense in vitamins B1, B6, E, calcium, iron, niacin and zinc. But did you know broccoli leaves aren't just edible and nutrient-rich, but really delicious, too? As nutritious as kale, broccoli leaves shouldn't be tossed into the trash. Just wash and treat ...Read more

Did you know there's a right way to water houseplants? First, don't overwater; just stick your finger about 1 inch down in the soil. If it's very dry, the plant needs water. Then determine what type of tap water you have at home. If it's chlorinated -- most towns use chlorine to clean water -- fill your water pitcher with tap water and let it ...Read more

Carpeting is one of the top items sent to landfills every year. If you have wall-to-wall carpet that you want to replace because it looks old and faded, consider hiring someone to re-dye it instead. Yes, you can dye carpet! A trained technician can make your old carpet look brand-new. You can have the carpet dyed to match the original color, or ...Read more

It's fine to reuse potting soil if the plants that were growing in it were healthy and had no signs of disease or pests. But if you're unsure, you can sterilize it yourself to get it ready for reuse. Start by removing all the roots, debris and any rotting material in the soil. Then fill a black plastic garbage bag with the soil and tie it shut. ...Read more

Are you planning to host a large outdoor party where beer will be offered? While beer bottles and cans are recyclable, you can go one step further to green your backyard affair. Consider renting a keg of beer, which eliminates the waste of beverage containers. A full keg holds 31 gallons, but you can also order half kegs if you're having a ...Read more

Do you have a pool and need to dispose of old water? Start by letting it naturally dechlorinate -- remove the cover and avoid adding any chemicals so the chlorine can dissipate. Test the water to ensure chlorine levels are at zero and the pH is between 6.5 and 8.5. Once it’s safe, you can drain the water onto your lawn, landscaping or mulched ...Read more

This is a good time to look at trees and shrubs for sale at your local nursery and plant them in your yard. Early fall is an ideal time for most climates, because it's an "in-between" weather season where it's still warm enough for a new plant to thrive, but not so hot that it could easily wither. Planting now will help ensure the roots are well...Read more

When choosing paint to use indoors, look for semi-gloss or satin finishes instead of flat paint. The slight sheen helps reflect more light off the walls from light fixtures, so you can use fewer lights and lower-wattage bulbs to save energy. When buying paint, you can avoid overbuying by using an online paint calculator to help you purchase the ...Read more

When it's time to collect leaves from the yard, avoid a leaf blower and use a rake. Yes, it's great exercise, but it's also better for your lawn. While you rake up the leaves, you're removing dead blades of grass. It also removes matted grass clumps, which helps create a healthier and better-looking lawn. Add the leaves to your compost pile or ...Read more