Lifestyle Trends

Is going green worth it?

You've stopped buying bottled water, opting instead for a reusable bottle you carry everywhere you go. When you go shopping, your list leans toward the organic and recycled. But when you get home, going "green" seems a lot more daunting. Read More

Looking to make your home more livable and still save money? Rely on natural light

You can use natural light to enhance your home's livability, not to mention your mood. Bringing ample natural light into your house can also help trim utility bills by reducing your dependence on electricity to power artificial lighting, and gas or oil to heat your home. Read More

Help your kids turn your house into a green zone

As a parent, you'd like your home, community, and children's schools to be greener. Going green doesn't have to be difficult, time-consuming or expensive. In fact, a smart and savvy parent can go green and save green at the same time. Here are a few easy ways you can change the world for the better, and even have fun while you're at it. Read More

A sustainable bathroom saves water and money

With so many products claiming to be green these days, it's hard to know which ones are the real deal. A great indicator for certified sustainability in the bathroom is the WaterSense label, which is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By learning how (and which) products meet the criteria, you can easily incorporate the best - and most eco-friendly - products into your bath. Read More

Boosting home energy efficiency: Improvements that feel good and save money

A long-term investment in improved energy efficiency can make sound dollar sense for your family. Energy-efficient home improvements can help reduce energy use, lower utility bills and cut your home's environmental impact. Read More

Tips for keeping your garden truly organic

The trend for gardening at home continues to grow - and people are taking a particular interest in raising their flowers and vegetables organically. With such prominent figures as Michelle Obama taking public initiatives in organic gardening, more and more products that cater to the trend are appearing. Read More

What's your water footprint and why is it critical for you reduce it?

What's the one natural resource you rely on most in a day? If you think about it from the first things you do in the morning, to the chores you do, to the last things you do to wrap up your day, you'll likely conclude it's water. We use it for showering, brushing teeth, flushing the toilet, washing dishes, cleaning, cooking, drinking and more - without water, we'd be lost. The problem is, high demand is leading to concerns about water shortages. With fresh water supplies diminishing because of misuse and pollution, the worldwide water crisis will eclipse many other environmental issues in the coming years. That's why it's so important to learn what your water footprint is and how you can begin reducing it now. Read More

Save money with green renovations and creative decorating

The idea of doing home renovations in order to save money may seem like an oxymoron. However, that's exactly what green renovations are supposed to do. By purchasing energy-efficient appliances, windows, doors and more, your energy costs will decrease, and you can save significant amounts of money. Read More

Three tips to make your utility meter run backward

(ARA) - What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child's college savings. Read More

The environmental benefits of soft water

When you think of soft water, the first thing that probably comes to mind is lustrous, easy-to-manage hair. Another benefit is washing clothes in the water leaves them softer and saves a significant amount of detergent. Best of all, when cleaning, you don't get that ugly bathtub ring. By eliminating hard water minerals, you can see health and cosmetic benefits as well as reduce the maintenance costs associated with scale buildup in home plumbing. Read More