Expert Advice on Home Improvement

Over 500 billion disposable plastic shopping bags are used and discarded every year with less than 1% being recycled. Eliminate the need for disposable plastic bags by bringing reusable cloth bags with you to the store whenever you shop. Watch this video.

Showers account for almost a fourth of individual water use. Installing low-flow showerheads in your home saves both water and energy. For more ways to reduce the water you use, check out our article Water Conservation in the Home. Watch this video.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are harmful gases that can be emitted by some paints, solvents, cleaners, adhesives, furniture, and shelving. When using products that contain high levels of VOCs, open windows and turn on fans to provide plenty of fresh air. Better yet, purchase products labeled low or no VOC to reduce the level of volatile organic compounds in your home. Watch this video.

Up to 40% of the heat loss or gain in a home is due to leaks in the thermal envelope surrounding the living space. To save energy, make sure the attic has plenty of insulation, and fill any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, plumbing pipes, and HVAC lines. Installing foam gaskets behind switch and outlet covers is another good way to reduce air infiltration in your home. Watch this video.

To reduce the amount of energy used in your home, look for the Energy Star label when buying appliances, heating and cooling systems, electronics, and lighting for your home. In order to earn an Energy Star rating, products have to meet strict government standards for energy efficiency. If just 10% of homes in the U.S. switched to Energy Star appliances, it could reduce greenhouse gases the equivalent of planting 2 million acres of trees. Learn more about saving energy in your home by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy website. Watch this video.

The presence of mold in your home needs to be addressed as it can cause serious health problems, such as asthma and allergy attacks. However, many the harsh chemicals used to kill mold have health risks as well and require adequate ventilation when used. For a greener option, look for products that kill mold without using bleach, ammonia, or volatile organic compounds. Watch this video.

One way to save water is to install low-flow aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets. They can be installed in minutes by screwing them into the end of faucets. While most aerators limit water to three gallons per minute, low-flow models are available for around $5 that can reduce the flow to as little as one GPM. This can reduce faucet water usage by almost 60%. Aerators can save energy as well, since they use less hot water. Read in full.

Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient methods of watering, since it is delivered gradually and targets plants directly. This conserves water by minimizing waste through evaporation and overspray. Watch this video.

To keep mosquitoes away naturally, put celery in a juicer and rub or spray the liquid on your skin. Another natural option that works even better are products made from lemon eucalyptus oil such as Repel plant based insect repellent. Watch this video.

Adding compost to your soil is one of the best ways to improve your garden. Make a compost pile from a mixture of organic matter—such as leaves, grass clippings, vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Turn the pile once a week with a pitchfork to introduce oxygen, and keep it covered with plastic to hold in moisture and heat. Adding red worms to the pile will speed up the process, since they digest and process their body weight in organic matter every day. Watch this video.