HOME AND GARDEN
Smart solutions: Recycled-plastic pillow
Can’t say the notion of laying our sleepy head onto a pillow of recycled plastic pop bottles made us want to dive into bed. So, natch, we got an 8-year-old to give it a romp. Well, he gave it a nod, all right. Plopped down his noggin and snoozed the night away. Nary an odd, once-fiZZZy dream all night.By Barbara Mahany , November 15, 2009
Green tip: New uses for old jars
We all have them: leftover jars from spaghetti sauce, mustard, jams. Sure, you can recycle them, but can’t you use them for something?
Here’s a list of ways you can use your leftover jars beyond the recycling bin:
By William Diepenbrock , November 15, 2009
Eco-sensitive washing (and money saving, too)
This tip comes from The Road Less Traveled (www.roadlesstraveledstore.com) owner Delilah Snell. People always ask me about what to wash their clothes with. Nowadays, there are a number of great products that are not only eco-sensitive, but which can save you money and time.By William Diepenbrock , November 15, 2009
Couple shows you can live off the grid and be happy 
After a year of living with no indoor shower, dishwasher or central air-conditioning, an east Orange County, Fla., couple calls it an off-the-grid paradise.
By Rich McKay , November 08, 2009
Charge your cell phone using light, courtesy SunCore
SunCore is a little known Irvine, Calif.-based company that’s on the cusp of shipping some potentially revolutionary technology.
SunCore’s products charge cell phones using light.
That’s “light” power and not “solar” power.
By Ian Hamilton , November 01, 2009
10 books and DVDs for your baby’s eco-library
If you want your little ones to grow up to be eco-conscious adults, start teaching them to take care of the planet right from the start. After all, learning the 3 R’s should be just as important as learning your ABC’s and 1-2-3s, right? Help your child be an ace on the environment with the best books and DVDs to instill eco-messages.
By Julie Knapp , October 18, 2009
Snip a shirt and repurpose
Don’t toss those old, stained, outgrown or just too-plain tops. With a few scissor snips, they can be transformed into a handy tote, a cute cut-flower tee or a stylish scarf.
By Disney FamilyFun magazine , October 18, 2009
Gadgets: Kodak Zi8 takes great video for less than $200
Kodak’s Zi8 video camera is outstanding, but to me, what makes it great compared with similar models from other manufacturers is the unlimited amount of storage.
By Gregg Ellman , October 11, 2009
EnergyStar ratings systems may be in need of major updates
In a sea of energy-guzzling consumer products, the government’s EnergyStar sticker is a beacon of light for many energy-conscious consumers. But that little blue square with a star on it might not be so bright after all, according to Consumer Reports, which claims that the decades-old program is in need of some major upgrades.
By Jessica Knoblauch , October 11, 2009
DARREL KOEHLER: Have no fear, there’ll be plenty of pumpkins for Halloween
Pumpkins, traditional round, orange fruits, take center stage every October. Local grocery stores and other outlets, including roadside stands, are decked out with piles of these golden orbs of autumn.
By Darrel Koehler , October 11, 2009
DARREL KOEHLER: Fall chores
October is a time to celebrate the serene beauty of autumn with its golden sunlight, brisk air, crackling leaves and flaming palette. Besides enjoying the fleeting days of autumn, we are busy with getting our produce safely stored, cleaning up fall debris and preparing for the winter that’s just down the road. We also are bombarded with household tasks including washing and placing on storm windows and doors, winterizing and getting the furnace serviced for the grueling heating season ahead.
By Darrel Koehler , October 04, 2009
DARREL KOEHLER: Raspberry patches can be renovated any time from late summer until late March
The single biggest stress facing trees over much of the state has been the exceptionally dry weather early in the growing season in recent years. Other stresses include insect damage and, construction damage caused by compacted soil.
By Darrel Koehler , September 27, 2009
DARREL KOEHLER: Autumn is perfect time to visit public gardens
Few cities have one truly outstanding garden, but this city long famous for its granite has a “two-fer.” Sitting next to one another are the Munsinger Gardens and the Clemens Gardens.
Both gardens are located on the east bank of the Mississippi River, across from St. Cloud State University, and they have been attracting visitors for years, especially gardeners who want to pick up some new ideas. The gardens are often filled with wedding parties who want to use the rich floral background in their keepsake photos.
By Darrel Koehler , September 20, 2009
DARREL KOEHLER: Time to get lawn into shape
While our dry summer, coupled with a late spring warm-up, hasn’t been kind to our lawns, early autumn is the ideal time to repair the damage.
Lawns got off to a rough start last spring after the severe winter. The summer was on the cool side — normally ideal for grass — but rainfall often was in short supply. Fortunately, we didn’t have lots of scorching heat, but most weeks we didn’t receive the inch of rainfall normally needed for good lawn development. Weeds were a problem.
By Darrel Koehler , September 06, 2009
DARREL KOEHLER: Bulb planting time
With summer soon but a memory as crickets chirp, days lengthen and temperatures drop, it’s time to think about planting. While most gardeners think of spring as the time to do major planting in their yards, we can do more in autumn and get a jump on 2010.
By Darrel Koehler , August 30, 2009
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