Want to go green? These 3 energy choices have big impact
This Earth Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is celebrating climate action, partnering with companies and organizations that are leading the way to a clean energy future and a healthier planet by investing in energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR and green power with the Green Power Partnership. Companies that partner with EPA through these programs make investments that are good for their bottom line and good for the communities they serve. Earth Day is the ideal time to follow their example and join the celebration by exploring ways you and your family can make a difference.Purchasing renewable energy, choosing ENERGY STAR certified products, or driving an electric vehicle (EV) are three ways you can make smart energy choices that help the environment. Learn more at energystar.gov/earthday.1. Tap into green powerGreen power has never been more available with options expanding every day. Wind power provides the largest renewable generation capacity in the United States today,… READ MORE
The Ultimate How-To for Homebuyers: Key Considerations to Make When Purchasing a Home
Purchasing your first home is one of life’s most thrilling milestones. Whether you prefer an urban loft or a sprawling suburban dwelling, most homeowners hope to find a home that feels tailor-made to their specific lifestyle needs and design preferences. Still, searching for the perfect place comes with a big list of considerations, and you will want to ensure that the choices you make will keep you happy for years to come. Here are a few major factors every first-time homebuyer should consider before making the big purchase.1. Must-have amenitiesOnce you make the decision to buy your first home, it’s all about refining your wish list. Unlike rentals, you now have an opportunity to make your forever mark — and you shouldn’t be afraid to create a sizeable list of must-haves. Everyone’s list of dream features is different — some may opt for outdoor living areas, while others hope for big bonus rooms or smart home capabilities. If you are a newlywed shopping for your first home, make sure… READ MORE
Your first line of defense in home safety
You check your alarms regularly and practice your emergency escape plan — but are you overlooking an essential component of home safety? Having fire extinguishers — and knowing how to use them — is an important part to help ensure your home and family are prepared for the unexpected.“A fire starts in a residential home every 86 seconds in the U.S. — and the rapid protection offered by fire extinguishers can make the difference between minor, insignificant damage and greater tragedy,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety. “Fire extinguishers are an important first line of defense in home safety, therefore it is important to know how to use one should a fire break out.”To practice whole home safety and help ensure your family is prepared in case of fire, follow these tips on fire extinguishers in the home:Keep it within reach.Unattended cooking is the number one cause of home fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection… READ MORE
Perfecting your imperfect pantry: Tips to achieve inner calm through an organized space
When you open your kitchen pantry, is it streamlined and tidy or more cluttered and chaotic? The state of your home impacts your state of mind, so getting better organized in the kitchen can help you feel calmer in other parts of life. Cleaning and organizing our homes gives us something we can control when we can’t control much of the rest of the world — even with a space as small as a pantry. Stylist, interior designer and TV host Emily Henderson has a few tricks for keeping her pantry clean and user-friendly. As a mother to two small children, she knows clean cupboards are key to keeping her family life from getting too chaotic. Here are her favorite ways to refresh and rearrange pantries and cupboards, to maximize space no matter its size and give your kitchen a more beautiful look: Buy in bulk: This saves on packaging waste and offers a better glimpse of what foods you have and how much. Plus, this helps prevent last-minute runs to the store for a missing ingredient when you're in… READ MORE
4 foolproof ways to add value to your home
Fluctuating interest rates and an ever-changing housing market have inspired many homeowners to reimagine their space, ...
5 top tactics for getting organized this spring
Along with the change in seasons comes the desire to start anew, with a fresh, clean slate. But before you deep clean, ...
Natural inspiration: 5 ways to maximize the goodness of gardening
- Did you know gardening can have a significant, positive impact on people's lives? During the pandemic, 18 million new ...