We humans have been swapping things from time immemorial, ever since Ugg the caveman traded a shiny rock to his pal Bob for a chunk of meat.
And really, when you get right down to it, the swap is the basis of most economic systems, no matter how we may dress it up. Think about it: when you work at your job, don't you swap your time and energy for a paycheck?
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When it comes to saving money, nothing beats free -- which is why freecycling is on the rise. Basically, this is a formalized system of what people have been doing forever: giving away things they don't want to anyone who does want.
The Internet has made sharing free stuff easier than ever, and people have taken to it like ducks to water. Intrigued? Me too. Let's check it out.
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As with just about anything, you can find plenty of alternate uses for old socks if you'll just put your mind to it. In a recent article, we told you how you can use old cotton socks to make wicks for soda can emergency lamps, which is kind of cool. But that's just the beginning for socks you've otherwise worn to a frazzle.
Continue reading "Sox Appeal: New Uses for Old Socks" »
Junk mail. Marketing experts love to sing its praises, and they have a special term for it: direct mail. Apparently it's one of the most effective marketing methods ever -- even though most of us sort through it over the trashcan, rarely giving it a second thought.
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Natural fungicides for houseplants are a must, unless of course you prefer to have aerosolized chemical poisons contaminating your home's air supply. The only other option is not to have houseplants at all, which is almost as bad. Houseplants offer an excellent way to keep the air clean and oxygen-rich.
So where do you turn? Basically, to your kitchen. Some of the best mild fungicides in nature can be found in your spice rack: specifically, cinnamon and chamomile. Garlic also makes a good fungicide, but it's too rough for common indoor use, and who wants a house that reeks of garlic anyway?
Let's take a closer look at our natural fungicide options.
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If you want an easy way to get rid of lawn clippings and vegetable scraps while saving money on lawn and garden care, then you've got to try composting.
Many people seem to think that making compost is difficult, or the exclusive province of hippies and conservationists. Wrong! Just about anyone can compost, and it's about as tough as putting out the garbage. In this article, I'll tell you exactly how to do it.
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Composting with worms may not be for the faint of heart, but it's an excellent way to convert organic kitchen and lawn waste into rich, fertile compost for your garden. You fertilize your roses, save on landfill space, and save the Earth all at once -- and those are just a few of worm composting's good points.
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Oh, the convenience of plastic. Plastic bottles, plastic dishes, plastic straws, plastic utensils, plastic storage containers...you get the idea. Plastics have invaded our lives and we don't mind one bit. Why should we?
That's what Beth Terry of Oakland, California, used to think. After seeing a picture of an albatross chick full of plastic, it changed her life...
Continue reading "Just Say 'No' to Plastic" »
How good are you at recycling? For the sake of our environment, we all need to learn the basics about how to recycle and then become experts in this area. Here are 5 quick tips to help you get started and become a recycling superhero.
Continue reading "5 Tips to Becoming a Recycling Superhero" »
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