TIPS for a Greener Kitchen

Today's modern kitchen is more than simply a place to prepare food, it's fast become a common area that the whole family enjoys, a place of entertainment. There are several ways to help keep this space happy and healthy, not only for your family and friends but also the planet. From floor to ceiling, the kitchen is a perfect spot to start to help optimize the green friendliness of your home.

Follow these tips!

Change your light bulbs – Replace the bulbs in your kitchen with LED or CFL light bulbs. Lower energy use and cost!

Shop and eat locally – You will help your local businesses as well as reduce your family's carbon footprint.

Reduce Waste – Think before you throw something into the trash. 70% of most all household and yard waste can be composted or recycled. We have all the tools to recycle it all here in Ottawa, so please use them.

Turn off the power – Either unplug when not in use or plug electronics such as microwaves and coffee makers to a power bar and turn it off when your not using them.

If you can't do them by hand, load up that Dishwasher – Dishwashers and laundry machines are most efficient when they are run fully loaded. You'll use up to 35% less water by doing a full load of dishes, and prevent energy waste from water heating.

Use Energy Star® – The government's Energy Star label is on more than 40 different kinds of products for the home, such as lighting and appliances. These products will save energy and reduce gas emmissions.

Cabinets – If you are considering a home renovation, opt in for formaldehyde-free adhesives and solvent-free stains or coatings. Cabinetry is the greatest source of formaldehyde emissions in the home.

Please take the time to review the energy efficiency and green friendliness of your home.

A few tips to be rid of Closet Clutter

Have you found yourself slowly becoming a bit of a hoarder? Fearing that you might soon end up on tv for keeping your ragged old clothes that you used to hold dear to you, and now just seem to be taking up space?

Fall is the perfect time to clean out your home. Cleaning out your closets regularly will save you time and energy and keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the task later on. Also if your closets are packed full, then you may hesitate to update your wardrobe.

Here are some tips to help you organize and unclutter your closet:

- If you haven't worn them in over a year, you're not going to, get rid of them.
- Put your out of season clothes in storage.

- If you're not sure about whether to keep some clothes or not, try them on, it will help make a decision.
- Buy good hangers: wire hangers don’t give good support and leave marks on your clothes.
If space permits, add a bar for shirts and pants, or a closet organizer.

When you clean your closets on a regular basis, you may find you don’t need some of the clothing you thought you did. And you’ll actually wear and enjoy the clothes you do have. Take the clothes to a clothing drive or donate them to others that still can enjoy them, it will make you feel really good about a hard decision.

What’s more, cleaning out your closets is a small but important step towards clearing the way to move into your next home. Remember your last move? Rememeber how you said you hated packing? Get rid of the clothes now that you don't really need. If you’d like more information on getting rid of clutter in your home, please don’t hesitate to email or call.