Green Living 101
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Monica BuckSimple ways to help save the planet, from cleaning with lemons to ditching paper plates for good.
- 66 All-Natural Cleaning SolutionsTackle countless chores with common household items (like toothpaste and salt).
- 25 Easy Ways to Help Save the PlanetHere's how to do your part for the environment (with hardly any effort).
- How Green Are You?Check out Real Simple's carbon facts to see exactly how your (small) actions can make a (big) difference.
- Eco-Friendly Entertaining GearPlan your next party with the planet in mind.
Little Ways to Make a Difference
9 Ways to Save Water
10 Unexpected Natural Cleaners
Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly 
How to Grow Salad Greens
How You Help the Environment
The Best Compact Fluorescent BulbsStart-a-Garden Checklist
Whether you’re itching to plant azaleas or zucchini―or something in between―you need to do a little handiwork before you begin. Here’s what you need to know.
- Assess your exposure. If you are planting vegetables, keep in mind that most need at least eight hours of full sun every day. Flowers and other decorative plants have different sunlight needs, depending on their type. Study what sort of light your yard gets during the day, particularly noting the sunny and shady areas.
- Designate your planting areas. You need a plan before you plant. A four-by-four-foot plot of land is a good start for vegetables. For flowers, decide where you’d like to dig the beds.
- Consider a fence. Fences are especially important if you are planting vegetables (although some flowering plants may be enticing to critters, too). Build it before you plant the garden, so rabbits or raccoons never get a glimpse (or a taste) of that lettuce.
How To: Make a Centerpiece with Takeout Containers
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Even off, TVs can use as much as 40 watts an hour. Unplug them when you're away to cut your utility bill.
