Green Living 101

Woman holding a globeMonica Buck

Simple ways to help save the planet, from cleaning with lemons to ditching paper plates for good.

Start-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.

View The Entire Checklist

How To: Make a Centerpiece with Takeout Containers

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Quick Tip

Even off, TVs can use as much as 40 watts an hour. Unplug them when you're away to cut your utility bill.

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