Thinking about making your windows more energy efficient? First, start by examining your current windows to find cost-effective ways to make them more airtight, like weatherstripping or adding storm windows. If you decide to replace your windows, explore all your … Read More
Black plastic take out containers are not recyclable because scanners at recycling facilities cannot detect dark colors. “Wishcycling” them into the green recycling bin means they will get improperly sorted and end up mixed with other recyclable materials, where workers … Read More
From leaf blowers to lawnmowers, reduce your home’s carbon footprint by swapping out your gas-powered lawn equipment with battery-powered equipment and get a $30-75 rebate. Battery-powered lawn equipment is lighter, easier to maneuver and requires less maintenance. Plus, making the … Read More
Our food choices have a direct effect on the health of our environment and those who grow and harvest what we eat. That’s why food labeled “organic” is the right choice. In addition to serious health questions linked to actual … Read More
Bad news – you cannot recycle beer toppers, the plastic holders that hold cans of beer together, in the green curbside recycling carts. Because they are flat, they slip through the sorting machines at the recycling facility and contaminate other … Read More
When you put bags of textiles into a blue Helpsy bin in Newton or request a curbside pick up, items are taken to a processing facility where they are sorted and graded. The higher grades are resold to thrift stores … Read More
Replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows that have high-performance glass may be cost effective, but you could also consider installing low emissivity (low-e) storm windows. Installing interior or exterior energy-efficient storm windows that are rated by the Attachment Energy Rating … Read More
Fireplace flues are made from metal, and over time, repeated heating and cooling can cause the metal to warp or break, creating a channel for air loss. To seal your flue when not in use, consider an inflatable chimney balloon. … Read More
There has been a lot of talk in the news lately about the health hazards of gas stoves. Not only does cooking with gas generate methane, there can be particulates in the gas that reduce your indoor air quality. If … Read More
Film plastic includes everything from plastic mailers, plastic grocery bags, bread bags, bubble wrap and newspaper bags to shrink wrap and product overwrap. Some kinds of film plastic can be recycled at retail stores, where they are made into composite lumber and woven … Read More
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