Spring Home Improvement 2015

Spring

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Go green Eco-friendly advice in and out of your home

Change it up

Remodeling, home decor trends for 2015

GET OUT!

Lawn care, garden tips to prepare for summer

Spring Cleaning

Spruce up your home with warmer weather Supplement to Leader Publications • 2015

WHAT’S INSIDE 2

Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

SPRING CLEANING

page 3

LAWN & GARDEN

page 6

GOING GREEN

page 12

RENOVATIONS

page 18

Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

SPRING CLEANING • 3

SPRING CLEANING Maid service offers tips for getting the house in tip top shape

By TIM MOSIER Tim.Mosier@yahoo.com There is literally nothing as refreshing as spring is. There is nothing like those 45-degree days in late February/early March, when the cold finally breaks and gives way to the warmth of the sun and longer days. Possibly one of the greatest things about spring is being able to refresh your home.

Every year millions of families shut down their fire places, take the plastic off of their windows and start the daunting task that is spring cleaning. With just a few helpful tips, spring cleaning can make your home smell better, look better and germ free.

Organizing closets According to Nicole Lehman, manager of The Maids cleaning service in South Bend, Cleaning out the closets in bedrooms and hallways is a good place to start cleaning in the spring. Switching out winter wardrobes from summer clothes will free up a lot of extra space and take away a lot of the clutter in closets.

Cleaning vents and registers Air vents (especially if only used for air conditioning and are not being used in winter months) collect dirt and dust. When they are turned on the dust gets blown into the air the people living in the home breath.

According to Lehman, these vents must be cleaning thoroughly cleaned.

“Use your vacuum with the brush attachment to get the dust out. Then, remove metal vents from the wall and wash them in warm soapy water, dry them and reattach,” Lehman said in an email between cleaning jobs.

Vacuum and rotate mattress According to Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America, throughout its life a single dust mite may produce as much as 200 times its body weight in waste and the average mattress in America contains anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000 dust mites. Add the fact that dust mite allergies are the most common allergy in adults in America and there is a great reason to buy a

Are your cleaning products safe?

new mattress. For people who do not live in an extremely dry climate, there is no realistic way to rid a home of dust mites completely.

However, according to Lehman, vacuuming mattresses can help reduce the number of live dust mites and collect the remains of dead mites.

Ceiling fans and light fixtures Lehman said it can be fairly easy to forget about the dust that collects on the top of the blades of a ceiling fan and inside light covers.

It is good to take those down and clean them every few months and not just the next time you have to change a light bulb. According to Lehman, any kind of glass cleaner should work.

Those worried about using chemicals can use a wash cloth and warm, soapy water.

Families with Pets There are some pet owners out there that have their little furry family members groomed monthly, but for most families, grooming the dog is one of those things that falls towards the bottom of the list of things to do.

After a long winter, it is important to brush pets frequently to get off some of the extra fur.

Then, all that is left is a nice, soapy bath with your choice of flea/tick repellant and its time for spring.

(StatePoint) Do you know what ingredients are in the cleaning products you buy? Probably not, as there are no federal governmental regulations requiring companies to disclose their contents. But harsh chemicals can take their toll on the indoor air quality of your home, are harmful to the environment and may irritate eyes and skin.

So how can you learn more about the cleaning products you plan to purchase? Luckily, certain retailers are making it easier for consumers to make informed decisions. For example, in 2011 Whole Foods Market introduced the Eco-Scale Rating System, which are the first household cleaner standards offered by a retailer.

This season, don’t just spring clean your home; take stock of your cleaners and clean up your entire act. By opting for green cleaning products, you can help make your home a safer, healthier place. Here’s how: • Do an audit: Take a look at the cleaning products you currently own. Just because a brand or product is well known does not make it a healthy option. A quick Internet search can reveal the safety attributes of a product’s ingredients -- so long as the manufacturer has chosen to disclose ingredients. Toss anything problematic and make a shopping list of what you need to replace.

• Full disclosure: Avoid cleaning products that don’t disclose what ingredients they use. Look for brands that make it easy for you to know what ingredients are being used in the product you’re purchasing.

• Be informed: Know what ingredients to avoid entirely. Harsh ingredients like formaldehyde and chlorine can still be found in cleaning products today. Take a look at the list of more than 40 ingredients that aren’t allowed in Whole Foods Market’s cleaning products, including chlorine, formaldehyde, phosphates, phthalates and triclosan.

• Lock-up: No matter the contents of your cleaners, it’s good practice to keep them stored in a safe place, such as a locked cabinet. Young children and pets should not be able to access your cleaning products supply.

• Do it yourself: A quick and easy way to know exactly what’s in your cleaning products is to make them yourself. Luckily, only a few inexpensive ingredients are needed to make your own allpurpose cleaner. Simply mix one part water with one part vinegar, add a few drops of your favorite pure essential oil, and you have an all-purpose spray. Baking soda is another great cleaner that has a mild scrubbing power and helps combat odors.

D

4 • SPRING CLEANING Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

Time-saving

spring cleaning tips for outdoor spaces

(StatePoint) It’s time to prep your home’s outdoor spaces for the season ahead. From the yard to the garage to the deck, getting these areas tidy is all part of a thorough spring clean.

Here are some tips to make the process faster and easier.

De-Clutter Your Workspace Your shed, your garage, your toolbox — it’s time to take stock of what you’re storing in these key areas. Broken tools, piles of junk — these are items that will get in your way and slow you down all season long. So before you get to the nitty gritty of your outdoor spring clean, take the time to organize your workspace.

Throw out what is junk, donate what you aren’t using, and organize the rest into categories.

Vertical storage can save crucial room, so install tall shelves and use walls and the ceiling to install organizational systems.

Now is also a great opportunity to perform routine maintenance on your lawn equipment and tools to improve their efficiency.

Identify Multitasking Tools Check out innovations on old tools that can make your versatile workload easier. For example, you can upgrade your conventional pressure washer for a newer model with more diverse functionality

Remember, different surfaces require different cleaning techniques. Whether you’re cleaning up tough mold and mildew stains from your deck or patio or washing the more delicate surface of your car, you can switch modes or apply soap directly from the nozzle. This feature eliminates the need for switching attachments or walk-

ing back to the pressure washer, making an afternoon of diverse to-dos manageable.

Do Smart Yard Maintenance If you have a larger yard, consider a riding mower to save time and energy on lawn maintenance. Remember not to over mow your lawn. Not only is it not healthy for the grass, it

can be a time suck and increase your carbon footprint needlessly. Likewise, only water your lawn and garden when necessary. During periods of rain, you can ease up on this chore.

The most efficient times of day to water your lawn are morning.

When the sun is strongest, you will lose more water to evaporation and your work will be for

naught. By changing up your lawn care habits, you can save time all season.

While working outdoors can be fun, don’t spend more time than you need to on your household spring cleaning tasks. Finding simple ways to be more efficient will give you more time to enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces.

DIY Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

HOME UPKEEP

(METRO) Despite other intentions, homeowners often turn their garages into storage centers for random, little-used items, leaving little to no room for the tools and even vehicles that actually belong in a garage.

Such homeowners may turn to sheds to store their garage overflow and keep yard equipment at the ready, but storage sheds are not immune to clutter, and homeowners may find the very structure erected to keep them organized requires a bit of organization itself.

A well-organized shed can save homeowners time and energy, as it’s easy to abandon or delay a project if you can’t find that pair of work gloves you stashed. The first step to any organizing project is to take everything out of the shed and determine just what needs to go back in. Items that do not belong in the shed should be moved to their rightful locations or tossed in the trash if they’re no longer needed. Make a pile of anything that will be kept, a separate one for donations and a third for garbage. Take inventory of what you have so you know whether you’re missing any items or you have something and do not need to purchase another.

Now that the entire shed is empty, you can assess just how much room you have. Utilizing vertical and overhead space effectively can free up areas on the floor for larger equipment.

Shelving, racks, pegboards and any other materials that enable you to hang or store items off the floor are good investments. Visit your nearby home improvement retailer to find items that can simplify your storage. You also may be able to put scrap wood to use to make your own storage shelves or a work bench. Extra kitchen cabinets can be installed in the shed to organize additional items.

In order to remember where items go, label or sort them accordingly. Some people like to take organization a step further by tracing the outline of tools

hung on the wall so they can be placed back in the same spot after use. This also serves as a visual reminder of which tools are missing and which ones need to be purchased.

Don’t forget to utilize shed doors as additional storage space. Hang frequently used tools, such as rakes and shovels, on the inside of the doors so

SPRING CLEANING • 5

Tips for organizing your garage to maximize space

they will always be easily accessible.

You also can repurpose storage solutions designed for other areas of the home. For example, magnetic knife holders can be mounted to a shed wall to keep paintbrushes organized. These holders also can be used to keep many small metal tools tidy.

Metal funnels can hold twine

and string. Thread through the narrow end of the funnel for a handy dispenser.

Keep dangerous substances off the floor and out of reach.

Gasoline, chemical fertilizers and other potentially dangerous substances should be stored high up to keep pets and children safe.

Make sure the shed floor is

sturdy and level. This makes it easier to neatly store larger items. Roll in the lawnmower, wheelbarrow and any other cumbersome items. Now that more things are mounted vertically, you should find that you have more area to move around.

Taking the time to clean and organize a shed can help make anyone more productive.

6 • LAWN & GARDEN Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

Have it made

in the shade

Plenty of options to keep the sun out of your backyard this spring and summer (BPT) — In the midst of the winter we love to think of the summer as this idyllic time when we live barefoot under the sky and everything is perfect and beautiful.

Then when the summertime comes, we find ourselves complaining about too much sun, being too hot or bugs and stay inside in the cool air conditioning to avoid them.

The good news is you can create a cool, shady and even bug-free spot for yourself, no matter the size of your outdoor space or your wallet.

Natural tree shade Before building a patio or deck canopies, take another look at your yard. Perhaps nature has a solution. If you don’t have a nice tree already, consider planting one. Trees provide natural canopy, especially during the summer when they have the most leaves.

If that is not an option or you want to enjoy shade while your newly planted tree is growing, take a good look at your backyard and think of how and when you want to use the space, which will help you pick the right solution.

Umbrellas A freestanding umbrella, grouped with a table or a chair, will provide shade for alfresco dining or a morning coffee. Also, a bright umbrella can add a splash of color to your home’s exterior. Most umbrellas can be easily moved, so you can block the hot sun from any direction or stow it away when not in use.

keep the bugs out, and/or to provide additional sun protection. This option gives you a useful space no matter the weather, year round.

Cabana For a tropical option at a fraction of the cost, go with a cabana that you can pick up at most outdoor furniture stores. Customize your piece with outdoor fabrics in colors or patterns that match the style of your home. Pack it up and store it when the weather turns cold or if you’re expecting a storm.

Retractable Awning Motorized retractable awnings are a great adaptable option, which allow you to enjoy the sun or shade, whenever you choose, at a press of a button. Maximize energy savings by having your awning react to the weather or a schedule set by you. Automatic sensors will also protect your awning during high winds or rain by retracting it.

Shade “sails” Tension fabric shade sails can be ready-made or custom designed. Select durable material and make sure that the cloth is pitched to allow rainwater to fall off of it. Water that collects in the middle of the cloth sail can stretch the fabric or damage the system. Design it so you can easily take down the fabric canopy and store it for the winter, especially in climates that get ice and snow.

Covered patio If you already have a covered patio or are adding one to your home, consider integrated, automated screens to

Pergola For a more traditional and permanent option consider a custom-made pergola. They can provide a real sense of having a room outside that is either open to the sky, air and nature, or fitted with an automated system of fabric or slats. You can also screen the sides of your pergola for added privacy or insect protection.

Think low maintenance materials such as acrylic trim boards, fiberglass columns and woods such as ipe and redwood. This way you can enjoy your pergola rather than spending time cleaning, scraping and painting it.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

LAWN & GARDEN • 7

PLANT A GARDEN

from scratch

(StatePoint) Planting a garden from scratch can sound like a daunting task, especially for those who are new to the hobby. But with the right knowledge, you can plan a successful, fruitful green space and expect to have a great harvest.

One way to get a head start on your garden is to start your seedlings indoors and then transplant them later into an outdoor garden. This time-tested technique can save you hundreds of dollars annually, as young plants at a nursery can be pricey.

Here are some tips and tricks to make the most of this method: • Don’t start your indoor plants too soon. They can grow in about four weeks or less if you use a high-quality garden starter. Check seed packages to learn when to plant outdoors in your area, and then start them indoors one month earlier

to your transplanting date outdoors.

• Consider using a seed-starting system that takes some of the gardening guesswork out of the equation. For example, the Aerogarden Seed Starting system allows you to start up to 66 seedlings indoors with no dirt or mess, nurturing seeds with optimal amounts of water and nutrients for reliable germination and healthy growth.

• Add new nutrients to the seedlings every two weeks and keep the water at full level. Feeding your plants more than the recommended amount will not make them grow faster. In fact, it could hurt the plants.

• Before transplanting, seedlings need to be hardened off. Skipping this step will almost certainly result in some or all of your plants dying. Hardening off

seedlings eases their transition to the outdoors, where they will be exposed to the elements. The process involves gradually exposing plants to the outdoors, protecting them from full sunlight, temperature variations and wind.

• Don’t let sprouts get too big before transplanting them outdoors. Ideally they should be about 4-6 inches tall. If possible, wait to plant your seedlings on a cool, cloudy day. If your seedlings get too large before weather will allow transplanting outdoors, transplant them into small pots with high quality potting soil. Keep fully

watered in a sunny space until weather permits transplanting outdoors.

• After transplanting seedlings outdoors, be sure to water them daily for the first two weeks, especially if the weather is dry and sunny.

• Save and reuse your seed starter tray for the next season. Once the spring plants have been transplanted outdoors, you will be free to get a head start on your summer crop.

For true green thumb bragging rights, grow your garden from scratch. Just be sure you know the tricks of the trade.

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8 • LAWN & GARDEN Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

ways to revamp your outdoor living space

(BPT) — Whether you envision transforming a deck into a personal sanctuary or building a new outdoor living space for backyard entertaining, now is the perfect time to start turning those dreams into reality.

Get a jump-start by preparing to enjoy warmer weather with these five easy steps that will take your deck from functional to fantastic, before spring.

1. Add lasting style underfoot by selecting the right decking product.

A deck only looks as good as its boards, which is why it is important to select decking that is as durable as it is attractive.

Even well-designed outdoor living spaces can disappoint if deck boards crack, fail, fade or warp.

Many deck products are available, but composite decking is one material that has quickly grown in popularity, and market research firm the Freedonia Group predicts the material will

see continued growth in the coming years.

able space and extend your views of the scenery.

2. Design your outdoors as an extended living space.

Once you have the perfect materials in mind, consider that your outdoor living space serves as an extension of the home. Your deck, patio or porch doesn’t have to be boxy in design. By incorporating level changes, handrails, lighting and the right furniture, you can clearly define areas for eating, socializing and relaxing.

If you have multiple outdoor living spaces you can also incorporate pathway features and ground lighting to connect the spaces and help your guests travel smoothly from one area to the other.

Don’t let difficult terrains or space limit you. By using platform decks to tame hard-to-navigate slopes and including raised portions in smaller designs, you will be able to expand your us-

3. Create drama on deck.

Once you’ve got a basic idea of how you want to design your deck, get creative and pinpoint areas where you could make use of artistic focal points that will make your deck even more unique.

Some of the simplest ways to add distinction to your deck are to alternate the plank directions, create in-laid patterns and inset frames. With moisture-resistant deck boards you can accent nature in your design by simply encircling a tree near the deck or highlighting a water feature.

Similar levels of creativity can also be applied to fire pits, planters, built-in seating and storage boxes.

4. Stay ahead of the curve.

If those simple design tricks aren’t enough to set your out-

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door living space apart, consider incorporating curves into your deck design. Circles, sweeping arcs and other unique shapes that are juxtaposed against straight lines can add a distinctive touch of customization that will showcase your creativity.

Contemporary materials like composite decking make shaping deck boards into these eyecatching curves a breeze. Contractors and do-it-yourselfers following manufacturer instructions can rip, route and bend the boards into a range of one-of-akind custom shapes.

5. Give guests something attractive to lean on.

While railings are an important safety feature, they can also double as a decorative accent that takes your deck to a whole new level. You can finish out your deck with colormatched composite railing components and accessories for a seamless look, or contrast colors to create visual interest.

If preserving views is important, consider using tempered glass panels, horizontal cables or shaped metal instead of traditional balusters.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

Is your yard wildlife friendly?

LAWN & GARDEN • 9

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(StatePoint) Being a good neighbor means more than being friendly to the humans across the street, it also means being friendly to the animals in your yard.

Making your yard a safe place for local wildlife should be a top lawn care priority.

With that in mind, here are some tips for creating a healthy habitat for local critters.

Be a Valuable Rest Stop Stock your garden with small native species of trees, shrubs and flowers to give wildlife needed nourishment, as well as cover from predators.

A source of water can also be a great resource for visiting fauna. Whether it’s a pond or a bird bath, be sure this zone is well-maintained so you don’t inadvertently create a haven for unwanted species. In the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active, you should change the bird bath water even more often.

Promote Safety A bird feeder in your backyard, full of water and seeds, will be the perfect invitation for beautiful migrating and local birds to stop by.

Just be sure your property is safe for birds. Unfortunately, birds don’t see clear glass. As a result, millions of birds die every year by striking glass. Don’t let your sliding glass doors or other windows become a death trap for birds.

To protect birds, apply special decals

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10 • LAWN & GARDEN Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

Break ground with the right tools The right tools for the job can be the difference between an interminable landscaping project and one that goes smoothly and efficiently. Aspiring landscapers probably have a few shovels and rakes hanging in their garages and sheds for basic landscaping work. But while such tools are effective for certain projects, when it comes to churning soil for garden beds or digging holes for outdoor structures, additional tools come in handy. It may be well worth a trip to a nearby home center to purchase or rent one of these tools ideal for breaking ground.

Rototiller A rototiller, sometimes called just a “tiller,” is a powered garden tool designed to loosen soil prior to planting. A rototiller also can help aerate soil during the growing season. Because they reduce the need for manual spade digging or hoeing, tillers can be useful landscaping tools, particularly for homeowners who want to work efficiently.

necessary at the beginning of planting season. Professional landscapers or those with large swatches of property may benefit from larger models.

Rototillers will break through tough soil and any plant roots.

They come in a variety of sizes, and it’s best to match the tool

to the size of the job. Many homeowners can get by with smaller, less powerful models, especially if the tiller is only

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Auger Augers, both mechanical and manual, are essentially large drill bits that help move materials from one location to another. Augers are typically used to cut holes in landscapes, and they are good for posthole drilling, which is part of the process of installing deck footings, fencing posts or other structures. Augers come in a variety of sizes, and homeowners can choose how much power they prefer. Augers can be heavy and cumbersome, and many do-it-yourselfers will find that one-person augers are more than adequate for their projects.

Augers dig deep holes, so it is always smart to have the property surveyed prior to use.

This way pipes, gas lines, buried electrical lines, and any other obstructions are clearly identified prior to drilling.

Cultivator Cultivators are similar to tillers in that they loosen soil.

Cultivators are effective during the growth period of plants, when they can be used to aerate the soil and remove weeds.

Cultivators come in hand-held versions and push models, and some are even motorized. Cultivators get close to plants to remove weeds without disturbing the plant. They also are used to stir in compost or fertilizer.

While many people think cultivators and tillers are the same, that is not the case. The former is less powerful and will mix the soil or stir up the top layer, while the latter can break up moderately hard ground and loosen firm soil.

When using any tools around the garden, wear the proper protection. This includes devices to protect hearing when power tools are in use as well as gloves and safety goggles.

Tillers, augers and cultivators have the potential to toss soil and rocks into the air, so make sure others keep their distance while work is in progress.

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

LAWN & GARDEN • 11

Watering tips to produce a

HEALTHY LAWN

Summer is a season for landscaping, and homeowners who live in regions that get especially hot in the summertime often worry that their lawns won’t make it through the dog days of summer looking lush. But lawns don’t have to succumb to the sizzling summer sun. Oftentimes, the right watering strategies can help homeowners nurse their lawns through the hottest months of the year, ensuring the lawns make it to autumn looking as green as they did back at the height of spring.

Reconsider when you’re watering.

Come summertime, homeowners may want a glass of water at high noon, when temperatures seem to be at their hottest.

But you and your lawn are different, so the best time to satiate your thirst is not necessarily the best time to water your lawn. Watering in the middle of the day is often ineffective, as water tends to

evaporate quickly in the afternoons when temperatures are peaking. Nighttime watering can contribute to the growth of fungus, which can create an entirely new set of headaches for homeowners.

Morning watering sessions tend to be most effective during the summertime, as temperatures tend to be cooler in the morning, leading to less evaporation.

Less evaporation means all that watering isn’t going to waste.

Reconsider your sprinkler.

If you can’t afford an in-ground irrigation system, which many landscaping professionals feel is the most effective and efficient way to water a lawn, then you likely will rely on a sprinkler to keep your lawn looking lush through the summer months. When choosing a sprinkler, look for one that shoots water out horizontally as opposed to vertically. A verti-

cal sprinkler system is more vulnerable to wind and evaporation than one that shoots water out horizontally, so make sure your sprinkler system is sending water into your lawn and not into summer breezes.

Avoid overwatering How much water your lawn needs in the summertime depends on a host of factors, including where you live and how often rain falls in that region. Overwatering can promote the growth of fungus and adversely affect your lawn’s root system, making it difficult for roots to grow deep. Speak with a local landscaping professional to determine how often you should water your lawn each week.

Strategically position your sprinklers.

When choosing where to put down your sprinklers, hook them up to your

hose, turn them on and then watch to see where the water is going. Areas that exposed to sun are most in need of water, so make sure the bulk of your water isn’t going to shaded areas beneath trees.

In addition, make sure you aren’t wasting water on sidewalks, patios and driveways. Sprinklers should be positioned so none of the water they’re shooting out is landing on surfaces that don’t need water.

It sounds simple, but too often homeowners drop their sprinklers down, turn them on and then walk away without waiting to see where the water is landing. Position sprinklers or adjust sprinkler heads so all the water is landing on your lawn.

Keeping a lawn lush and green at the height of summer requires homeowners to adopt effective strategies. Such a strategies can make the difference between a lush landscape and one that succumbs to summer heat.

12 • GOING GREEN

Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

How green

is your home?

Finding an eco-friendly approach to home improvements (Family Features) Living an ecofriendly lifestyle starts at home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, residential use accounts for more than one-fifth of the nation’s total energy consumption. Adopting an earth-first, energy saving mindset will let you make adjustments around your home so that you can feel good about your family’s contributions to protect the environment.

Green energy Improving your home’s energy efficiency is not only good for the planet, it’s good for your wallet. After all, wasted energy is money lost in monthly utility bills. Numerous factors influence a home’s energy efficiency, or lack thereof.

Air leaks, outdated appliances or inefficient heating and cooling systems can all negatively impact your home’s energy usage.

Structural improvements Correcting any structural issues can go a long way toward making your home more efficient. Give your home a thorough inspection to identify and repair leaks and cracks around windows, doors and duct work. Remember that poorly sealed attics and basements are also common culprits of energy loss.

Appliances and major systems Upgrading your appliances and temperature control systems also helps drive more efficient energy use throughout the house. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified products, which are designed to save energy without sacrificing on performance. Where possible, make purchases

that will perform double duty, such as high-efficiency washing machines that can save on both energy and water usage.

Fuel sources Choosing the right energy source can also help lessen your impact on the environment. For example, using propanepowered appliances in your home can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to a recent study sponsored by the Propane Education & Research Council, propane-powered furnaces emit 73 percent fewer greenhouse gases than electricity. Similarly, propane-powered storage water heaters emit approximately 39 percent less greenhouse gas than electric storage models.

Green upgrades Shopping smart to incorporate highefficiency appliances and electronics into your home is just a first step. There are many other ways you can make such products even more sustainable: • Rely on LED light bulbs, which use a fraction of the energy and last significantly longer than traditional bulbs.

• Use light timers to turn off lights when they aren’t needed.

• Make a habit of powering off lights and other electronics when you leave the room.

• Set a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures when you’re away from home.

• Wash only full loads of laundry, and use cold water when possible.

• Air-dry dishes, rather than using the heated drying cycle of the dishwasher.

in a bottle using recycled plastic is more green than one that is not.

Buying Green Understanding just what makes a product green can be confusing. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, greener products are those that are shown to have less health or environmental impacts than similar products that have the same function.

The EPA has made it easy to identify earth-friendly cleaning supplies by introducing a Design for the Environment label that designates products deemed safer for personal health and the environment.

Other categories of green products may be harder to identify. You can rely on EPA labeling programs such as ENERGY STAR for household items such as windows, doors and many major appliances, and WaterSense for water-specific products such as toilets, faucets and showerheads.

When evaluating whether a product is “green,” be wary of eco-labels, which are not regulated and may contain misleading information designed to downplay a product’s true impact. The Federal Trade Commission created the Green Guides to set standards for truth in advertising; however, there is broad scope and consumers may still need to do some research to understand why a package has a green message on its label.

Ultimately, it’s important to consider all aspects of the product’s development, from research and manufacturing to packaging and distribution. For example, an earth-friendly cleanser packaged

Recycle Like a Pro Living green isn’t just about saving energy. Sustainable living also means putting earth-friendly practices in place throughout your home, such as recycling.

With these tips you can make recycling easier for the whole family.

• Establish collection bins to make it easy to gather all your recycling in one place. The number of bins you need depends on your city’s guidelines for sorting. If no sorting is required, a single bin will do. Otherwise, use different colored bins to make it simple to sort paper, aluminum, glass, etc.

• Most families find the kitchen is a primary source of recyclable goods. If space is at a premium, keep a smaller collection bin in the kitchen that can be easily transported to a sorting station in a larger area, such as the garage.

• Don’t forget to recycle in other rooms, too. Many common bathroom items, such as shampoo and soap bottles, and even cardboard toilet paper tubes, can be recycled.

• Remember that recycling can also come in other forms, like donating unwanted clothing to charity or using leftover water to quench thirsty plants or freshen the dog’s bowl.

• Be sure to rinse away any food or liquid residue from containers to manage odors and keep your recycling area tidy and odor free.

• Maximize your bin space by compressing cans and bottles.

s

Spring Home Improvement • March 2015 GOING GREEN • 13

REDUCING

WASTE Tips to cut down on commercial food scraps

(BPT) — Americans are more environmentally aware than ever. Recent media stories on the topic of food waste abound, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that roughly 30 to 40 percent of food grown in the United States each year is sent to landfills.

This is happening while millions of Americans struggle with hunger and are in need of healthful, nutritious food.

To meet this challenge, some local governments are starting to prohibit commercial businesses from sending their food waste to landfills in an effort to reduce methane emissions that result from decomposing organic material. The topic has piqued the interest of numerous industries and organizations, which makes sense since reducing food waste can make a big impact. By cutting food waste, a business can reduce its environmental footprint, lower operating costs, help its community and engage customers. It’s a win for everyone and allows businesses to make an enormous difference.

The National Restaurant Association helps restaurateurs tackle the issue of food waste. Together with the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the Food Marketing Institute, the Food Waste Reduction Alliance (FWRA) is working to reduce, reuse and recycle food waste. Since its inception in 2011, the coalition has worked to raise awareness of the issue, share best practices and produce tools the food industry can use to reduce waste in its daily operations.

In addition, the National Restaurant Association’s Conserve program is aimed at inspiring operators to take action by reducing waste at its source.

For restaurateurs who are interested in getting started now, begin by conducting a waste assessment and measure how much waste is generated at your establishment. Restaurants can track their waste traditionally,

recording it with pen and paper; or by using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s online tools.

Participating in a food donation program is another way to reduce food waste and do some good, too.

Many restaurants don’t know there is a tax write-off for donating food. Furthermore, the Good Samaritan Act protects restaurateurs against liability claims that are associated with donating food.

Solving the issue of food waste will take time and help from everyone: restaurateurs, policymakers, food donation organizations, composters and waste haulers. But if everyone works together, the benefits to the population and the environment could be astounding.

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

Is your home hurting you?

How to reduce pollutants and harmful chemicals in your home

(StatePoint) The spring cleaning season is a great time to take a closer look at some of the potentially harmful chemicals present in your home — and to seek out healthier alternatives.

In recent years, homeowners have started asking better questions about what pollutants are lurking around nearly every corner -- from building materials to the paint on the walls down to the backing on carpeting. While it’s neither realistic nor necessary to remove every toxin from a home, there are a few common sources that can be addressed easily.

“The good news is, you don’t have to be a chemist to understand what products and materials are safe to have in your home,” says Anne Hicks Harney, architect and Director of Sustainability at architectural firm Ayers Saint Gross and member of the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Materials Knowledge Working Group. “You can arm yourself with the knowledge needed to make smarter choices for you and your family.”

Harney offers a few tips to help reduce or eliminate common toxins in the home: Go Natural Whenever possible, use natural or water-based materials and cleaning agents.

Also, be aware of: • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS): From paint to composite wood, VOCs are found in many products and are responsible for that tell-tale chemical “smell.” When it comes to paint, “Low VOC” or “No VOC” are your best options and are easy to find.

• Flame Retardants and Petrochemicals: Commonly found in such foam products as couch cushions and insulation, these are a bit more challenging to avoid. The risk is that these chemicals are known to accumulate over time in the human body. Looking for an alternative? Try a natural fiber such as down in your upholstery.

• Plastic Additives: Plastics are beneficial in a number of household materials but their use should be limited when possible. Search for a carpet with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free backing or try wool, a natural alternative.

For tile or sheet flooring, avoid vinyl products and consider linoleum or cork and rubber options instead.

Ventilate Your Home It’s good to open your windows every now and then to get the air circulating in your home and any chemical smells out. If you can’t open your windows due to outdoor allergies or poor outdoor air quality, indoor plants constantly re-

TIP

d of ammonia or Use soap and water instea windows, floors other chemicals to clean and other surfaces.

generate air and provide a pretty alternative.

Take to the Web Manufacturers and professional organizations are becoming more transparent about educating consumers. Check out resources like the AIA Materials

webpage or architectfinder.aia.org to learn more about sustainable products and to find professionals who can assist your efforts Don’t know? Don’t buy As a general rule of thumb, if you don’t know and understand what a

product contains, don’t put it inside your house. Take advantage of the wealth of information now available at your fingertips to make safer choices.

During this spring cleaning season, take the time to protect your family by removing harmful pollutants from your home.

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18 • RENOVATIONS & REMODELIING Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

Top to bottom tips to boost your home’s curb appeal (StatePoint) Boosting your home’s curb appeal can help it stand out. Whether your goal is to personalize the exterior for your own enjoyment or you have plans to sell and want to improve resale value, there is great worth in this pursuit.

To get started, take a logical top to bottom approach, and keep in mind the importance of texture, which can add personality and style to a home.

Roofing You don’t need to say goodbye to the authentic look of real slate or wood shake in order to have a durable roof that’s resistant to the elements. Check out polymer slate and shake roofing tiles, which are resistant to hail, high winds, fire and other nasty conditions.

New brands and products are making it easier to get the right “top” accent for your home using these materials and provides opportunities to create custom colors.

“Color personalizes every aspect of our lifestyles,” says Kate Smith, president and chief color maven of Sensational Color. “It makes complete

produces thousands of pieces of polyurethane millwork, moulding and trim in eight different textures like Sandstone, Tahoe Style Beams, Classic Woodgrain and Standard Woodgrain.

sense for homeowners wanting to express themselves through the color of their roof.”

According to Smith, the color gray is expected to be a popular color choice this year for roofing, due in large part to its refined elegance.

Trim Here are a few projects to consider in order to trim out

your home with smooth or textured millwork: • Trim windows with crossheads over them and moulding on the sides and below.

• Use faux beams arranged lengthwise or in a criss-cross pattern to add dimension to porch ceilings.

• Add decorative columns in fluted square, serpentine, flat square or plain panel

square shapes.

• Install a woodgrain trellis system to top off a garage door.

On these elements, as well as on other millwork such as shutters, porch rails and pilasters, use a variety of surface finishes to get a textured look that’s appealing. Different textured millwork pieces are available ready-made from such brands as Fypon, which

Entryway “Adding a confident color to a front door can update any home scheme and create a joyful feeling every time someone comes through your entryway,” says Smith, who suggests selecting a paintable fiberglass door.

When shopping for a new door, look for clean lines and crisp angles that are ideal for painting, such as those from Therma-Tru Classic Craft Canvas Collection and Pulse.

Their fiberglass doors are practical, attractive and energy-efficient. Add texture by opting for a doorlite and sidelites flanking the door.

For more style tips for your home’s exterior, you can download the free FRESH Home Exterior Colors Guide, authored by Kate Smith and available at www.sensationalcolor.com.

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20 • RENOVATIONS & REMODELIING Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

Spring projects that are sure to spruce up your home (BPT) — Warmer weather and sunnier days are on their way and many homeowners are itching to begin home improvement projects. If you are one of them, consider these areas of your home when prepping for spring.

Windows and doors From a full window replacement to a simple coat of paint, updating your windows and doors can have a big impact on your home.

If your windows felt drafty this winter, it may be time for replacements. Replace your old single-pane windows with energy-efficient double-pane windows. Double-pane windows can help you save on heating and cooling bills; they help keep the temperature in your home consistent year-round and help protect your furniture, carpet and window treatments from the sun’s fading rays.

Need to bring some fresh color into your home but don’t want to paint? Try updating your blinds or shades. From different styles to colorful fabrics, blinds and shades can add a pop of color to your room.

Your front door is a major focal point of your home, enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Make a bold statement and improve your home’s energy efficiency with a new ENERGY STAR-certified front door. Consider options with decorative glass accents, and sidelights to add more natural light while maintaining a

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Gutters and downspouts Excess water near your foundation can cause thousands of dollars in damages.

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Along with replacing damaged gutter or downspout sections, you’ll also want to make sure you have added downspout extenders to ensure water is draining far away from your home’s foundation.

Extenders should reach at least five feet into your yard. Gutter covers can also be added to minimize debris from gathering in gutters throughout the year.

Air conditioning It may be a few more months before you’re turning on the A/C, but spring is a great time to start getting your cooling system ready.

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22 • RENOVATIONS & REMODELIING Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

Tips to add

DESIGN APPEAL (StatePoint) Want to set your home apart? You can add character and beauty to your home by learning more about your house’s architectural style and adding design elements to complement the look.

“With the right knowledge, it’s easy to transform any room of your home as well as the exterior,” says Niki Decker, senior product and marketing manager with Fypon, which creates synthetic millwork products.

The experts at Fypon are offering some tips and guidelines to achieve an authentic, coordinated look throughout your home — inside and out.

• Proportions matter. If you’re going to

to your home

be adding shutters to your exterior, do a bit of math. The width of shutters used in pairs on a window should be half the width of the window, and should be the same height as the window.

• The higher the ceiling, the taller the baseboard should be. Additionally, the height of your baseboard moulding should always be larger than the casing, which is the frame around a door or window.

• Make a room feel taller by placing a chair rail — the moulding used to prevent the backs of chairs from rubbing against the wall — one-third of the way up from the floor. Chair rails should be 1/2 or one

inch narrower than casings.

• If you have a classic Georgian style home, characterized by strict symmetry and a centered and paneled front door, cap the front door panel with an elaborate crown supported by decorative pillars.

• Enhance your Victorian style home with ornamental spindlework on the porches and patterned shingles on the roof. Offset the complexity with simple surrounds for windows.

• For country style cottages, consider clapboard shingles for siding, or wood shake for siding and roofing, and wide white trim or shutters around windows.

• Complete the look and feel of your

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Mediterranean-style home, rich with such decorative accents as round columns, tile and stone, by planting lush gardens and installing an ornate fountain.

• Maintain a traditional look with innovative, updated building material that lasts longer and with less upkeep. For example, polyurethane pieces are a lightweight alternative to wood. The pieces are easy to install and resist insects, moisture and weather conditions.

Don’t just update your house haphazardly. Do a bit of research so you can complement your home’s architectural style authentically and with sophisticated flair.

Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

RENOVATIONS & REMODELIING • 23

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Looking Forward to a great 2015 Season!

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1. Go online to tinyurl.com/mlrecipes 2. Email ambrosia.neldon@michianalife.com 3. Mail to: Leader Publications 217 North 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120

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Spring Home Improvement • March 2015

BIG SAVINGS SAVING ENERGY FOR HOMES AND BUSINESSES Rebates from $5–$450. Get yours today!

Your Energy Optimization program has a jar full of rebates to help you reduce your energy use. From new appliances to efficient furnaces to LED light bulbs, there are countless rebates for you to claim.

ONLINE: michigan-energy.org PHONE: 877.296.4319

Energy Optimization programs and incentives are applicable to Michigan service locations only. Other restrictions may apply. For a complete list of participating utilities, visit michigan-energy.org.