SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2012
Page C1
Building tips:
Net-zero is new lingo xpect to hear ‘net zero’ more often in energy conversations. It is now possible to build a facility — even a home — that is so energy efficient it produces zero demand on the public electricity supply. Earlier in the year, a construction team dedicated to this kind of breakthrough opened the net-zero, Richardsville Elementary School in Lexington, Kentucky. “All combined, the energy performance of this school is expected to surpass all expectations,” says Todd Blyth, marketing manager at Nudura, the manufacturers of an advanced version of the insulated concrete form (ICF) used in the plan. “In addition to replacing wood with our rock-solid walls, the rooftop solar panels cover 38,700 square feet and provide all of the school’s electricity needs.” Blyth expects more and more buildings and houses of the future to aim at net-zero. It starts with the initial materials and a “building envelope” that provides maximum insulation. “Richardsville Elementary sets a standard that can be applied to homebuilding, too,” Blyth continued. “If, at the outset, decisions are made carefully regarding the walls, windows, roofing, water management, ventilation and indoor climate control, you are well on your way to completely offsetting the family energy consumption.” If you’d like your own house building to aim for net-zero, take a look at some
E
The Nudura system is comprised of stayin-place, preassembled blocks, steel reinforced, and then filled with concrete. It replaces traditional building methods.
FILE PHOTO
of the most important components: ■ Solar panels on the roof with an electricity grid. ■ Geothermal heating and cooling. ■ Walls of concrete, not wood. The Nudura system is comprised of stay-inplace, pre-assembled blocks, steel reinforced, and then filled with concrete. It replaces traditional building methods. The durability and energy efficiency of concrete has shown to reduce energy costs up to 70 percent. Better still, the entire structure (www.nudura.com) is reported to be stronger, provide greater fire protection and with far more sound insulation. ■ CO2 monitoring system for venti-
lation. It keeps good air quality indoors and allows no more outdoor air than necessary. ■ North-south positioning delivers prolonged day lighting, without glare. All artificial lighting is off during 70 percent of school hours. ■Wireless computers. The lab utilizesfive carts, each loaded with 30 laptops saving energy, wiring and construction. Laptops use a fraction of the energy used to run a typical desktop computer. ■Food preparation is energy-efficient. School kitchens typically use as much as 25 percent of a school’s electricity.
Ask builder for enviro-friendly materials y 2012, the building codes in many parts of North America will be demanding greater energy efficiency with methods and materials. This requirement may be mandated, but when building a home, do speak to your builder about the right green options for you. Energy efficiency should start as early as possible once construction begins. For example, concrete walls are now replacing the old wood frame method. By choosing concrete, not only do you save forests and trees, you could realize savings up to 50 percent on household energy bills. When you opt for the faster, Nudura wall-building system of preassembled insulated concrete forms (ICF), your home stands to be stronger, provide greater safety, and more sound resistance — and is far less prone to mould, cold spots and drafts. Other green options to build value into your home are solar power, water management, drainage, windows, siding, heating/cooling, ventilation, electrical, and outdoor irrigation.
B
12 tips for going green Conserve water. Turn off the tap between brushing teeth or rinsing off dishes. Better yet, install low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets that reduce the consumption of water in the household.
Motion detection: Motion-detector lights can be installed in different rooms of the home and outdoors. Lights will automatically turn on and off depending on the activity in the area, reducing the chances of a light being left on inadvertently and wasting money and energy. Solar panels: You may have been toying with the idea of solar panels for years. They can be installed on the roof or in the yard to power various components of the household, like lights during a traditional power outage or the swimming pool filter. Today it is possible to buy used solar panels, many of which still have a lot of life left to them and are considerably cheaper than new ones.
Aluminum storm door: Insulate the entryway of your home with a storm door that will buffer against harsh weather conditions. While you’re creating a more air-tight space, caulk around windows and doors.
Replace air filters. Your HVAC system likely has filters inside that trap dirt and contaminants. Replacing the filters leads to cleaner indoor air and helps the unit run more efficiently.
Power strips: Stock up on power strips and plug all of your peripherals and computer equipment into these strips.
See TIPS, Page 4C
Consider these eco-statistics
Think it takes a lot to improve the environment? Think again. Here are some facts to ponder that show just how it easy it can be to make a positive impact on the world in which we live. ■ By turning down your central heating thermostat one degree, fuel consumption is cut by as much as 10 percent. ■ Replacing all the 75-watt incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient CFLs and LEDs can reduce carbon dioxide in the air by one ton. ■ Insulating the attic reduces energy usage by up to 20 percent in most homes. ■ 848 pieces of junk mail are delivered to each household per year in the U.S. Opting for e-mail promotions can help reduce junk mail. ■ According to the Enivronmental Protection Agency, in the past 50 years humans have consumed more resources than in all previous history.
You can cut energy costs at home omeowners spend thousands of dollars per year on energy. Whether a home is big or small, energy costs are a concern for homeowners. Though some of the costs of home ownership are beyond a person’s control, there are some steps homeowners can take to reduce energy costs and save substantial amounts of money as a result. ■ Address any leaks. One of the most effective ways to cut energy costs is to weather strip doors and windows throughout the house. Doing so will keep warm air in the house when it’s cold and prevent drafts that occur when cold air enters the home through cracks and leaks. If a home has an attic, be sure to seal pipes, chimneys or ductwork. Addressing leaks can save homeowners as much as 10 percent on their annual home energy costs. ■ Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs instead of incandescent lightbulbs. CFLs use one-quarter to one-third less energy than traditional incandescent lightbulbs. In addition, the Alliance to Save Energy notes that CFLs can last up to 10 times longer than traditional lightbulbs. ■ Be mindful of the thermostat. Most homeowners and their families spend a good
portion of their day out of the house. Home heating costs can be reduced by as much as 20 percent if homeowners simply lower the thermostat during the day by 10 F. For homeowners who feel they won’t remember to do so on a regular basis, a programmable thermostat will do the job on its own. ■ Lower water temperature. Lowering water temperature can also lead to substantial savings. Homeowners can save as much as five percent on their water bill by lowering the temperature on their water heater by as little as 10 F. When doing so, touch the outside of the water heater. If the outside is cold, the water heater has sufficient insulation If the water heater is hot to the touch, wrap a water heater jacket around it to increase efficiency. ■ Replace older appliances. Older appliances, be it an older central air conditioning unit or an older water heater, often need to expend more energy than they did when they were new. What’s more, especially older appliances might not meet Energy Star standards, which can cost homeowners substan-
H
SEALED WINDOWS and storm doors make a marked difference in FILE PHOTO
Reusing: A great, easy way to recycle hewing gum as an art medium? Beer as a hair serum? Surprisingly, these items and many more are reused every day, playing a host of roles they were never intended for. Before items are relegated to the trash, individuals can think about ways these same items can be reused and reincarnated into several other purposes. Today’s younger generations have grown up in a time when disposable items are de rigueur. But long before disposable items became the norm, men, women and children were forced to make due with items that were long past their expiration dates, even reusing them in new ways. While this practice might have been replaced by the convenience of disposable items, eco-conscious citizens can still embrace this old
C
and environmentally friendly trend. Find out if it can be fixed. An appliance on the fritz or a toy that has lost a part might not need to be discarded. Before finding the trash can, find out if the item can be fixed. It may take a short inquiry to the company or the work of a handyman to repair a broken item and set it right again, but such efforts are worth it. Polish pots. With thorough cooking and oxidation, copper pots and even steel ones can begin to look dingy. Regular, old beer can be used as a polishing agent to get them to sparkle. Because of beer’s subtle acidity, it can help boost shine without staining the metal like a higher-acidity liquid would. Embrace newspapers’ versatility. There are millions of newspa-
pers printed and used worldwide. The average household may have one or more newspapers delivered each week, and newsprint is also used for junk mail and advertisements. While recycling does help cut down on newspapers, there are other ways to put old papers to good use. Line the bottom of refrigerator drawers with the paper to catch spills and eliminate odors. Use shredded paper as kitty litter or in bird cages. Wrap unripe fruit in newsprint to help it ripen faster. You can also place newspaper at the bottom of a planting bed before you cover it with soil or mulch to keep away weeds. Give old jeans a new life. It’s hard to part with that favorite pair of jeans sometimes. Whether they’re stained or simply don’t fit anymore, you can turn the denim into something new. Doll clothes
Line the bottom of refrigerator drawers with the paper to catch spills and eliminate odors.
are easily crafted from scraps of denim. Or, why not turn pieces of denim into a durable, reusable shopping bag to take to stores? A patchwork quilt made of squares of denim can be used as a picnic blanket or beach throw in a pinch.
See, RECYCLE Page 4C
Page 2C
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012
At home:
Eco-friendly interior options T
Preventing pollution hen many people think of pollution, among the first images that come to mind are crowded highways with gas guzzling big rigs spewing exhaust into the air. But oversized trucks hauling loads don’t have the pollution market cornered. In fact, many homeowners might be contributing to air pollution every time they work on their own yards. Emissions from lawn mowers, chain saws, leaf blowers, and other outdoor power equipment account for a significant amount of pollution. What’s more, such emissions might be contributing to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can compromise human health. Homeowners concerned about the environment might feel as though they’re caught in a Catch-22. Protecting the environment is likely important to them but so is taking care of their property. However, it’s possible to do both; it just requires taking a few preventative measures when working out in the yard. Don’t spill the gas. Small gasoline spills can damage the yard, leaving dead spots wherever gas came into contact with the yard. But even the smallest of spills can cause the gas to evaporate and pollute the air. When refilling the gas tank, do so on the driveway and not in the yard to avoid damaging the property. Use a gasoline container that’s easy to handle and use a funnel or spout to reduce the likelihood of spillage. Once the tank has been filled, make sure the caps on both the power equipment and the gasoline container have been closed tightly, and store the container out of the sunlight, ideally in a cool, dry place. Go manual. Some lawn maintenance requires the use of gas-powered tools to get the job done in a timely fashion. Homeowners with large yards, for instance, will likely need a gas-powered mower to cut their grass in a reasonable amount of time. However, in lieu of gaspowered tools to trim hedges and trees around the yard, use a traditional manual hedge clipper instead. Many of today’s manual hand tools are designed to be userfriendly and, as a result, are much lighter and less bulky than the tools of yesteryear. Homeowners with smaller yards might even consider using reel push mowers that don’t generate any emissions whatsoever. Cut down on cutting. Instead of cutting the grass every weekend, visit the local lawn and garden center and ask if there are any grass and flower seed mixtures that will make the grass grow more slowly. This often depends on the region and the type of grass that thrives in the region, but it can help reduce the number of times the lawn needs to be cut and reduce emissions as a result.
oday’s homeowners are increasingly eco-conscious. As a result, many homeowners take an eco-friendly approach toward home improvement projects. Whereas homeowners once worried most about their bottom lines without regard for the environment, nowadays a project’s carbon footprint is high on many a homeowner’s priority list. What’s more, eco-friendly additions or adjustments to a home might make homeowners eligible for tax breaks, and such projects often make a home more appealing to prospective buyers. Some of the more common ways to make a home more eco-friendly include: ■ Replace vinyl flooring with natural linoleum or recycled rubber floors. ■ Replace old carpet with carpet tiles made of recycled content or use organic cotton area rugs throughout the home. ■ Replace stone countertops with bamboo, terrazzo or paper-stone alternatives. ■ Replace traditional wood flooring with reclaimed wood flooring or aesthetically appealing bamboo flooring.
W
ŽŽŬƐ
Protect kids from poor environment s many across the globe adopt more ecofriendly lifestyles, protecting the environment remains a top priority. The popularity of hybrid cars continues to rise while more and more communities are recycling and reusing. Each of those things is an effort to decrease carbon footprint and protect the environment from human behaviors that can be harmful to the planet. But what about protecting kids from the environment? According to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Children’s Health Protection, children might be especially vulnerable to adverse contaminants in the environment. That’s because a child’s bodily system is still developing, and kids eat more, drink more and breathe more in proportion to their body size. In addition, kid’s behaviors can expose them to more chemicals and organisms. But parents can protect their kids from potentially harmful environmental factors in a number of ways. Help kids breathe easier. One of the best ways parents can protect kids is to take steps to help them breathe easier. By doing the following, parents can do just that. ■ Quit smoking. ■ Quit smoking in the home or in the car. ■ Keep the home clean, routinely removing dust and mold. ■ Eliminate pet dander, which can trigger asthma attacks and allergies, around the house. ■ Monitor ozone levels and keep kids indoors on
A
ozone alert days when air pollution is high. ■ Reduce motor vehicle idling.
Protect kids from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning is another environmental factor that puts kids at risk. The United States banned the use of lead-based paint in 1978, but homes built prior to 1978 were not under restrictions. That means lead exposure is still a possibility in older homes, so parents should take the following safety measures to ensure their kids aren’t at risk. ■ Have homes built before 1978 tested for lead paint. ■ Have kids’ blood tested for lead. These tests can detect high levels of lead and are most important for children between the ages of 1 and 2. Levels of lead in a child’s blood typically increase rapidly from six to 12 months of age and often peak somewhere between 18 and 24 months. ■ Wash children’s hands before they eat, and be sure to wash bottles, pacifiers and toys thoroughly and often. ■ Wash windows and window sills to protect kids from dust and peeling paint contaminated with lead.
ĞƐ ƉƉůŝĂŶĐ
JRW &ƵƌŶŝƚƵƌĞ
ŶƚƐ /ŶƐƚƌƵŵĞ ĐƐ ůŽƚŚŝŶŐ ůĞĐƚƌŽŶŝ
& /877 (5"
ƌŝŶŐ LJŽƵƌ ƐƚƵī ƚŽ ƵƐ͊ >Ê ½ W® » hÖ Ăůů ĨŽƌ &Z ƉŝĐŬ ƵƉ ®Ä Ù >Ê ¦ Äãù
ÙÊÖ K¥¥
®½ù ϳ ͘Ã͘ Ͳ ϱ Ö͘Ã͘ ϮϬϬ E͘ Wʽ»͕ Ä ÊÄ
KÖ Ä dÊ ½½ DÊÄ ù Ͳ &Ù® ù ϭϬ Ă͘ŵ͘ Ͳ ϱ Ɖ͘ŵ͘
DUMPSTER DAYS
HOPE
, ½Ö KçÙ W ÊÖ½ ø ½
TODAY 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
ŽůůĞĐƟďůĞ ZĞĐLJĐůŝŶŐ ^ƚŽƌĞ
The Montana Standard (parking lot off Quartz St.) Herberger’s (parking lot) • Walmart (parking lot)
ϮϬϬ E͘ WŽůŬ ŶĂĐŽŶĚĂ ϱϲϯͲϳϳϭϮ ŚŽƉĞΛĂǁĂƌĞͲŝŶĐ͘ŽƌŐ
BU-20309181
A&S Metals will have recycling bins at all of these locations accepting the following items: Paper (Newspaper, magazines, envelopes, copy paper, shredded paper, phone books), Cardboard (boxes such as cereal, etc.), Aluminum, Steel (Labels are OK, but they have to be rinsed out), Plastic (#1 - #7)
SIGN UP ONLINE AT WWW.RECYCLEBUTTE.COM OR CALL 406.494.1380
BU-20309175
NO GLASS OR STYROFOAM
Money recovered from the recyclables will be given to The United Way Campaign. Please contribute and give to the people in need that live in our community! United Way of Butte and Anaconda need your help and NOW is an ideal time to help! Brought to you by:
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012
Page 3C
REDUCE YOUR USE. SEIZE THE SAVINGS. With Efficiency Plus (E+) Programs
From tips to rebates and incentives, Efficiency Plus (E+) offers dozens of ways to save energy at home or work. Get started now so you can seize the savings. For residential customers · Rebates and incentives on lighting, insulation, thermostats, heating, air conditioning, electronics, appliances and water heaters. · Programs for new and existing homes. · Savings for both electric and natural gas customers.
For business customers · Rebates for lighting, electronics, refrigeration, air conditioning plus electric or natural gas heating, water heating, insulation and more. · Custom incentives for qualifying electric and natural gas conservation. · Offerings for building upgrades or new construction.
Your home or business may qualify for a FREE energy audit. NorthWestern Energy makes it easy to start saving energy and money with E+. Visit northwesternenergy.com/eplus or call (800) 823-5995. Qualifications apply.
Page 4C
SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2012
CORK: not just for floors anymore ver the last several years, homeowners have increasingly looked for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. From more complicated projects such as installing eco-friendly home fixtures to simpler measures like replacing incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs that consume far less energy, the options for eco-conscious homeowners are numerous. Perhaps no eco-friendly home improvement has garnered more attention and acclaim in recent years than cork flooring. Because only the bark of a cork tree is harvested to produce cork flooring, the cork tree can continue to flourish after the product is removed. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency notes that even after cork is initially harvested from a cork oak tree, that tree will likely
O
flooring. That’s thanks in large part to New York-based entrepreneur and environmentalist Michelle Brown, who discovered cork on a trip to Portugal, where the versatile eco-friendly material was used to create a host of products. “(In Portugal) I was introduced to items made from cork and couldn’t understand why this amazing resource was vastly underused,” says Brown, who soon decided to bring this versatile material to the American marketplace. Within two years of her trip to live another 100-120 years and can con- is both comfortable and helps reduce Portugal, Brown had done just that, tinue to be harvested every 9-12 years. noise around the home. In addition, air founding All Cork, which produces ecoWhat’s more, cork is extracted entirely by cells within the cork help trap heat, hand, without any machinery that might meaning cork flooring acts as an insula- friendly and vegan handbags and other fashion accessories for men and women potentially harm the environment. tor that can help homeowners reduce Homeowners who have chosen cork energy consumption while lowering their that are lightweight, durable, and stainand water-resistant. More information often cite its structure as one of its most heating bills along the way. appealing qualities. Because it is soft, But as beneficial as cork can be around about cork and All Cork products is available at www.allcork.com. cork flooring has a cushioning effect that the house, it’s no longer restricted to
Simplify to save the planet ith such a global focus on the deteriorating condition of the environment and how humans contributing to its demise, many people are setting goals to participate in a sustainable lifestyle that incorporates a series of green goals for the upcoming year. It’s not just the oil spills or rainforest depletion that’s raising concerns for the environment. Even things like the roads we drive on can prove harmful. For example, according to a Carrying Capacity Network conference held in Washington, D.C., every year in the United States roughly 1.3 million acres of unpaved land is paved over. And what’s going on those roads? Cars. There are more than 250 million cars and trucks in the United States, and Canadians are not far behind Americans. According to the World Resources Institute, Canada ranks as No. 8 out of 178 nations in production of carbon emissions. Although sometimes the environmental outlook can seem bleak, there are many small- and largescale ways individuals can make a difference. For eco-conscious peo-
W
Recycle... Continued form 1C
for where you live.
Simplify beauty regimens. In many cases, there’s no need to purchase costly beauty serums and washes that may or may not contain harmful chemicals. As it turns out, many things can be made at home from food sources. Dry skin can be treated with a blend of avocado and honey. Cottage cheese can calm redness. There are those who are even proponents of washing your face with pure oil. Chances are even if ple who want to start making a dif- you don’t resort to all homemade ference, here’s a list of ideas to get beauty products you can signifistarted. cantly cut down on the number of Raise chickens. There has been a store-bought items you use. greater interest among suburban Look for personal hygiene alterand urban residents in raising livenatives. Most people already know stock. Chickens make sense because about switching from disposable they are not large and can be a diapers to cloth alternatives (almost home-based food source, producing 30 billion disposable diapers are eggs or meat if desired. It’s possible used and disposed of in the United to get eggs from hens without a States each year). But there are other rooster, and you may not need a disposable items that contribute to large amount of space to house your personal waste. Instead of traditionbird. They can be kept in a small al female hygiene products, choose coop or allowed to roam free in a reusable cups or cloth items instead yard in a bird run. Check with your of disposable pads and tampons. city or town to be sure it’s legal to Some advocate the use of bidet-type raise chickens, then do your research toilets to reduce dependency on toion the best breed and space needed let paper.
sumption. Glass fireplace doors: Install glass fireplace doors, which are safer than Continued from 1C fireplace screens. They’ll also help protect against heat loss up the chimney This way when you want to power down everything completely, you simply when there isn’t a fire lit. Buy a solar cover. Warm up your spa turn off the power button on the strip. all season long with a solar cover, which This ensures no devices are drawing helps keep debris out of the water, too. power even in the off position, which Solar covers reduce the need to fire up many do. Install fans. Fans aren’t just useful in the heater to warm the water. Dog waste composter: Create a the summer. In the winter, the blades method to safely dispose of dog waste can be set to rotate in the opposite without having to toss it in plastic bags direction and help draw warm air into in the trash. There are devices that can the room, heating more efficiently. be buried into the ground to serve as a Rainwater barrels: Set up rainwater dog waste receptacle. Or you can make barrels at the downspouts of your home’s gutter system. These barrels col- one of your own by placing a container with a lid that seals on top but has an lect water that can be used to water indoor and outdoor plants, or even wash open bottom. Sprinkle a natural bacteria septic tank product, such as Rid-X®, the car. Some feature a spigot to which you can directly connect a garden hose. down the hole routinely and it will break down the waste and turn it into soil ferPlant trees. Trees are good for the tilizer. environment in many ways, producing There are a variety of ways to go necessary oxygen for life and offering green with home improvements, food and living areas for wildlife. Trees can also shade a home during the warm whether extensive projects or small fixes. weather, helping reduce energy con-
Jeans can also be donated so the less fortunate can benefit from the clothing. Swap and share. Before buying anything, find out if others might lend you things that you need. You may not need a specialized power tool for more than a day or so, and borrowing items can allow you to do a test drive of sorts before you actually make a purchase. There are social networking sites that enable people to connect with others to share and swap things they have. One may have a bounty of backyard produce to share while another may have a collection of paperback books ready to be read. Clothing, baby items, toys, and the like can easily be shared or given away. One of the more popular neighborhood activities these days is to host a clothing swap party, where participants bring a set number of clothing items they no longer use (that are in good condition) and everyone swaps things to refresh their wardrobes at no cost. Recycle items to protect gadgets. Turn a child’s empty juice box into a case for your smartphone. Knit or sew a cover for your new tablet or e-reader with scraps of fabric or yarn. Remember those worn jeans from before? Make a pouch to store your GPS device so it can be moved from car to car. When individuals think about the items they have around the house and how they can be repurposed, there is less likelihood those spent items will end up in the garbage. If swapping items seems like the ideal concept for you, visit http://swapforgood.org/ and find out how you can get started swapping your used items for something else.
GO GREEN...
Tips...
Shred Your Confidential Files Today! Pro Shredders is locally owned in Butte and will shred confidential records securely!
• ON-SITE DESTRUCTION Destruction at your location
• OFF-SITE DESTRUCTION Destruction at our facility (can be witnessed by your personnel)
• SECURITY CONTAINERS - we have a variety of security containers to protect your information internally
CALL TODAY TO ENSURE YOUR DOCUMENTS ARE PROPERLY DESTROYED!
COMPLETELY INSURED AND BONDED LOCALLY OWNED IN BUTTE Tom Schrapps
406-491-1405
Our blue bottle incorporates OXO-BIODEGRADABLE technology giving you a bottle that is ultimately biodegradable and designed to be 100% recyclable.
OF BUTTE RECYCLING & DEMOLITION
- WE ACCEPT • • • • • • www.reverteplastics.com BU-20309169
Iron Tin Appliances Cars Bailing Wire Copper
• • • • • •
Brass Stainless Steel Aluminum Aluminum Cans Radiators Batteries
• • • •
Cardboard Newspaper No. 1 - No. 7 Plastics And More!
494-1661
A PRODUCT OF HARRINGTON BOTTLING CO.
2100 Meadowlark • Butte, MT (West of the Forest Service)
www.asmetals.com
Did you know!
• This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Day In History • This Every• day The Standard Day In History • This Day In History This in Day InMontana History • This Day In
This Day in History
BU-20309174
SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2012
How to disinfect your water
All-natural ways to... The quickest fix to a problem is not always the best fix. Many convenience items are full of chemicals that may not be safe for the environment. And although many medications may be ideal for treating ailments, some people prefer a more natural method to treat certain ailments. There are many allnatural items that can be put to use for personal care and home care if you know where to look. It is important to note that some supplements or herbs are not adviseable for pregnant women or those with certain conditions. Therefore it’s best to check with a doctor or pharmacist before beginning any regimen. … get rid of ants
Make a sweet solution of sugar water and borax, also known as sodium tetraborate. Borax is not toxic, but it should not be ingested, and it may cause minor skin irritation. You can also try substituting washing soda for the borax, which is sodium carbonate. The ants will feed on the solution, take it back to the colony, and eventually the numbers will dwindle. … reduce irritation from a sting. Apply a paste of baking soda and water to the sting and it will help reduce the pain and swelling. This also may work on jellyfish stings and on other bug bites. … fall asleep more quickly
Passion flower is known to produce mild sedative effects that can help induce sleep. Passion flower can be found in tinctures, teas and capsules. In tea form it can be mixed with chamomile to improve flavor and boost even further relaxing.
Page 5C
he easiest way to avoid health issues that arise from a contaminated water supply is to keep plenty of bottled water on hand and use as drinking water and when cooking. So long as the bottled water has not been exposed to flood waters, it will be safe to drink. If an emergency strikes and you don’t have any bottled water at home, don’t panic. Boiling water can help make the water safe, killing most types of disease-causing organisms that might be present. Boil water for one minute before allowing it cool and then store in containers for later use. In an emergency situation, the water could very well be cloudy. This is also not a cause for panic. Instead, filter the water
T
… relieve nasal congestion
A stuffy nose can make sleeping difficult, contribute to a dry throat from mouth-breathing and just be a nuisance. There are many different ways to open up nasal passages. Saline solutions that are sprayed or misted into the nose can loosen mucus and help it to drain. The same principal applies when using a neti pot. Eating spicy foods, such as hot peppers, wasabi or jerk seasonings, can also temporarily cause the nose to run and alleviate pressure.
through clean cloths, like coffee filters or just allow it to settle. When allowed to settle, chances are the cloudy water will clear up within minutes. Once it does, use the clear water when boiling. If there’s no means to boiling the water, you can use household bleach as a disinfectant. Bleach is effective at killing some, but not all, disease-caus-
hold bleach for each gallon of water. Do not use nonchlorine bleach to disinfect water. Once added, stir the bleach and water mixture well, then let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Once disinfected, store the water in clean containers with covers. The treated water should have a slight odor of chlorine. If it does not, repeat the process and allow the water to stand for an additional 15 mining organisms that might utes. After this step, if the be in the water. If the treated water exhibits a water is cloudy, filter it strong odor of chlorine or through clean cloths or tastes strongly of chlorine, allow it to settle before attempting to disinfect it. allow the water to stand Once the water is clear, use exposed to the air for a few this clear water for disin- hours or pour the water from one clean container fection. When ready to to another several times. disinfect the water, the For those who rely on EPA recommends adding 1¼8 teaspoon (or roughly well water, in the case of a flood have the water tested eight drops) of regular, and disinfected. unscented liquid house-
… remove grass stains
Using the wrong items can set in a grass stain quickly. Wet the stain with rubbing alcohol and let dry to dissolve some of the stain. Then wet the fabric with water, pour detergent right on the stain and wash as usual. … clean up pet accidents
Pet urine can stain and smell. Quick clean-up is key, but use a product that will neutralize odor. Oxygen powder bleach diluted in a bucket of water can be used as a carpet shampoo. It will clean up the stain and remove the odor. … remove a wart
Coat the skin around the wart with petroleum jelly to protect it. Soak a small piece of cotton in apple cider vinegar and place it directly on the
Distributed by BU-20309180
BRING IN YOUR: Iron • Tin Copper • Brass Aluminum • Radiators Aluminum Cans Catalytic Converters Batteries
804 S. Arizona • 782-4962
Page 6C
BU-20309225
SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012
Checking into our comfortable hotel is a heroic act indeed. When you choose us, you’re choosing a “green hotel,” which means we’ve taken important steps to help conserve our planet. From installing energy-efficient ligh ng throughout the hotel to using low-flow shower heads, we’re going the extra mile to protect our environment. So thank you for being a superhero by staying with us. Reduce - Reuse - Recycle • Replaced all T-12 fluorescent tubes with T-8 • Replaced all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps • Micro-fiber cleaning cloths • Energy-Star rated products • Linen re-use program • New bed sets are green
Our guests are saving the planet. Featuring eco-friendly products on our breakfast bar - plates, bowls, cups, & cutlery are biodegradeable or compostable & sourced from recycled or renewable content like corn, sugarcane, and recycled paper. GEM System® Energy Management in each guest room, preven ng unoccupied rooms from being over-heated or over-cooled. Recycling Program for all office paper, newspaper, light bulbs, & plas cs. Upda ng exterior ligh ng from neon to more energy-efficient LED ligh ng. Mo on sensors control lights in public restrooms & storage areas. Recycling receptacles in public areas for guest use. Guest rooms now feature lowflow toilets & showerheads. Frequent team brain-storming sessions to find addi onal ways to reduce, reuse & recycle. Inquire about our eco-friendly mee ng rooms!
We are rated 3 Green Keys from Green Key Global.com
W We are a 2011 Winner of the Choice Hotels Interna onal C APEX Eco-Excellence Award A
Comfort INN of Butte
2777 Harrison Ave, Bu e, MT 59701 Phone: 406.494.8850 Fax: 406.494.2801
www.comfor nnbu e.com Like us on Facebook!