Jill Pennefather

Most homeowners know the benefits of a kitchen ventilator or range hood but often forget the importance of cleaning or replacing its filter. A properly functioning range hood will do more than remove cooking odours, it will help keep kitchen air from damaging your home and your health. Range hoods draw and trap combustion bi-products such as smoke and cooktop gases, and help prevent evaporati ...

Welcome to 2012!


Did you know that in ancient Rome, the month January is named after Janus the god of the doorway?  In fact, it was a tradition to symbolically close the door on old troubles and open another to new possibilities.  Nice idea!

So my wish for you and your family is that this year be filled with wonderful possibilities.

Quote from Mark Twain

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did."

The 2 Keys to Achieving your Goals in 2012

1)  Set a project goal, not a dream goal.

2)  Don't go it alone.

Finally, never attempt to "microwave boil" water in a cup, mug or bowl.  Although there may be no signs of bubbling, the heating method could cause a phenomenon known as "super-heating," which causes the liquid to erupt unexpectedly when a foreign item is introduced (such as sugar or a spoon).  This can result in severe burns.

Using the wrong dishes or food coverings can also be hazardous.  Certain metallic foils and containers can cause a fire, and some plastics can transfer unhealthy chemicals to food.  Check your oven's manual for guidance.  Only use containers, lids, wraps and splash-covers that are designed for microwave ovens.

Be Mindful of Microwave Safety

Microwave ovens are safe most of the time, but it's important to be aware that hazards exist if they're not operated properly.  The fact is microwave exposure can be dangerous - that's why they have a protective outer shell and door, which must be closed to allow operation.  (Note:  If your microwave door does not shut properly, do not use it).

Electronic Pilot Light

Fuel-fired water heaters that use a constantly burning "pilot light" are considered wasteful.  The pilot light can be replaced with an electronic sentry that ignites the heater as required, without burning extra fuel.

Set-back Thermostat

If you have an electric water heater, install a timer that turns it off when you don't need it or during peak electricity demands.  At the very least, reducing the temperature at which the water is maintained will help save heating costs.

Tank Insulation

To keep hot water hot in an electrically heated tank for a longer period of time and for less money, get a pre-sized insulating jacket from your local plumbing suppliers.  (Note that gas or oil-fired heaters can make tank insulation a little more difficult, so consult with a professional before making such an attempt).

Even if you aren't quite prepared to invest in a new hot water tank or tankless water heater, there are still a number of ways to reduce the amount of wasted energy used to heat water.

Pipe Insulation

To prevent the water in the pipes from cooling, wrap pipe insulation on the hot water pipes between your tank and your faucets.  This is easy to do.

Reusable/Recyclable:

When purchasing any product, whether natural, synthetic  and/or manufactured, it is important to know that the product can be easily recycled when it is beyond its usefulness, without causing environmental detriment as landfill, especially if it could release undesirable compounds.

Repurposed/Reclaimed:

Flooring made from old building structures (e.g. posts, beams, walls and planks) is a viable alternative option vs. grown and harvested resources.  Likewise, recycled glass, plastic and rubber provide ample raw materials for creative flooring effects and using them also reduces landfill.  These products can be found through decorative flooring dealers.

Renewable/Sustainable:

Bamboo and cork are popular natural resources that renew relatively quickly.  It should be noted that traditional woods are also renewable, as long as they are managed through sustainable practices.  Before you buy natural flooring products, ask if the harvesting methods are verified through an accredited authority.

Eco-friendly Choices for Household Floors

Choosing eco-friendly new or replacement flooring is one of the emerging trends among house and condo owners.  Eco-friendly flooring is generally identified as being made from and with more sustainable resources, materials that don't deplete or permanently damage the enviornment (such as as toxic laminates) or material that is easy to reuse or recycle ...

Glass Act:
When cleaning up broken glass, use a fresh piece of bread to gather up, and hold onto, tiny shards that are often hard to pick up with a wet cloth.

Crayon Cleaning:
If you have wax crayon markings on your wall, apply a little heat with a blow-dryer to soften the compound.  This will make it easier to wipe clean with mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol.  (Be sure to test in an inconspicuous area before wiping finished surfaces.)

Pillow Primer:
If your feather pillows seem too bunched up or matted, toss them in an automatic clothes dryer for a tumble that will give them a fluffing up.  (Make sure there are no tears in the fabric.)

It's always great to come across a bit of information that might prove to be useful in the future.  With that in mind, here are three helpful tips that could very well come in handy when trying to solve an unexpected household dilemma:

"What we learn from history is that people don't learn from history"
                                     Warren Buffet

"It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters."
                                     Ursula Le Guin

"You will never find time for anything.  If you want the time, you must make it."
                                     Charles Buxton

"Every ...

Sometimes we have to endure some rain before we can enjoy the sunshine and flowers!

As the weather warms up, it's useful to know about products or ideas that make outdoor living easier, more convenient or more pleasant.  Here are a few that might interest you:

1)  Pre-seeded "garden mats" are a convenient way to plant a small garden.  Just lay them in prepared soil, add water and watch them grow!
2)  A stationary "garden camera" can be positioned next to your favourite bloo ...

5)  Hydrogen Peroxide:

When diluted, it is a mild alternative to chlorine bleach and can be used for stain removal and mild bleaching of natural fabrics.

And that concludes the 5 simple and traditional ways of cleaning and stain-removals for a Greener Household.

4)  Glycerine:

As a natural emulsifier, it can be mixed with oil-based stains and other compounds to help "lift" them off a surface.

3)  Lemon Juice:

It can  be safely used to lighten stains and cut grease.  It also cleans tarnished brass, copper, bronze and aluminum. (Do not use on silver).

2)  Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda):

When mixed with water, this mild powder can remove stains from pots and pans, oven glass, refrigerator interiors, stovetops and tile.

1)  White Vinegar

When diluted with water, it can be used to deodorize and disinfect cookware, countertops, sinks, tubs and toilets (avoid marble and tile grout).  Its odor does not linger.

Traditional Cleaners and Stain-removers for a Greener Household

Many conscientious consumers want cleaning products that perform well without causing undue harm to the environment (or the pocketbook).  Here are 5 simple, old-time cleaner/stain-removal solutions to consider - but be sure to consult mixing instructions, and always test remedies on safe, inconspicuous areas.

#1 starts tomorrow ( ...