Summer is rapidly approaching, it is time to clean up your place. Getting ready for summer can generate a lot of waste. The warmer weather opens up the opportunity to get outside more often as well as requires us to cool down the home.

EWG has a nice list of tips to help you clean your house the green or more eco-friendly way.

• When traveling on vacation, try to carpool, take public transportation, or walk as much as possible
• Check the exterior of your home and repair any cracked or flaking paint,. Time to apply caulk, weatherstrip and paint.
• Check and clean gutters, downspouts again
• Remove and clean storm windows (if you have them)
• It is time to work on your garden, sprinkler system, and rejuvenate your lawn
• Check your water heater for leaks and sediment, turn down its temperature if possible
• Check your garden’s irrigation system and outdoor taps
• Look for termites, ants, and other pests
• The heater will get a rest, so it’s time to check and clean your air conditioner and its filters. Have a HVAC professional do seasonal maintenance
• Check your roof and patch or replace any damaged areas. This is the time to fix leaks
• Check and clean chimney if necessary
• Consider a solar electric system and/or battery backup
• If you live in a windy area, consider a wind turbine
• If you your car needs replacement, consider purchasing a hybrid or all electric car

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The hot weather is here and people are looking for ways to save on their cooling bills. Buying a new air conditioner seems to be a rite of passage into summer for some people. We take a look at one product that is being heavily advertised.

We have been noticing these ads for MIRA-Cool popping up in newspapers like USA Today and Parade nationwide promising, “Public set to get free air cooling units”… “A new miracle air cooler is actually being given away free to the first 11,337 readers who call to beat the order deadline for their first miracle air cooler to stay cool for just pennies a day”

From their website: “The New MIRA-COOL uses 95% less electricity than a typical window air conditioner, yet blast out ice cooled air to keep you cool for just pennies a day.”

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