Let's Talk Real Estate!

The Green Corner by Michelle Sagatov

Some Things to Make your Home a Little Greener

Indoor plants: Some recent studies (including one from NASA) have shown that particular plants can help to improve your indoor air quality. Bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, Gerbera daisies, English ivy and Peace lilies are among the list of beneficial houseplants.

Window coverings: Try using natural materials and heat reflecting window treatments. Some eco-friendly sustainable window coverings include those manufactured from high quality rapidly renewable grasses, reeds, bamboo, hemp or other cellulose fibers. When you replace curtains or blinds, keep these green choices in mind.

Low-Flow fixtures: Replace your toilets with low-flow (1.6 gallon) and dual flush toilets, and put low-flow faucets throughout your home. Just replacing a shower head can save from 3 to 28 gallons of water for a 5 minute shower!

Hot water heaters: Go with solar water systems or tankless, on-demand water heaters. The solar heaters use the sun so your energy costs are non-existent, and the tankless heaters only heat water when you need it, removing the constant energy loss associated with a standard hot water heater. Plus, you never run out of hot water.

Mattress: Naturally flame retardant wool and cotton mattresses and futons used with organic linens allow for air circulation and a healthier sleep environment. Take a look at some of the offerings the next time you're in the market for a new mattress.

Lighting: Increase natural light (let the sunshine in!), and make the switch to compact fluorescent bulbs and energy star fixtures.

Furniture: Green furniture is getting easier to find everyday. Sustainably-grown solid wood furniture with non-toxic finishes, organic fabrics and natural cushioning materials are kinder to the environment and to the health of your family, too.

Flooring: Use natural fiber area rugs in combination with non-toxic flooring materials.

Appliances: As your appliances age, replace them with Energy Star rated models. You'll be helping to save the planet, cutting your energy bills, and sometimes even getting a tax credit.

Cleaning products: The aisles of your local grocery store are filled with alternative cleaning supplies: non-toxic, fragrance-free products; and you can always look into old-fashioned (but effective) homemade methods.

ANTS, ANTS, Little Tiny Black Ants!

I wanted to write something "fun" for the Blog today but little, tiny, black ants have invaded my kitchen - my life - even my dreams for the past couple of weeks.  They say it is best to write about something near and dear to produce a quality product, so, I am writing begrudgingly about ants.  On a more altruistic level; however, I am providing ammunition to you the reader, if not to totally wipe out these pesky buggers - at least to keep them somewhat at bay!!!  You won't believe this - one of the peskies just walked across my "ant" reference paper.  He rode upstairs to my computer room by my very own hand!  I squashed him and immediately went back to typing.

Here is my ant story.  I wake up one morning, go to the kitchen for my morning cuppa, and what to my amazing eyes - there are little, tiny, black ants -- the "peskies," a lot of them:  savoring the cat food, making a jungle gym out of my window sill, playing hide and seek on the kitchen floor.  If you care about what kind of ant, (I didn't as ANTS are ANTS in my mind) this website might help. OK -- first line of defense - call neighbor Mairi who had cats for years and years.  Yes, build a moat by setting the cat bowl in a bowl of water - so they drown attempting to fill their little bellies.  It worked - at least for the cat food.

But the peskies were still showing up.  I didn't want to use ant spray as it is bad for my lovable kitties:  Charlie and Lemmie.  It also is not a "green eco approach" to the problem.  I then recalled friend Rita had ants.  Her remedy - use Windex.  This also kinda works as it kills them, but their friends and family members march right back in.  My own brainstorm, use the ever-versatile "vinegar."  HHmm, again works but not for long!  As you can imagine, I was getting increasingly frustrated.

Ok, I got really serious about tackling the problem so I googled "solving ant problems."  Ahh, I am so much wiser now that I have the scientific "why" information.  Those peskies love moisture, human food (especially sugar and grease), and warmth.  I now know the unappealing spring weather has contributed to my problem.  BUT, I still have ants!  They now are swimming in the cats' water bowl, playing on my counters, and climbing up the refrigerator.  (I blame Jerry for the refrig as Oreo cookie remains on the door handle is a sure fire ant attraction!!  By the way Jerry, why are you you eating Oreos and not sharing them with me?)

I finally came across a somewhat effective method. The solution:  good, old, basic cleaning and sound food storage methods!!  So, I am Ms. Clean, daily wiping the floors, counters with soap and water, and keeping the counters free of "any and all food."  One mishap:  the unopened packaged pound cake purchased for Mother's Day strawberry shortcake stored on top of the refrigerator.  What a feast for those peskies - who would have thought they would be so clever!!  Oh, well, it saved me some calories.

The "green" answer is diligently monitoring and eliminating the conditions that contribute to infestations.  By following these tips, you can effectively reduce ant populations indoors without using toxic chemical or interfering in ants' ecological roles outdoors.  If you must use a pesticide, considering using a bait product, but they contain poison so it is crucial to always place baits out of the reach of children, pets, and wildlife.

I have to go now as it is time to check for ants!

P.S. I promise you I am really not a bad housekeeper, but I can assure you, I am a much better one than I was - at least when it comes to my kitchen!!