What Can I Do With...

If you (or your wife) have a thing for candles, more than likely you have thrown out a few stubs or jars half full of leftover wax.  Next time, save the wax (and the jar) to make your own citronella candles to ward off bugs on your patio!

• Pick up some plain citronella oil - or use the leftovers from your tiki torches – and some new lead-free candlewicks.


• Melt down the old wax (unscented works best) in a double boiler, or a tin can set inside a pot of boiling water.


• Carefully add the citronella to the wax and stir.


• Clean the old candle jars, or re-use jelly jars or coffee tins.


• Measure the wick to be as long as the jar is tall, plus a few inches.


• Tie one end of the wick to the middle of a pencil or stick, and the other end to a washer, bolt, or just tie a large knot.


• Lower the weighted end of the wick into the empty jar, and balance the pencil across the opening so the wick is centered.  If you’re using a large jar, you might want to use more than one wick.


• Slowly pour the hot wax into the jar, being careful not to dislodge your wick.


• Set aside for a day to harden, then trim the wick to ¼”.  Enjoy!

Turn Your Free Time from Boring to Meaningful

If you find yourself wondering what to do on the weekends, or if your kids are bugging you for something new to do, why not donate your time?  Volunteering with a local non-profit, church, hospital or facility can be a rewarding way to spend an hour, a day, or even a vacation.

• The United Way of Monroe County and Toledo are always looking for help with a wide range of programs.  Spend an afternoon reading to kids, or commit to a few days of delivering meals to the elderly.  Visit their websites for more information.
• Animal shelters and rescue groups are also desperate for help.  The number of adoptable animals has skyrocketed during these difficult financial times, and shelters are overwhelmed.  You can volunteer to work at the shelters by walking dogs, cleaning, or helping at events. You can even foster-care for pets until they can find permanent homes.  Read about how you can help at the Humane Society of Monroe County or Humane Society of Toledo.  To find a list of rescues nearby, visit Petfinder.com.
• The Nature Conservancy has on-going studies and restorations across the country.  From removing invasive plants to counting butterflies, the opportunities abound.  Click on “Where We Work” to find out more.
• Consider a Volunteer Vacation for your next trip.  Organizations like EarthWatch, GoPhilanthropic, and EcoVolunteer all offer a variety of opportunities to make your vacation a little more than just a trip to the beach.

Source: The Daily Green

Green Briefs: Keeping Cool

Minimize your dependence on energy-hogging air conditioners by tackling heat the natural way first.  Shade sunny windows with heat-blocking drapes or blinds inside, or a trellis and climbing plant on the outside.  Open windows at night and install a fan in the attic to pull cool air into the house and push hot air out through the roof.  And when you do use your A/C, make sure all your ducts are sealed well and only the vents you need are open!