April 16, 2013 • Page 9 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Green ways to beautify your home Prep your toolbox to tackle top projects When it comes to improving your home, it's easier than ever to make eco-friendly choices that save you money, are better for the environment and make your home more beautiful. Here are a few easy ways you can go green all over the house. Light it Up - As you make the switch from incandescent bulbs, it's important to look for a bulb that will not only conserve energy and save money, but that gives you the kind of illumination you want. Look for an alternative with even light distribution, such as 3M LED Advanced Light. It lights up a room as beautifully as you would expect, and lasts for 25 years, delivering energy efficiency without compromise. It uses one quarter of the energy used by an incandescent light bulb and can save you up to $140 worth of electricity over the bulb's lifetime. In addition, it contains no mercury and does not need special disposal. Learn more at The do-it-yourself (DIY) movement in home improvement continually grows stronger as a way for people to update their homes while saving money. If you’re one of those DIYers ready to get to work, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job — no matter what that job is. Painting Prep Repainting a room is a quick, inexpensive home project that can make a dramatic difference. It’s important to make repairs and clean and prime the walls before applying that first coat. Pre-gummed fiberglass repair tapes and premixed patching compounds allow you patch and paint in the same day. For an older home, wash walls with a trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution and a sponge. Traditional brushes and rollers are tried and true, but the newest technological innovation on the market can speed up the process. A cordless paint www.3MLighting.com/LE D. Decorate with Recycled Materials - Whether you're a do-it-yourselfer or want to buy ready-made items, there are plenty of options that keep materials out of landfills. Look for furniture made from reclaimed wood, carpets made from recycled plastic, flooring made from sustainable resources such as bamboo or cork, and wallpaper made from managed timber sources. You can find glassware, dinner sets and accessories made from recycled glass, and textiles like curtains and blankets made from organic fibers. Save Water with Style Upgrading your waterusing devices can help you use less water and save money. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that products with the WaterSense or EnergyStar labels will cut down on your water usage. For example, replacing faucets and aerators with WaterSense models can AUTO?PARTS 1509 E Hwy. 50 • Yankton, SD save you an average of 700 gallons of water per year. Replacing your showerhead could save 2,900 gallons of water per year, and a new toilet could save you 13,000 gallons of water per year. Look for the EnergyStar label on dishwashers and washing machines - they can use up to half as much water and 40 percent less energy. Clean Green - Keep your home sparkling clean with eco-friendly cleaners and detergents. Look for products with plant-based ingredients and that are free from artificial chemicals, colors and fragrances. And learn to make your own cleaners, too. Baking soda and vinegar are natural products with a lot of cleaning power. Making some green improvements around your house is easier than you think - and the payoff is a beautiful home and a better environment. Christensen’s Radiator & Repair Milwaukee M18 Lithiumion 18 Volt Cordless 3/8inch Right Angle Drill has a multi-position trigger and a compact head for use in small areas. The use of power tools with lithiumion batteries, as opposed to traditional ni-cad batteries, can make the job easier — the tools are lighter, the batteries last four times longer, and the charge doesn’t fade so you have power for the entire job. sprayer, such as the Ryobi 18 Volt ONE+ ProTip Speed Sprayer, has a long-lasting, lightweight lithium-ion battery, a reversible spray tip that rotates to clear clogs quickly, and sprays latex paint as well as stain. Organizing Your Life Closet and garage organization systems increase the amount of usable storage space by using vertical space. For working in tight spaces, a right-angle drill can be useful. The Family Owned & Operated For Over 40 Years! 605-665-3693 • 800-658-3388 List Electric PROJECTS | PAGE 10 If bugs are the problem, we are the solution! 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