If youre looking to reduce your net trash output with the ultimate goal of joining the zero-waste movement, there are a variety of small steps you can take today.

Refuse
Start by not bringing any items into your house that you dont need. This includes company giveaways, such as a promotional tote bag from a work conference, free pens that make their way into your hands, plastic bobblehead figures from the ballpark and plastic utensils that come with your takeout order.

Reduce
Buying fewer things will ultimately save you money. Before buying new clothing, electronics, home appliances or anything else, ask yourself if you truly need it.

Reduce your reliance on single-use items such as plastic water bottles, individual yogurt cups and disposable plastic razors. When you do buy something, take advantage of reusable canvas grocery bags.

You can also lower the thermostat in your home and lower your energy usage, plan meals each week so that less food is wasted, and take advantage of public transportation so that you use your car less.

Reuse
Picking up a new skill such as sewing can help you repair some of your clothes and give them a longer life. If there are too many holes in a shirt to repair, use it as a rag instead of using paper towels. Reusing items for something other than their original purpose is a chance to get creative and see just how far you can go.

Recycle
If youre already recycling, you may be able to take your efforts up a notch. Recycling is a great way to properly dispose of something you no longer use so that it can be turned into something usable again.

Beyond cans and bottles, many items can be recycled. In fact, household appliances, batteries and old toys can be responsibly recycled or given away for free for others to use.

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Here are a few exciting amenities that kids will love!

Waterslides

Waterslides and lazy rivers take the backyard swimming pool to the next level.

Bowling Alleys

The perfect rainy-day activity, a bowling lane at home has a wow factor that everyone can enjoy.

Treehouses

Help your kids immerse themselves in nature with a craftsman level fort.

Game Rooms

Spaces with foosball, air hockey, Skee-ball, and more, provide the perfect hangout spot.

In-Ground Trampolines

An amenity that will light up the little ones eyes, in-ground trampolines are a growing trend.

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Driving Tips

• Minimize idling your car by turning off your engine when your vehicle is parked for more than 10 seconds. Idling can use a quarter- to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use, adding up to $0.03 of wasted fuel a minute.
• Drive sensibly and avoid aggressive driving, such as speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking. Aggressive driving can lower your highway gas mileage by up to 33 percent and your city mileage by 5 percent.
• Avoid high speeds. Above 50 mph, gas mileage drops rapidly. For every 5 mph above 50 mph, it’s like paying an additional $0.19 per gallon of gas.
• Reduce drag by placing items inside the car or trunk rather than on roof racks, which can decrease your fuel economy by up to 8 percent in city driving and up to 25 percent at Interstate speeds.
• Avoid keeping heavy items in your car. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could increase your gas costs by up to $0.03 per gallon.
• Combine errands. Several short trips, each one taken from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm.

Car Maintenance Tips

• Use the grade of motor oil your car’s manufacturer recommends. Using a different grade can lower your gas mileage by 1 percent to 2 percent.
• Improve your gas mileage by 0.6 percent on average"up to 3 percent in some cases"by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Inflate your tires to the pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on a sticker that is either in the glove box or driver’s side door jamb. This number may differ from whats listed on your tire’s sidewall.
• Get regular maintenance checks to avoid fuel economy problems due to worn spark plugs, dragging brakes, sagging belts or transmission problems. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve mileage by as much as 40 percent.
• Don’t ignore the check-engine light"it can alert you to problems that affect fuel economy, as well as more serious problems, even when your vehicle seems to be running fine.

Of course, the best way to save on gas is to avoid driving altogether by walking or riding a bike whenever possible.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

This trend of working to cover only day-to-day expenses can lead to the worst financial mistake of your life"not having an emergency fund. Without one, you could be forced to go into debt to pay for emergency medical care, a broken car that you rely on to get to work, a busted water heater, the loss of your job or any other unexpected emergency. Sooner or later, something will pop up.

A no-spend month could help solve that problem so that youre not part of the 19 percent of Americans who dont have any money in an emergency fund, or the 31 percent who dont have at least $500 set aside for emergencies.

The first goal for an emergency fund should be to accumulate enough to cover six months of living expenses. After that, work to increase it to a cushion of 18 to 24 months. To give it a good kick start, eliminate all non-essential spending for a month. Do this by sorting your expenses into wants versus needs.

Wants, for example, can include eating out, going to a movie, vacation, a date night, going out for a drink, shopping and anything that you can live without, such as cable TV.

Needs are pretty obvious. You have to pay your rent or mortgage, buy groceries, get the medical care you need and pay your monthly bills. Dont live without hot water or electricity just so you can save some cash.

At the end of the month"or the beginning if youre sure your budgeted numbers are correct"move the unspent money into a savings account or other account where you can get the money relatively quickly, if needed.

Hopefully, it will be enough money to cover your expenses for a month. If possible, continue this for a second month, or at least cut out non-essentials that youve found you can live without. Cable TV may not seem so important after a month away.

After that difficult first month, decide how much you can now afford to put aside in an emergency fund each month and have it automatically transferred out. You may not feel you need to put aside all of that first months savings each month, and can add some wants back to your monthly expenses. This process should have you sleeping better at night and not having to worry about emergencies that you cant afford.

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Here are four tips to ensure that your homes surroundings are on full display.

Oversized Windows

It goes without saying, but more windows means more views. They frame an unforgettable backdrop and bring the scenery into your house.

Thoughtful Landscaping

Your landscaping should enhance the scenery, not take away from it, while also maintaining privacy.

Decorate Accordingly

Low-slung furniture can be useful to avoid creating obstructions in a room, and the color palette that you choose should complement the scenery.

Focus on Seating Arrangements

Try to create seating areas that capture the best viewpoints in the house.

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Here are some of the best ways to keep your kitchen appliances running well so that they last through their normal lifetime, and hopefully beyond:

Refrigerator
Refrigerators have a life expectancy of 13 years, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Mold should be the main thing to try to prevent the spread of in a refrigerator. This requires regularly removing all food from it and cleaning every corner. Check each week if expiration dates on food have passed, and toss out anything thats old.

On the exterior, clean dust and any debris from the condenser coils on the back, and check and maintain the seals on the fridge.

Stove or Oven
Gas ranges should last 15 years, which includes the stovetop and oven. Clean both on a monthly basis with an oven cleaner or basic cleaner for the surface.

Even after a self-cleaning cycle, an oven can need some extra scrubbing by hand to remove old food drippings that have turned to ash. Be sure to wear a mask and gloves. For a gas stovetop, you may need to take apart the components to clean them well.

Garbage Disposal
At six years, a garbage disposal may have one of the shortest life spans in a kitchen. A lot of it depends on what you put down there.

Putting big chunks of food, or thick items such as carrots can break a disposal. Youre better off throwing those in a trash can or composter.

To keep your garbage disposal smelling clean, fill the sink with soap and water and then let it flush and drain. Cut a lemon in quarters and run them in the disposal until theyre gone.

Microwave
Expect nine years of good service from a microwave oven. Spilled food can cause stains inside, and fingerprints, splatters and other things can make the outside dirty.

To clean the inside, heat a cup of water inside the microwave for 2 " 3 minutes. Let it evaporate until steam appears on the glass window, then open it and wipe the inside with a sponge. Scrub the glass plate separately, and use soapy water to clean the inside.

For the exterior, an all-purpose cleaner with a sponge or cloth should work well. Dont spray the cleaner directly on the appliance because it could enter the ventilation holes.

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Thats because a number of houseplants contain properties that help rid the air around you of various chemicals and parasites. In fact, VanZile told House Beautiful, installing a few potted plants in your home can help you breathe and even sleep better without ever lifting a vacuum.

Top contenders to choose from include:

Rubber Plant: In addition to adding a dramatic accent to any room, studies show that rubber plants can remove airborne toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde"found in many cleaning supplies. VanZile advises wiping the leaves with a moist paper towel now and then to keep their pores open for optimal air purification.

Boston Fern: These lush ferns are great for removing common airborne pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, which are thought to cause headaches, trouble breathing and the growth of cancerous cells. The Boston fern also combats winter dryness by raising indoor humidity.

Areca Palm: A 1989 NASA study declared this stately palm to be one of the most powerful air-purifying plants, particularly for its ability to remove formaldehyde from an indoor environment.

Peace Lily: The beautiful, blooming Peace Lily is a powerhouse for filtering air. NASA studies show it can filter benzene, formaldehyde, tri-chloroethylene (TCE), xylene, toluene and ammonia from indoor air"toxins that can cause headaches, respiratory problems and an increased risk of cancer. The Peace Lily can also remove airborne mold that aggravates allergies and asthma symptoms. VanZile recommends placing a few in your bathroom to reduce mold growth.

Philodendron. These popular and attractive houseplants are easy to grow and clean the air of formaldehyde and xylene, a toxin found in glues and leathers.

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Appeal to the health-conscious homebuyer with these five features…

Air Purifier

Air purifiers can protect from bacteria and viruses, as well as increase air quality.

Water Filter

Filtration systems remove contaminants and soften water – this means drinkable water from every tap, as well as healthier skin and smoother hair when bathing.

Fitness & Wellness Area

A fitness area makes it easy to incorporate a workout into the day, and a wellness area is always an added bonus.

Clean Products & Materials

Clean building materials and non-toxic products help maintain the well-being of homeowners.

Proximity to Nature

Neighborhoods with biking and walking trails will draw homebuyers who like to be active.

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Baseboards. While cleaning, look down. The baseboards running along the floor may likely need a little TLC, as they commonly pick up dust and debris throughout the year. Give them a scrub at least twice annually.

Doors. When is the last time you washed the surface of your doors? How about the door jambs? Doors get a ton of traffic, especially to high-use places like the bathroom. Give them a wash at least twice a year to remove fingerprints, dust and grime.

Behind appliances. Pull out the fridge and stove and take a look at what’s lurking back there. In addition to dust, you could find food scraps that attract critters, and even missing cooking accoutrement.

Stairs. Look closely at your staircases and you will likely find a thick layer of dust in the crevices and cracks. Give them a sweep or a vacuum to keep them in top shape.

Cabinet interiors. At least once a year, empty everything out of your cabinets and give them a wipe down. This will remove dust, mildew, cobwebs and any critters that may have moved in. Bonus: with everything out of the cabinets, you now have the ideal opportunity to reorganize! Win!

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

However, it turns out that “revolvers”"people who carry a balance on their credit card each month with revolving credit"can save some money by being reminded every once in a while by their bank about the downsides of using credit cards.

Researchers at the Urban Institute found that email reminders from your bank or a banner ad on its website can become big enough annoyances to get credit card users to cut spending by 2 percent.

One message reminded credit card holders to use cash for a purchase of less than $20. A second message highlighted the fact that credit cards add 20 percent to the cost of something with revolving credit.

The first message led to an average savings of $104, and up to $173 for revolvers under age 40. The second message had less of an impact, saving people under 40 an average of $160.

There are other small ways consumers can remind themselves to use their credit card less. Budgeting apps or reminders set up on your phone can help you automate savings, for example, by automatically moving money into a savings or retirement account.

Your bank‘s app or website may also allow you to set text or email alerts when your account balance is low. Your credit card may be able to do the same thing, sending you an email when youve spent over a certain amount on a purchase, or letting you know when youre near your credit limit.

The America Saves program sends periodic text messages to participants with savings tips and words of encouragement. Apps such as Hiatus and Trim help consumers stop automatic renewals on their credit cards that they may have forgotten about.

If you carry a revolving balance on your credit card, youre not alone.

Data from TransUnion, a consumer credit reporting agency, shows that about 133 million people have at least one credit card with a balance. The average credit card debt rose to $5,247 in the second quarter of this year, up from $5,197 in the first quarter.

To start lowering your credit card debt, make more than the minimum payment each month. Until you start using only cash for purchases of $20 or less, thats one of the best ways to tackle credit card debt.

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Here are a few tips for designing the perfect space for your little ones…

Fun Meets Function

Dont want toys and trinkets on the floor? Look for furniture that can double as storage.

Foster Creativity

A designated space for arts and crafts is an excellent way to foster your childs creativity.

Keep It Open

By keeping the space open, theres room for whatever activity they choose.

Pick a Theme

Having a fun theme is a great way to personalize your childs room.

Ready for Reading

Whether its a desk or bean bag chairs, a reading area is helpful when its time to unwind.

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Pros

• Durable and reliable. This method of heating lasts longer than a regular home furnace"with proper care it can last up to 35 years.

• Comfortable. Theres no better feeling than a warm floor on a cold day, especially when you first get out of the shower. No one enjoys stepping on cold tile, so bathrooms are particularly popular options for heated flooring.

• Saves you money in the long term. Since radiant floor heating warms from the floor up, youll be able to set your thermostat at a lower temperature to feel just as warm.

• Quiet. Because it does not require a blower, there is no extra noise produced when running it.

• Distributes heat evenly and consistently throughout each room.

• Better for allergy sufferers, since traditional central air heating pushes dust, dirt and pollen through the vents and around your home.

• Customizable. Electric floor heating allows for the option of only having heated flooring in certain rooms"so you can customize where you want it.

• Hidden, so your home has more space and less unattractive radiators.

• Versatile. Can be installed under any flooring.

• Profitable. Increases the value of your home.

Cons

• Costly. Installation will cost more than replacing a furnace, and hydronic systems are more expensive than electric.

• Not ideal for older homes as you will have to tear out existing flooring in order to install them. Wait until its time for a remodel before considering it.

• Repairs are costly. Because the system is under the floor, this also means repairs to the system are more costly as well. Since heating elements are out of sight, it can be hard to find the problem area.

• Slower to warm up the house than traditional heating. Especially true for water heating, which can take a few hours to circulate enough hot water to warm the home (but since they retain heat well, this allows for use in off peak hours, saving your utility bills).

Published with permission from RISMedia.