Green Ways to Beautify Your Home

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.

Save Water with Style

- Upgrading your water-using 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 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.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Compliments of:3M

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Strawberry-Yogurt Freezer Pops Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 3 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 10 freezer pop molds and sticks

Preparation

1. In blender or food processor add half of the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Purée ingredients until sugar is dissolved. Pour mixture into a small pitcher or container and add the rest of the chopped strawberries.
2. Fill each freezer pop mold by alternating layers of strawberry mixture and yogurt. Insert handle or stick into each freezer pop and freeze at least 5 hours. To serve, run warm water over outside of molds until pops come out easily.
3. If you don't have freezer pop molds, use small paper cups. Cover tops of cups with plastic wrap and poke the sticks through the plastic to keep them standing upright while in the freezer.

Serves Yield 10 servings

Compliments of: Fresh From Florida

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Spinach Salad with fresh Grapes, Plums, Peaches and Kiwis Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 cups washed baby spinach
• 1/2 cup red grapes
• 1/2 cup green grapes
• 2 plums sliced
• 1 peach sliced
• 2 kiwis sliced for garnish
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds

Preparation

1. Place spinach and sliced fruit in a salad bowl and toss with kiwi vinaigrette. Garnish with additional fruit pieces and top with toasted almonds.

Serves
Serves 6

Kiwi Vinaigrette Recipe

Ingredients

3 kiwis peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon agave or honey
• salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.

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Compliments of: Chilean Fresh Fruit Association

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It takes a lot of energy to keep up with today's busy lifestyle. Between juggling work, family, friends and activities, people are often looking for something to help them keep going. Many are turning to nutritious, plant-based sources of protein, such as peanuts, to help provide long-lasting energy throughout the day.
With 7 grams per serving, peanuts have more energy-boosting protein than any nut. This, along with their more than 30 essential vitamins and nutrients, makes peanuts a superfood.

Crispy Peanut Kale Chips Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 10-ounce bunch curly kale, stems trimmed
• Cooking spray
• 1/2 cup unsalted, dry roasted peanuts, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed, golden or brown
• 1/2 teaspoon low sodium jalapeño or chipotle seasoning or 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg whites

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Rinse kale under cold water. Dry well with paper towels or dry dish towel.
3. Coat two baking sheets with cooking spray.
4. Place peanuts, ground flax and seasoning or salt on sheet of wax paper. Mix with your fingertips.
5. Place egg whites in large bowl and whisk until foamy with a wire whisk, about 10 seconds. Dip edges of kale leaves into egg then press into peanut mixture. Transfer kale leaves to baking sheets; spread out so leaves aren't touching. Coat tops of leaves with a layer of cooking spray.
6. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until leaves crisp and peanuts are golden. Cool 1 minute before serving.

Compliments of: National Peanut Board

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