With gasoline at or above $4.00 per gallon, all of us are painfully aware of the effect of fuel prices on our budgets. Suddenly the fuel efficiency or lack thereof of a SUV, Hummer, or large car becomes painfully evident. Even with a fuel-efficient small car, the impact on our wallets catches almost everyone’s attention.

Most of us simply cannot run down to the local car dealer and buy a brand new, highly fuel-efficient hybrid car. Somehow, we just have to make the best of what we have available to us. In this article, I am going to assume that you are just like me, and I am going to assume you need to figure out how to get the best gas mileage out of the vehicle you have in your driveway. So, what can YOU do TODAY to reduce your cost of driving from here to there and back?

Slow Down. What? S…L…O…W… D…O…W…N (Taxi Humor)

When you have to drive your car, the single thing that you can do to most dramatically reduce the cost per mile is to SLOW DOWN. I know that you didn’t want to hear that, did you? Whether commuting or traveling on the interstate, we all want to keep up with the traffic, which is probably going 10 to 20 mph above the speed limit, if traffic conditions allow it.

Many decades ago traffic jams began to back things up on the Golden Gate Bridge and traffic engineers began exploring ideas on how to move more cars across the bridge in less time. The answer was to reduce the speed limit from 50 to 40 or less. With less distance between the cars at the slower speed, the total number of cars per hour across the bridge went UP dramatically.

Every car consumes energy to run. For most of us this means gasoline. The engine-transmission-rear end-power train combination requires a certain amount of fuel per second for any given speed. While the specific data varies for each power train combination, a graph of speed versus miles per gallons (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.shtml) shows the maximum miles per gallon (and the lowest fuel cost per mile) occurs between 45 and 60 miles per hour. Above 60 the MPG drops rapidly.

For some cars, the computer and the instrument panel can team up to show your estimated MPG data, in real time. If you have the information available look at it - it can help you understand how to achieve the most fuel-efficient operation of your vehicle, in whatever conditions you drive.

According to the DOE/EPA web site (http://www.fueleconomy.gov), aggressive driving (high acceleration, high speed, rapid braking) can reduce you gas mileage by as much as 33%. If you drive with tire squealing starts, 80-mph interstate cruising speeds, and \”stand on the brakes\” stops - you are paying a dear price at the gas pump.

If you hate $4.00/gallon, eliminating these fuel inefficiencies could give you the equivalent of $3.08/gallon gas. Does that sound good to you? All you have to do is slow down. Now, slowing down to 60 may feel a bit frustrating at first, but just think of all the dollars you are saving, every time you get into your car! What’s really important to you… fast acceleration and fast driving, or lower driving costs and more driving distance?

Minimize Drive Time

Aside from riding your bike to the grocery store, instead of the car, you can also reduce your car’s expense by carefully planning your errands to minimize your total miles driven. Make one Saturday errand trip rather than 3 or 4. Think ahead. Shop once a month, instead of twice a week, or only stop at the store on your way home from work. You would be amazed at how much fuel you can save by reducing your need to drive.

Properly Inflate Your Tires

What else can you do? Check your tire pressure and adjust to the recommended pressures. Soft tires consume more energy flexing and rolling than hard tires. The Owner’s Manual lists the recommended tire pressures, and there is an information plate on the car, usually around the driver’s door, giving the same information.

Get a tire pressure gage and check the tire pressure in each tire when it’s cold. Record the pressures and note how many PSI below recommended pressure each tire is. Drive to a service station. Recheck the pressure in each tire - it will probably have gone up some from the initial cold check as rolling and friction warmed the tire. ADD air to each tire to increase the pressure by the number of pounds each tire was low as recorded above (even if the new hot pressure is higher than the recommended cold pressure).

Make Your Car More Aerodynamic - Reduce Drag

Another savings idea - reduce vehicle drag as much as possible by removing car top luggage containers, ski racks, etc. If you feel you must use such devices, understand there is no free lunch - it will cost you in reduced fuel economy. Also, reduce the total vehicle weight as much as possible by removing any unnecessary weight in your vehicle. If you put sand bags in the trunk during the winter, to improve your traction on snow and ice, get them out of your vehicle when the ice and snow have gone.

Good Maintenance

Keep your engine running in good order. That means regular tune-ups, air filter changes, and proper oil viscosity selection. Remember, every little bit helps.

Other Resources

A number of web sites offer other information. See (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/) for U.S. Government data and for suggestions from Consumer Reports, try: (http://www.consumerreports.rog/cro/cars/new-cars/resource-center/green-car-guide/green-car=guide.htm)

Don’t Be Duped - Avoid Magic Bullets

If there are DOs, there must also be DON’Ts. We love to believe in magic potions, silver bullets, and conspiracies. For generations we have been bombarded with commercials and advertisements about stuff to dump in the radiator, in the oil, in the gas, or hang on the car, which will fix our problems and make everything much better. Some of these things work, sometimes. More often than not, they offer false hope and little, if any, practical benefits.

One of the recent popular subjects is running you car on water. Many web sites talk about hydrogen-oxygen powered engines, hydrogen boost from water, etc. It is true that burning hydrogen produces heat, and water is a by-product of that process. Some automobile manufacturers are even experimenting with hydrogen engines, fuel cell propulsion systems, etc.

However, the basic method of getting hydrogen gas, in the \”water powered car\”, is electrolysis of water using an electric current. Unfortunately, the electrolysis process requires more electrical energy to separate the hydrogen and oxygen out of the water than you will gain by burning the gases in an engine. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxyhydrogen)

Yes, it is true that some people are claiming fantastic results using the water-powered car technology, but you may also note that most the people making these claims are the same people that are hoping you will spend your money with them.

They say, \”If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is\”. Wait until these technologies are well proven, by reliable and independent testing facilities, before depending on them to save you money or reduce the operational expenses of your car.

Final Thoughts

If at the end of the month, you can increase your MPG and/or decrease the miles you drive, you will save money.

Studies have shown that the average person can increase their fuel mileage by at least 30%, by simply changing the way they drive. If you can increase your fuel mileage by a mere 30%, then you can expect to save about $23 per month on every $100 you currently spend on gasoline for your vehicles.

If you can drive 20% fewer miles than what you drive right now, you could expect to save another $15 on every $100 spent.

If you drive as much as my wife and I drive, you can expect to save $46 per month, on your monthly $200 gasoline expense, just by improving MPG by 30%. Then by cutting your driving distance by only 20% per month, you could expect to gain another $30 savings, bringing your overall fuel savings to $76 per month.

Every dollar counts these days.

We are not stopping at simply trying to increase our fuel mileage. There are actually people in this world who are beating the Estimated MPG on their vehicles, sometimes by as much as 100%. We will be happy if we can simply beat the Estimated MPG on our vehicles by a mere 20%. Think of it this way; every gallon of gasoline saved is $4 earned! And I am all for increasing our earning power!

About The Author:
Butch Taft writes about modern transportation for the website: http://automotivewebmasters.com As fuel prices continue to rise, people are thinking about what they can do to \”reduce the pain at the pump.\” So much so that many people are have put summer vacations on hold. The author of the Automotive Webmasters ebook, \”How To Increase Fuel Mileage In Any Vehicle\” is already beating the Estimated Highway MPG for his vehicle, in city driving, and he will teach you - in his ebook - how to do the same: http://automotivewebmasters.com/ebooks/increase-mpg.php

The iris, birth flower for the month of February in which Jennifer Aniston was born, comes in almost every color you can imagine-white, yellow, blue, purple…but not true red. You may see them in colors very close to red, like wine or brick red, but you won’t see one in real, stop sign red. But, if flower breeders and hybridizers like Don Spoon and Richard Ernst have anything to say about it, that will change soon.

The red iris doesn’t exist because the iris has very little red pigment. So, for over a decade, enthusiasts have been crossing and recrossing irises in an attempt to boost red pigment levels and eventually produce a true red iris. So far, breeders have produced an iris with a bright red beard, but they have yet to get the color to move out into the petals of the flower.

According to an article by Barbara Whitaker of the New York Times News Service, Richard Ernst’s (Cooley’s Gardens near Salem, Oregon) project seeks to combine the genes of the iris with the coral lily, tiger lily, and a garden-variety red pepper. That project began fourteen years ago! It took three years just to establish the protocol for regenerating the plant from the cells containing the combined genes.

Another path Ernst’s project follows is introducing a gene from a bacteria that lycopene builds on. Lycopene is the pigment that gives the tomato its bright red color. Don Spoon (Winterberry Gardens in Cross Junction, Virginia) is also following the lycopene path, but his journey has been considerably longer. Spoon has been working toward a red iris for over twenty years. He believes that a red iris is possible simply through cross-breeding, but admits that he will have to ensure the lycopene’s orange-ish color is reduced, perhaps by the introduction of flowers with anthocyanin pigment, which produces a lavender-blue color.

When asked why there’s so much interest in producing a red iris, Spoon says the origin of the quest lies in Greek mythology. \”Iris is the goddess of rainbows,\” Spoon says, \”We’ve got every color in the spectrum except for signal red.\”

Spoon believes he’s just two shades away from the red iris, but thinks it will still be another ten years before a red iris is available to the general public. When he does finally find his red iris, Spoon has no intention of shouting it out to the world. Instead, he says, \”I won’t tell anyone about it, and I’ll start growing up a whole bunch in different parts of the world.\”

So, it seems Jennifer Aniston will have to wait until she’s well into her forties before anyone presents her with a red iris on her birthday…unless, of course, they can convince Spoon to share one ahead of time!

About The Author:
Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. As a member of the Henry Ford Hospital Community Relation Board he has contributed to the community at large. He owns both a brick and mortar and an internet flower delivery business. Visit Wesley Berry Flowerson the web at www.800wesleys.com.

Zac Efron, costar of the Disney hit movie High School Musical, has become a very popular star among the teen set-almost as popular as his birth flower (Zac Efron was born October 18, 1987), the marigold, that blooms in nearly every American yard each summer.

Marigolds are native to the Americas and were considered sacred by the ancient Aztecs. They believed the flower held magical properties and used it in both medicinal processes and religious ceremonies. They were believed to be an effective cure for things as minor as hiccups or as devastating as being struck by lightening. They were even believed to make it possible for a person to safely cross a body of water.

Marigolds were so popular that the Aztecs actively bred them with the intention of creating larger flowers. Apparently Spanish explorers were intrigued by the lovely marigold as well since in the 1500s they took seeds back to Spain. Later seeds were transported from Spain to France and then to Northern Africa.

Marigolds still hold a religious symbolism in many cultures today. In Mexico and Latin America they’re used as part of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebrations where they are placed on altars and scattered over graves. Hindu religious ceremonies also sometimes use marigolds in garlands that adorn village gods during harvest festivals.

Today, Americans prize Marigolds as a standard in flowerbeds. They’re a hardy flower that carries many blooms throughout the summer, with the most beautiful display of color occurring in early fall. There are a number of different kinds of marigolds that vary in size in color. They come in white, ivory, gold, orange, yellow, and peach, but are most often seen in their gold, yellow, and orange forms.

Depending on the variety, marigolds make excellent border flowers in beds, cut flowers, and can even be grown in pots or other containers. Marigolds are also thought to repel garden pests like rabbits because they have a strong smell and a taste that’s unappealing. As a result, they’re often seen growing around vegetables and other food plants.

Perhaps Zac Efron could take a cue from his birth flower the Marigold and become as versatile and well loved as they are. With any luck, he’ll find himself a staple in American homes just as the marigold is a staple in American yards.

About The Author:
Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. His shops provide flower delivery worldwide through Flower Delivery Express. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at www.800wesleys.com.

The Barbie doll has long been a fashion icon for young girls. She always knows exactly what to wear for every occasion. Her color choices are impeccable. Why, Barbie is so good with colors, you’d think she was a florist!

At a recent Society of American Florists (SAF) event, J. Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, offered an audience of florists some excellent advice to help them increase their color savvy. His presentation was called \”Cash in on Color\” and it’s purpose was to provide florists who are already experts in design some added information about how color can be used to make their floral designs even more striking, set up displays that will sell, and to use the power of color to boost sales.

Many people believe that white compliments any color combination, but according to Schwanke, white actually dilutes the effect when you add it to any color combination. Other advice Schwanke offered included:

Now that you have made the decision to purchase a hot tub, you need to think long and hard about where you will place your new hot tub. Basically, you have three choices for a location; indoors, outdoors or inside a screened in porch. The choice is completely up to you as to where you put it, but there are many considerations that you should take into account before you make your decision.


PLAN AHEAD FOR STRENGTH AND SAFETY

No matter where you decide to place your hot tub you need to make sure that the location has a solid foundation. What this means to you is that the foundation must be a uniformly firm, continuous, and it must provide a level setting. The recommended foundation is a concrete pad with a minimum thickness of 4 inches with steel reinforced cross bars throughout.

When installing your spa on a wood deck or balcony, the same load requirements must be met. Total load may be as much as 90 pounds per square foot. Remember that your hot tub weights about 700 pounds on its own, then when you add water and people, it could have a total weight of up to 4,000 pounds.

Regardless of the location that you decide upon, you need to be sure that the hot tub is not within 10 feet of overhead power lines and that you leave access to the internal equipment.

In order to complete maintenance or to make a needed repair, you will need adequate space to be able to reach the internal components. If your hot tub has external equipment you need to know that most city codes require that the equipment be at least 5′ from the tub, unless they are separated by a permanent solid barrier.


CONSIDERATIONS FOR INDOOR PLACEMENT OF YOUR HOT TUB

If you decide to place your hot tub indoors you need to understand that moisture will accumulate. Think about it, when the hot tub is being used, it puts off a great deal of steam. The steam that is created must go somewhere, and it will leave moisture on your walls, ceiling, floor, etc.

In any indoor location, you absolutely need to make sure that you have really good ventilation. The amount of moisture created will vary according to how frequently you use your hot tub. The ventilation not only helps dissipate the moisture and steam, but it also allows the chemicals to be circulated out.

The odor of the cleaning components can accumulate indoors and even create electrical problems, unless the area is well ventilated. The good news is that if you place your hot tub indoors it will probably stay cleaner and require less frequent chemical treatments.

Here comes the big news about installing a hot tub indoors; you should have some kind of drainage system in place! Experts recommend that you change the water in your hot tub every four months or so. And, the bucket brigade is not my idea of a Saturday afternoon well spent.

You always have the option of running sewage drains to your hot tub, and if you are placing your hot tub on an existing slab, you will need to dig up the concrete to build your drain system.

Another option that is a little less painful would be to get a small submersible pump. You can use the pump to push most of the water out of your hot tub, but pumps usually fail to move the last inch or so of water at the bottom of the tub.

Some manufacturers, build their hot tubs with a water hose connection inside of the cabinet at the bottom of the hot tub. This will enable you to hook a water hose to your hot tub, so that you can easily drain the water and move it to another drain or outside on the ground.


ADDITIONAL TIPS

No matter how well made your hot tub is, it is always possible that after years of usage, leaks can occur due to worn gaskets or seals. That water must have a place to go. Be prepared to deal with this if the situation arises.

Another obvious thought that may sometimes get overlooked is that you have to get the hot tub into your house. Measure to make sure that you have enough room to navigate it into your house and then measure again, after you do that, measure once more!

Many companies suggest that you spend the money to have a licensed contractor make sure that the local building codes are met, and the installation can occur safely, and that load requirements can be met.


YOUR HOT TUB OUTDOORS AND UNDER THE STARS

For many people, outdoors is the best location for a hot tub. A hot tub can be enjoyed on a warm sunny day or on a chilly night while you stay nice and toasty in your hot tub.

Being outdoors, there are fewer concerns for the hot tub. You do not have to worry about the steam and humidity or the chemicals affecting your home. Locating your hot tub outdoors though does mean that you may have to get a concrete pad laid down so that the hot tub has a proper foundation.

Other considerations with placing a hot tub outdoors include that it will get dirtier easier. Walking to and from the hot tub, your feet will get dirty and that will get in the hot tub. You also have to consider that leaves and such may end up in your new hot tub.

A cover is very important when placing a hot tub anywhere, but it is especially important when placing it outdoors. Always have a cover on the hot tub when you are not in it. This is a safety measure to prevent small children from falling into it and it also helps it to stay cleaner and keep insects out. The cleaner the water in the hot tub stays, the less frequently you have to treat the water with chemicals.

There are a wide variety of pictures on the Internet of hot tubs being placed outdoors in very creative ways. If you want to invest the money, a stand-alone deck can be built that encompasses the hot tub. The only limit here is your imagination and your budget.


PLACING YOUR HOT TUB IN A SCREENED IN ROOM

Putting a hot tub in a screened in porch mostly resembles an outdoor installation. You have to consider some of the factors that go with both indoor and outdoor installations though.

A screened in porch will obviously allow for ventilation and the steam and humidity will not harm your walls.

You will still need a drain put into the floor of the porch though, if one does not already exist. If the manufacturer uses the water hose connection, this will not be an issue for you.

Again, you can find many creative pictures of hot tubs installed in screened porches on the Internet.


IN CONCLUSION…

In the end, the placement of your new hot tub is completely up to you and your preferences. No matter where you decide to put it, be sure to plan ahead. The more that you plan ahead the easier it will be to install and to enjoy.

If you are not sure whether or not your chosen location is suitable for a hot tub, then you should seriously consider contacting a licensed contractor to review your location and make sure that it is suitable.

Finally, always take into account safety factors when deciding where to put your hot tub. As stated before, a cover should always be in place when it is not in use. Also consider the surface that you will be walking on when going to and from the hot tub. If the path is smooth concrete you may want to put some mats down to prevent slipping.

Now go out and enjoy your new hot tub and take satisfaction in knowing that your preplanning has prevented headaches and will help to prevent any future problems.

About The Author:
Emerson Lockwood writes on topics related to Home Improvement. When you are ready to buy a hot tub, please visit Spas N Stuff for factory-direct discounts on hot tubs and spas. Standard Features on spas and hot tubs can be seen here: http://www.spasnstuff.com/ . All Spas ‘N Stuff hot tubs have a garden hose attachment at the drain as a standard feature, to simplify drainage in every setup. If you are interested in reading more Home Improvement articles written by Emerson, please visit: http://www.SuperHomeIdeas.com

Recycling has been around for some time, but these days a greater number of people are taking a more serious approach to their recycling. With all the talk of global warming and greenhouse emissions, people are starting to think about how they can minimize the effects of these conditions on the environment. The greatest help has come from raising awareness, through the education of our primary school students, with environmental sustainability and recycling being hot topics taught in our classrooms.

This education is happening all around the world. On my trip to Africa, I was pleased to find evidence of this even in Swaziland. Swaziland is located in southern Africa, and is one of the smallest countries on the African continent. There, help from a company is paying dividends. Efforts are being made by the company, and the citizens, to recycle through creating new products from old products. In turn, this helps residents earn an income for the local community.

What excited me most is that recycled glass is used to make many of the gift items produced by the company, and children and others in the region are paid to collect glass bottles used in making them. Clean up days are organized by this company, utilizing children from nearby schools, and in return the schools receive sponsorship, or products, from the company to help sustain themselves. These efforts help encourage awareness about recycling, and do something very positive for the environment in general.

Once the glass is collected, it is crushed and melted down in a large gas-fired furnace. Artisans blow the glass into shapes to make the attractive products. They use a combination of hand, and mouth blown techniques to create the individual designs. The artists create many products, which all have a very African theme.

Their designs include glass animal figurines and sculptures. These gorgeous African animals: elephants, hippos, and giraffes, come in all sizes, from very small to quite large. The artists also make intriguing bottle stoppers, vases, and glasses. Each item is unique and has its own individual character; no two items are the same.

People are always in search of that unique gift, something that stands out from the rest, something that has a story behind it. Knowing that the products being manufactured are helping feed and support communities in Africa, the company is also trying to instill environmental awareness in the people of these remote communities. This needs to be recognized and encouraged.

Our world would be a better place if more companies took an interest in environmental awareness.

About The Author:
Nicole Maschwitz writes about fashion and design. When you are in the market to shop the world for distinctive jewelry, handmade handbags, unique gifts or decorative home wares, please visit Gift Hut and browse their selection of products from around the world at: http://www.gifthut.com.au

The beautiful Brooke Burke, hostess of hit television show Rock Star: INXS and E! travel series \”Wild On,\” was raised in the deserts of Tucson, Arizona. But, she’s not the only beauty to come out of the desert-cactuses are one of the most beautiful and easiest to care for touches of green you can add to your home.

Cacti are available in over 2,500 different varieties, such as pincushion, powder puff, rat-tail, prickly pear, bunny ears, and golden barrel. While most people think of cacti as having sharp spines, some varieties are a little easier to handle with soft hair-like fibers. Cacti grow well in pots and can be displayed in beautiful dish gardens. Because they’re relatively easy to care for, they make the perfect plant for individuals with busy lifestyles or who are just prone to forget watering.

Cacti grow best in areas where they can receive between six and eight hours of direct sunlight each day, but will also do well where only indirect or filtered light is available. However, avoid placing cacti in areas where they will get more than eight hours of direct sunlight per day as they may burn. Also, don’t set your cacti too close to the glass in your windows if the window is exposed to the hot midday sun. The sun will magnify the heat and can cause your cacti to burn.

Cacti grow during the summer and are generally dormant during the winter. Therefore, your cacti will require more water during the summer months than it will in the winter. The frequency with which you water will depend on the amount of sun exposure your cacti receives. Obviously if the plant is in direct sunlight it will dry out more quickly. However, if it receives less light, you’ll be able to water less often. Whatever the case may be, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. It’s better to underwater your cacti than to overwater them, because too much water may cause rot.

Cacti should be watered during the morning hours and placed in a sunny area to dry up any water that gets on the plant itself. If your cacti is placed in a position that doesn’t normally get direct sunlight, move it just for the day of watering, then move it back. Don’t expose it to too much light, though - your cacti won’t be used to it and will burn more easily than a cacti that normally lives in direct sunlight. Once the excess water has dried off the plant, move it back to its regular location. Most cacti will need to be watered at least every two weeks during the summer and about once per month during the winter.

About The Author:
Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar business that was established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the Professional Florists’ Institute, a floral design school located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at http://www.wesleyberryflowers.com.

Lindsay Lohan’s latest movie A Prairie Home Companion is the story of the final days of a radio program called \”A Prairie Home Companion.\” In it, Lohan plays the depressed daughter of Meryl Streep. Perhaps if Lohan’s character had her very own prairie flowers, she’d have been less obsessed with suicide and more interested in the beauty of nature.

Growing prairie flowers has become an increasingly popular way to add some beauty to the yards of thousands of Americans. In fact, many people are turning to natural prairie flowers because they require a lot less hassle and work than do fancier and more complicated landscaping methods.

Prairie flowers lend a stunning splash of color that require surprisingly little time to grow and maintain. With easy to grow prairie flowers, you can enjoy tall, bright yellow blooms, fiery red flowers, and delicate lavender petals. To add some extra natural beauty, you can include prairie grasses. Once you’ve gotten them started, you’ll spend very little time working on the flowers and much more time enjoying them.

When choosing a sight to plant prairie flowers, look for a place in your yard that is exposed to full sunlight. The quality of the dirt is less important since prairie flowers are capable of growing in almost anything, including clay, sand, a range of acidity, shallow soil, and marshy soils. They can be the perfect answer to those problem spots in your yard that are incapable of supporting a lush, green lawn.

Although you can grow prairie flowers in almost anything, you will need to consider the soil when you choose the type of prairie flowers to grow. Prairies are generally divided into three varieties: mesic or moderately dry, wet, and dry. Mesic and dry prairies have loose soil and good water drainage. Wet prairies are, well, wet. They don’t have good drainage and the water tends to remain in puddles after a good downpour.

Another important factor to keep in mind when considering growing your own prairie is your local laws. Some areas have weed control ordinances and may consider your beautiful prairie grasses, which can spread, to be weeds. If that’s the case, you’ll have to stick to flowers only and leave out the natural grasses.

The first two or three years of your prairie growing experience will be more labor intensive than subsequent years. You’ll spend some time weeding since weeds can easily choke out slow growing prairie plants. After your plants have taken root, you’ll still need to mow and rake in the spring. Set the blade of your mower between five and eight inches above the ground so that you’ll cut only the fast growing weeds and not your prairie plants. The remainder of the spring and summer can be spent just watching your plants grow and bloom.

Prairie flower gardens are really beginning to catch on, so it seems only a matter of time before busy celebrities like Lindsay Lohan will have their own prairie home companions.

About The Author:
Wesley Berry is member of the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) and President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar floral business that was established in 1946. As a major sponsor of Local-Library.com and LocalSchoolFinder.com, Wesley Berry has worked hard on behalf of improving literacy. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at www.800wesleys.com.

There’s something about spring that leads us all to want to make a fresh start. Spring-cleaning is far more than just a part of almost everyone’s vocabulary; spring cleaning is a great way for you to take a much closer look at what you have, what you need and don’t need, and to make sure that your home is a healthy home.

Cleaning your home - when a healthy home is your goal - is about far more than just going through the kids’ rooms and getting rid of clothes and toys that they have outgrown. Cleaning your home, ultimately, is about taking the time to thoroughly check your home for mold and for allergens; it’s about making an effort to ensure that your home is a healthy place for you and your family.

Rather than simply looking for the spring cleaning recommendations that will help you to get more organized - the spring cleaning recommendations that you can find in a wide variety of places - why not look for those tips that will help you to create a healthy home for you and your family? Rather than focusing on simply getting things tidied up during your spring-cleaning, why not focus on those deep cleaning processes that will ensure that your home is a place where you can be healthy and not a place that may potentially make you sick?

When you take advantage of the following spring-cleaning recommendations, you can be sure that you are making your home a healthy home:

1. Wear protective equipment when you are focused on intensive spring-cleaning. When you know that you could be exposed to mold, pollen, dust mites and allergens, it’s important to wear a mask or respirator so that you won’t be breathing in harmful particulates. Wear gloves when there is a risk of coming in contact with molds and rust as well as harsh cleaners that you will be using. Consider wearing safety glasses if necessary as well.

2. If you will be using a wet-dry vacuum, be sure that you take it outside for a thorough cleaning before use. Open the wet-dry vacuum outside in the event that water was left in the unit the last time that it was used; that way you will be able to know that you are not spreading mold when you vacuum. Start too with a fresh bag - the best bag that you can buy for your vacuum.

3. Remember that outdoor spring cleaning is important as well; check the gutters and downspouts of your home to ensure that there are not holes that could create leaks and check for holes around the foundation; if you find them, repair them and, if possible trap rodents or exterminate insects that could be causing damage to your home.

4. Check external walls around your home for mold and pay careful attention to the insides of closets where there may be a lack of insulation along with a lack of air circulation. If you discover that there is mold in the closets, you are going to want to remove any clothing that has come in contact with mold to clean it thoroughly; if mold is growing on the clothing, it should be discarded. Consider installing a transom to increase air circulation or a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.

5. Check all of the plumbing in your home. Leaks can create the potential for mold growth in your cabinets, so be sure that you are looking for signs of water damage that may have dried as well as current wetness.

6. Check the air vents within your home to ensure that there is nothing obstructing the flow of air. Remove the grates, and clean behind them; check for rust or anything else that could create health risks.

In addition to the value of these spring cleaning recommendations when it comes to ensuring that you have a healthy home, you will find that these spring cleaning tips will give you the opportunity to start thinking about those parts of your home that are often neglected.

Ultimately, these same areas that deserve close attention while conducting your spring-cleaning activities are areas in which home inspectors would discover problems in a home; by focusing on them during your spring-cleaning, you can be sure that your home is a good, healthy place to spend your time.

About The Author:
Thomas Ray operates ENView Inspections, based in Fairfax, Virginia. ENView Inspections serves Baltimore-Washington area residential and commercial clients. They provide key indoor environmental inspection and testing services to help their clients meet the challenges of indoor air quality management. To learn more, you can give them a call at 703-910-0912, or visit the ENView website at: http://www.enviewonline.com

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