So how about taking a “green” approach this year with a small compost pile? Through this method, organic material – such as fallen leaves, grass clippings and kitchen scraps – can be reused. They decompose and when given time, they can be a great nutrient to your garden this year.

Composting can be as big or small as you want it. And it can be as complicated. There are many products out there to purchase, from small compost keepers to large tumblers. Those turn material into compost more quickly. And since compost can attract bugs, they can keep the pesty things away.

According to Greenlivinganswers.com, there are four ingredients to proper composting: organic matter, correct moisture, sufficient oxygen and bacteria.

The organic matter can be split into two categories: “green” (coffee grounds, green yard clippings, vegetable and fruit waste) and “brown” (dead leaves, twigs and manure).

You’ll also need to add water during dry seasons (so, quite possibly, lots in Arizona) and make sure to stir up the compost to give it good oxygen every few weeks.

Then, there’s time. Be patient, especially when you start. Perhaps use a smaller trash bag to test out your first composting efforts. If you want to take that approach, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension recommends putting leaves and lawn clippings, along with vegetable and fruit leftovers, and layering them like you would in a compost container. Then, add water, tie the bag, and turn it over every few weeks.

The Arizona Master Gardener Manual (a great source for advice), said it could take four to five months for the material to breakdown before it can be used. It will be, “black and crumbly, like good soil, with a pleasant earthy smell.”

For more help, check out the manual online: ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/mg/soils/improving.html. There are also several classes and websites that offer information.

With so much citrus around this time of year, there are lots of rinds and leftovers. Though we love putting small bits down the garbage disposal to keep it smelling fresh, we thought we’d share some other uses, too.

Cue up a search on the Internet and there are nearly a dozen ideas right away at Earth911.com: from making grapefruit tea to help break up mucus caused by allergies to creating an eco-friendly, child-friendly cleaner, this website presents innovative uses for citrus besides eating.

Check this out: add lemon juice to the wash cycle to get clothes even cleaner or soak clothes in a lemon juice/baking soda mixture to help remove stains.

For another cleaning tip, Earth911.com points to a homemade cleaning recipe by blogger Crunchy Betty that combines dried, ground grapefruit peels, baking soda and borax to may a scouring scrub.

And to keep your food fresh, Earth911 reminds readers that lemon juice on sliced fruit will keep it from turning brown quickly.

Just for fun, do a search for “lemon facial scrub” or “homemade grapefruit face wash” and you’ll find some easy, do-it-yourself beauty product recipes. There’s one at BeautyBanter.com and another at fruit distributor PittmanDavis.com.

Have fun and share your ideas with us!

In other words, while the weather is nice in Arizona, it’s a good idea to throw open a window.

According the U.S. EPA website, epa.gov, “Most home heating and cooling systems, including forced air heating systems, do not mechanically bring fresh air into the house. Opening windows and doors, operating window or attic fans, when the weather permits, or running a window air conditioner with the vent control open increases the outdoor ventilation rate.”

Indoor air quality may impact how you feel, according to the site, because people tend to spend 90 percent of their time indoors. Indoor air pollution can be especially harmful to those who already have underlying health conditions. Symptoms of bad indoor air quality may include sneezing, itchy throat and coughing – just like a cold.

Opening a few windows for ventilation and running the ceiling fans can improve the air quality. Some studies indicate indoor air may be more polluted than outdoor air. Switching out the air now and then may make an impact on your health.

Breath better and open a window when you can.

Spots and spills on carpets are inevitable, especially if they are in high traffic areas in our homes. It is important to treat your carpet in a timely manner with the right materials after a spill as this will help to avoid a permanent stain afterwards. Remember to blot spills quickly and keep white terry towels close by for quick clean ups. By placing clean towels under couch cushions they’re always in easy reach.

Blot spots, NEVER rub and scrub as this can discoloration in the carpet.

Grease and Oil Marks

Gently apply talcum powder, cornmeal or cornstarch. Let it set and then brush or sponge powder away.

Pet Urine

Dampen area with equal parts white vinegar and water. Then blot dry.

Red Wine

Use club soda to flush the wine from the carpet fibers.

Blood Stains

Flush with cold water. Avoid hot water as heat will set the blood stain.

Soft Drinks

Apply a solution of one quart water with one teaspoon of white vinegar.

Gum

Freeze the gum with ice and use a dull knife to remove.

Candle Wax

Put a brown paper bag over the dried wax and run a hot iron over it. The bag will absorb the hot wax.

Latex Paint

Soak with dish detergent diluted with 20 parts water. Agitate the area, blot, rinse and blot again.

If you have a stubborn spill on your carpet, call the Clean ‘N Fresh Cleaning experts at  (480) 821-1481.