Don’t Throw it Away!

Little thhings make the biggest difference. Composting is one small way of reducing waste, and has provided farmers and backyard gardeners with cheap fertilizer for years.

How to compost:

• Any organic matter (anything that comes from a plant, animal, or tree) can be broken down by decay in your compost pile.
• Compost can easily be made in open piles, but to keep the pile neat and maintain the conditions needed for more rapid decomposition, a homemade or store-bought container is recommended.
• To start your pile, place a layer of soil at the bottom of your bin or pile, add a layer of organic matter and another layer of soil. Mix together, and continue to add organic matter and soil in layers, mixing after each addition.

What to Compost?
Good composting materials include: manure, grass clippings, coffee grounds, fruits and vegetables, eggshells, human hair, shredded paper, dry leaves, straw, stale bread, and dried grass clippings. However, meat scraps and dairy products often attract animals, including rodents, and cause unpleasant odors. Bones shouldn’t be put in compost, nor should dog or cat feces.

In a few months, depending on the size, temperature, air, and moisture levels of your pile, you’ll have compost, which can be added to your garden.

Take a look at this online guide to what you can and can’t compost: http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0372/0003/0008-e.asp

For more Home Organization Solutions visit us online at www.TakeBackYourGarage.com.

Reduce Moisture in a Damp Basement

Basements can add valuable living space and storage space to a home, but when a basement is damp it can become a major problem. Not only does a damp basement create a musty smell throughout a home, but it can also create problems with mold. In many cases the homeowner can reduce dampness and prevent the problem in a number of easy ways.

Cover Window Wells & Extend Downspouts to Reduce Seepage

One of the main sources of moisture in a basement comes from the basements windows and downspouts of the home. When it rains, or when snow and ice melt, the moisture runs off the roof and into eaves troughs and downspouts. Cover basement window with heavy duty window covers which allow in light, but protect the window wells from excess water. Extend downspouts at least six feet from the home to divert the water and reduce the amount that reaches the foundation.

For Basement, Laundry & Pantry Garage Organization Solution, visit online at www.takebackyourgarage.com

Homemade Cleaning Products

Homemade cleaners can be less toxic. With some simple, reliable recipes and clean, empty containers, you can make your own less-toxic cleaners right at home using familiar household ingredients. The following is a list of basic ingredients, along with their common cleaning uses. And stay posted for more tips on common alternatives you can use to clean up your indoor air, to be published in mid-March.

Learn more from Consumer Reports.  Vist us online at  Take Back Your Garage.

Remove the Clutter and Take Back Your Garage

In theory garages are meant for care, sometimes even two!  In reality,  most garages are full of stuff…well, junk.  Remove the clutter and Take Back Your Garage.

Clean it Out
Sort through all of the items in your garage.  Toss anything you really don’t use.  Box up items to give away.

Organize it
Divide the walls of the garage into areas …  an area for tools, an area for bikes, an area for toys, an area for yard tools, an area for work tools, etc.

Use the Walls
A modular hook-and-rail system, like Rubbermaid’s FastTrack, is easy to install and makes the most of vertical space. Add shelves and baskets for smaller items. Hang the things you use most often low or at arm’s reach, and less-frequently used items high and out of the way (just be careful not to hang heavy things so high that taking them down will be dangerous). It’s also a good idea to store hazardous items—cleaning supplies, paint thinner, motor oil—on a high shelf or in a basket out of kids’ reach.

Find the Hook
There are hooks for every job!

It’s Almost Spring
Don’t forget about the snow shovel, sled and ice melt as you store the rake, blower and hose.

 

We are your online store offering the complete range of Rubbermaid^® FastTrack Rails and Accessories.  The FastTrack Garage Organization System is the easy solution for the do-it-yourselfer to create storage  space on the wall for bikes, power tools, ladders, hoses, wheelbarrows and more. The  heart of the FastTrack system is the patent-pending FastTrack rail that blends strength  and style with endless flexibility. Select one or more rails and choose from a wide array of accessories to outfit your garage. But don’t stop with your garage, use the FastTrack system to organize your basement, laundry room or pantry!  

 

Buy your Rubbermaid FastTrack Organization System online today from Take Back Your Garage.

Be Prepared for Unexpected Snow & Ice

You should also make sure you have a way to keep warm in your car, in case your car breaks down, or the weather is too bad to drive in. Pack an Emergency Kit.

Your kit should include:

An ice scraper
Gloves
Boots
Blankets
Flares
A snow shovel
Sand or kitty litter (for traction in case you get stuck)
Tire chains
A flashlight
A spare tire
A jack
Spare bulbs and fuses, especially for your emergency flashers
A cellular phone
Water and high energy snacks, such as granola bars

Be Orgranized.  Be Safe.  Visit us online at www.RubberMaidFastTrack.com.  Buy Rubbermaid FastTrack garage organizations systems at www.TakeBackYourGarage.com.