Angies List Easy Tips to Live Green

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It would be great to purchase a hybrid car or install solar panels, but we can't all make big changes like that. There are some simple ways to live green. If your community offers curbside recycling, take advantage of it. If not, find the nearest Angie's list drop-off location.

Add blown-in cellulose insulation to your attic to improve your home's heating and cooling. It's made from recycled, formaldehydte-free newsprint.
Use a rain barrel to collect water from your roof to water your garden.
Buy water-based paints with low volatile organic compound levels (VOC). Basically, the less glossy the paint, the fewer VOC's it contains.
Buy minimally packaged goods. Less packaging can reduce your garbage.
Check your mulch level. If it's low (fewer than 2 inches) calculate the area you want to cover in square feet and then in depth. Multiply the two numbers, then divide that number by 324. This is the number of cubic yards you'll need to buy.
Install an efficient showerhead. This is an excellent way to save money on your water bill.
Cut energy consumed by your appliances by buying Energy Star ones. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy.
Use cloth napkins/towels instead of napkins/paper towels.
Store food in re-usable containers, instead of plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Reuse plastic bags or buy canvas bags at the grocery store.
Join a toy library and give old toys to other families.
Don't use electrical appliances for things you can easily do by hand such as opening cans, hanging clothes to dry, etc.
Print or copy on both sides of the paper.
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Angies List Tips: Renting party equipment

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A recent Angies List poll reported that more than a quarter of AngiesList members have rented party equipment, and 87 percent of them said it was money well spent.

Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, birthday, graduation or family get together, party rentals can take the hassle out of planning and leave your guests raving about the great time they had.

Angie discusses the dangers of do-it-yourself projects and how to know when you need to call in a professional

The more common items rented for parties, according to Angies List members, are tents, tables and chairs, but savvy entertainers are adding items that keep their younger guests from getting bored, and there’s a growing movement to renting equipment for children’s parties. Other popular rentals are cotton candy and sno-cone machines, even hot dog stands can be rented. For the more practical party planner, and those who want to keep their guests from tracking through their homes, port-a-potties are becoming a must-have.

Angie’s List 8 Tips to renting equipment that will make your party THE party of the year:

Do your research: Call at least 3 rental facilities to compare prices. Visit each facility to inspect their equipment in person. Ask about delivery, pick-up times, and deposits. Check to see whether their employees will set up and take down your equipment, and what the cost will be. Are there repair fees if you return an item that’s damaged?
Know your audience: Tables and chairs are easy decisions. For other rentals, make sure they fit your audience. A bounce house may be too much for very young children and boring for those approaching their teenage years. A karaoke set-up may be great for all ages.
The early bird throws the best party: The sooner you place your rental equipment, the better. Even if you do not know the exact guest count, it’s best to place your order and make adjustments as needed.
Elbow room: If you want to rent a bounce house AND have an outdoor party, be sure you have enough room for the house and room for your guests to mingle, eat and do other fun activities.
Share the costs: Since most items rent for the weekend, coordinate your rental with neighbors or friends. For example, you could use the rentals on Saturday and your neighbor on Sunday. It’s easy to share tents, tables and chairs.
Stay in the loop: As with any vendor, confirm your reservations several times throughout your planning process. Notify them immediately of any changes.
Fair weather or foul: If you’re having an outdoor event, consider renting a tent to cover you in case of unexpected rain. If its heat you’re escaping, be sure to position the tent to provide shade where needed. Consider renting side panels (these may cost extra) to block the sun, rain or wind.
Obstacle course: If the rental equipment company will be setting up the items for your party, clear the area and all driveways and walkways so installation is easy.
Check http://www.angieslist.com/ for Party Rental sources near you.