Environmental
How to install and use Use It First, our free fridge tracker app. See what needs eating first, get use-by colors and track how much food you save versus toss. Private, no sign-up, works offline.
8 min read
Environmental
What biophilic design is, why humans feel calmer around nature, what research shows about green spaces, daylight and natural materials, and 12 simple, budget-friendly ways to bring nature into your home or apartment.
8 min read
Environmental
A simple beginner's guide to composting at home, including what to compost, the greens and browns balance, backyard bins, apartment options like worm bins and bokashi, how to fix a smelly compost pile and how composting helps the planet and your garden.
8 min read
Environmental
How clutter affects stress, focus and mood, what research says about messy homes and mental health, and practical decluttering methods that actually stick, from the 15-minute rule and one-in-one-out to Swedish death cleaning, plus when clutter may signal something more.
8 min read
Environmental
Do air purifiers work? Do houseplants clean the air? A clear look at the research on HEPA filters, the famous NASA plant study, what actually improves indoor air quality, and how to choose the right air purifier for your room.
8 min read
Environmental
How to grow Bluecrop blueberries at home, from growing zones and acidic soil pH to planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, growing blueberries in containers, pests, harvest time and how many berries to expect from this popular highbush blueberry variety.
8 min read
Environmental
What research says about gas stoves and indoor air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide, benzene and asthma risk, how to cook more safely with gas through better ventilation, and whether switching to an induction cooktop is worth it.
7 min read
Environmental
How artificial light at night, from streetlights to phone screens and bedroom LEDs, affects your sleep, circadian rhythm and health, and simple ways to make your bedroom darker and use circadian-friendly lighting at home.
8 min read
Environmental
How to spot mold in your house, the health effects of mold exposure, what causes it, how to clean small patches safely, when to call a professional and how to prevent mold by controlling moisture and humidity.
7 min read
Environmental
How traffic, neighbors and city noise affect sleep, stress and heart health, what the research says about noise pollution, and budget-friendly ways to soundproof a bedroom, from earplugs and white noise to sealing gaps and heavy curtains.
8 min read
Environmental
Is nonstick cookware safe? What PTFE, Teflon and PFAS mean for your kitchen, when nonstick pans become a concern, and the pros and cons of stainless steel, cast iron, carbon steel and ceramic cookware so you can choose safer pots and pans.
8 min read
Environmental
What PFAS "forever chemicals" are, how they get into drinking water, what's known about their health effects, how to check your local water report or test your water, and which water filters can reduce PFAS.
8 min read
Environmental
How wildfire smoke affects your health, what the Air Quality Index (AQI) colors mean, who is most at risk, and practical steps to protect yourself and your family, including N95 masks, air purifiers, DIY box fan filters and a clean-air room.
8 min read
Environmental
How to stay safe in a heat wave, including the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, who is most at risk, how to keep your home cool without air conditioning, sleeping in the heat, the CDC HeatRisk tool, medications that raise heat risk and how to check on neighbors.
8 min read
Environmental
Microplastics are one of 2026's biggest environmental health concerns. What microplastics and nanoplastics are, where they come from in your home, what research says about microplastics in bottled water, food and the human body, the health questions scientists are asking and 15 practical ways to reduce microplastic exposure.
7 min read
Environmental
What forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) is, where it comes from, what research says about the health benefits of forest bathing and time in nature for stress, blood pressure and mood, phytoncides and immunity, and a step-by-step guide to your first forest bath, even in a city park.
7 min read
Environmental
What research says about the mental and physical health benefits of gardening, including stress, depression, exercise and diet, community gardens, horticultural therapy, and an easy beginner's guide to starting a garden in a yard, on a balcony or on a windowsill.
7 min read
Environmental
A practical guide to environmental wellness at home, including how to improve indoor air quality, gas stoves and ventilation, humidity and mold, natural light and sleep, decluttering for mental health, reducing noise, healthier cleaning, and how much time in nature you need.
7 min read
Environmental
What radon gas is, why the EPA calls it the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, radon symptoms and health risks, safe radon levels, how to test your home for radon, radon mitigation costs and what to know when buying or selling a home.
8 min read
Environmental
How much food Americans waste, what "best by," "use by" and "sell by" dates really mean, how to store fruits and vegetables so they last longer, freezer tips, cooking with leftovers, composting and 25 practical ways to reduce food waste and save money at home.
8 min read
Environmental
Where most household water goes, how to find and fix leaks, the truth about showers vs. baths, water-saving tips for the bathroom, kitchen, laundry and garden, WaterSense fixtures, and simple changes that lower your water bill and help the planet.
8 min read