Consumer Corner
A Breakthrough Making Grass Seed Smarter and Lawns Greener
Last Updated on May 11, 2025 by Daily News Staff
(Joan Casanova) In neighborhoods across the country, homeowners are getting extra help in their quest for the elusive, perfect lawn.
The secret? An innovation in grass seed technology known as OptiGrowth, promising faster, stronger and more resilient grass – and it’s living up to the hype.
What is the Technology?
A revolutionary, natural seed treatment, OptiGrowth is a unique technology designed to enhance the performance of grass seed, giving it a higher chance of success. It coats traditional grass seed in a protective, moisture-attracting layer designed to retain moisture and kickstart healthy growth without harming the environment.
Developed through years of agricultural research, this technology enhances the natural germination process, giving each seed a better chance to sprout, grow and survive early, tough conditions. It uses water more efficiently, develops stronger roots and shoots, and helps seeds survive in drought, poor soil conditions and extreme temperatures.
Unlike traditional uncoated grass seed, which can struggle in less-than-ideal soil conditions or unpredictable weather, seed treated with this technology is designed to thrive. It’s not genetically modified; instead, it’s a smarter version of existing seeds, treated to improve their natural abilities, which leads to faster growth, better health and a thicker, more resilient lawn.
Faster-Growing, Healthier Lawns
One of the biggest advantages of this coated seed is speed. Under ideal conditions, these seeds may germinate faster than untreated seeds. The faster sprouting reduces the vulnerable window when new grass can be overtaken by weeds, dried out by sun or washed away by heavy rains.
Grass seedlings also emerge healthier and develop deeper roots more quickly, setting the stage for a thicker, more resilient lawn. In the early stages, when most lawn failures happen, OptiGrowth seed can better resist stresses like drought, heat and foot traffic.
“New grass is incredibly delicate,” said Troy Hake, owner of Outsidepride.com, an online seed company specializing in a wide variety of high-quality grass seed, flower seeds and lawn and garden-related products at competitive prices. “OptiGrowth provides seeds with a built-in advantage: helping more seed survive and thrive. It’s like giving each seed its own personal water bottle and first-aid kit.”
Water Efficiency is a Key Advantage
As water conservation becomes increasingly important, another major benefit of this seed is improved water usage. The seed coating absorbs and retains moisture more efficiently around each seed, so homeowners can water less during the critical establishment period when the seed is most vulnerable to drying out. The moisture-holding properties ensure the seed remains hydrated for longer periods, helping it sprout and establish strong roots.
In trials conducted by several university agricultural departments, lawns seeded with OptiGrowth needed up to 30% less water to reach full establishment compared to lawns planted with traditional seed.
“For areas prone to drought or watering restrictions, that’s a major win – both for homeowners’ wallets and the environment,” Hake said.
When Utilizing the Technology Makes Sense
While the coated seed is effective in almost any planting situation, it’s especially beneficial in challenging conditions. The coating acts as a shield, protecting the seed from stresses such as temperature fluctuations, heavy rains and dry spells. New lawns on sloped ground, areas with patchy sun and shade, or lawns planted in late spring or early fall – times when weather can be unpredictable – benefit the most.
These seeds are designed to succeed even when conditions aren’t ideal by improving moisture retention and boosting germination rates. This means less time reseeding, rewatering and repairing your lawn.
However, Hake notes that in perfect conditions – rich soil, regular rain, mild temperatures –
traditional high-quality grass seed can still perform well.
“If you’re planting in ideal conditions and you can baby the lawn with watering and care, you might not need OptiGrowth,” Hake said. “But in most cases, perfect conditions are rare.”
A Greener Future
As innovations like OptiGrowth make their way into more products, it’s clear the future of lawn care is working smarter, not harder. These seeds have a built-in advantage – they grow faster, stay hydrated better, have fewer bald spots, require less reseeding and survive tougher conditions, leading to a greener, healthier lawn requiring less effort from you.
For more information, visit outsidepride.com.
Photos courtesy of Outsidepride.com
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home improvement
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
Energy-Efficient Home: Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isnít just a smart way to lower utility bills, itís also good for the planet.
Last Updated on February 7, 2026 by Daily News Staff
3 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades for Winter
(Family Features) Taking steps to make your home more energy-efficient this winter isn’t just a smart way to lower utility bills, it’s also good for the planet. Whether you’re looking to stretch your budget further or shrink your energy footprint, small upgrades can transform your home into a more efficient, comfortable living space.
While steps like unplugging electronics when not in use and letting natural light in through windows and skylights throughout the day are small habits that can add up over time, these cost-effective ideas can have a more immediate, noticeable impact.
Seal in Comfort
Check for drafts around windows, doors and vents. Tiny leaks or openings can allow warm air to escape or cool outside air to enter. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps and maintain cozy indoor temperatures. Adding extra insulation in your attic or crawl spaces can also lead to a more efficient heating system.
Update Lighting
Switching to LED lightbulbs is a simple way to cut down on energy usage. LEDs not only consume a fraction of the electricity of traditional bulbs but also last longer. To save even more energy, consider pairing them with dimmers or motion sensors, which also add customizable comfort and style.
Replace Outdated Appliances
If your refrigerator, dishwasher or washer and dryer are 10 years old or older, consider investing in an energy-efficient replacement. Modern models are designed to use less water and electricity. Similarly, upgrading to a smart thermostat can make it easier to manage heating schedules automatically and adjust your home’s temperature while out and about.
For more ideas to make your home more efficient year-round, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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Economy
US Consumer Confidence Fell Sharply in January: What the Latest Conference Board Data Signals
In January 2026, U.S. consumer confidence plummeted to its lowest level since 2014, as the Consumer Confidence Index fell by 9.7 points to 84.5. Concerns about inflation, employment, and economic stability led to decreased optimism across all demographics and a cautious approach to major purchases, signaling potential recession ahead.
US consumers started 2026 on a noticeably more cautious note. New data from The Conference Board shows its Consumer Confidence Index® fell sharply in January, wiping out a brief December rebound and pushing overall sentiment to its weakest level in more than a decade.
Confidence drops to the lowest level since 2014
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell 9.7 points in January to 84.5 (1985=100), down from an upwardly revised 94.2 in December. The organization noted that December’s figure was revised up by 5.1 points, meaning what initially looked like a decline last month was actually a small uptick—before January’s slide reasserted the broader downward trend.
The cutoff for the preliminary January results was January 16, 2026.
Both “right now” and “what’s next” got worse
The decline wasn’t isolated to one part of the survey. Both consumers’ views of current conditions and their expectations for the months ahead weakened.
- Present Situation Index: down 9.9 points to 113.7
- Expectations Index: down 9.5 points to 65.1
That Expectations reading matters because it’s well below 80, a level The Conference Board says “usually signals a recession ahead.”
Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, summed it up bluntly: confidence “collapsed” in January, with all five components deteriorating. The overall Index hit its lowest level since May 2014.
What consumers are worried about (and what’s showing up in write-ins)
The Conference Board said consumers’ write-in responses continued to skew pessimistic. The biggest themes weren’t hard to guess:
- Prices and inflation
- Oil and gas prices
- Food and grocery prices
Mentions of tariffs and trade, politics, and the labor market also rose in January. References to health/insuranceand war edged higher.
In other words: consumers aren’t just feeling uneasy—they’re pointing to specific pressure points that affect day-to-day costs and long-term stability.
Labor market perceptions softened
Consumers’ views of employment conditions weakened, with fewer respondents saying jobs are plentiful and more saying jobs are hard to get.
- 23.9% said jobs were “plentiful,” down from 27.5% in December
- 20.8% said jobs were “hard to get,” up from 19.1%
That shift matters because consumer confidence often follows the labor market. When people feel less secure about job availability, they tend to pull back on big purchases and discretionary spending.
Expectations for business conditions and jobs turned more negative
Looking six months out, pessimism increased:
- 15.6% expected business conditions to improve (down from 18.7%)
- 22.9% expected business conditions to worsen (up from 21.3%)
On jobs:
- 13.9% expected more jobs to be available (down from 17.4%)
- 28.5% anticipated fewer jobs (up from 26.0%)
Income expectations cooled too:
- 15.7% expected incomes to increase (down from 18.8%)
- 12.6% expected incomes to decline (down slightly from 13.0%)
So while fewer people expected their income to fall, the bigger story is that optimism about income growth faded.
Who’s feeling it most: age, income, and politics
On a six-month moving average basis, confidence dipped across:
- All age groups (though under 35 remained more confident than older consumers)
- All generations (with Gen Z still the most optimistic)
- All income brackets (with those earning under $15K the least optimistic)
- All political affiliations (with the sharpest decline among Independents)
This broad-based decline suggests the shift isn’t confined to one demographic pocket—it’s spreading.
Big-ticket buying plans: more “maybe,” less “yes”
The survey also pointed to increased caution around major purchases.
Consumers saying “yes” to buying big-ticket items declined in January, while “maybe” responses rose and “no” edged higher.
- Auto buying plans were flat overall, though expectations for new cars continued to falter and plans to buy used cars climbed.
- Homebuying expectations continued to retreat.
- Plans to purchase appliances, furniture, and TVs decreased.
- Electronics purchase intentions dipped in most categories—except smartphones, which continued trending upward on a six-month moving average basis.
Services spending softened—but restaurants and travel stayed interesting
Planned spending on services over the next six months weakened in January, with fewer consumers saying “yes” and more shifting into “maybe.”
Still, a few categories stood out:
- Restaurants, bars, and take-out remained the top planned services spending category and continued to rise.
- Consumers also intended to spend more on hotels/motels for personal travel, airfare/trains, and motor vehicle services.
The Conference Board noted this was surprising given the plunge in vacation plans—especially for domestic travel—also recorded in the survey.
What to watch next
January’s report paints a clear picture: consumers are feeling squeezed by costs, less confident about the labor market, and more hesitant about major purchases. The Expectations Index dropping deeper below the “recession signal” threshold will likely keep economists, businesses, and policymakers watching the next few releases closely.
The Conference Board publishes the Consumer Confidence Index® at 10 a.m. ET on the last Tuesday of every month.
Source: The Conference Board, January 2026 Consumer Confidence Survey® (PRNewswire release, Jan. 27, 2026).
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expo
DEWALT Doubles Down on Cordless Concrete Power at World of Concrete 2026
DEWALT will showcase its latest innovations at World of Concrete 2026, emphasizing that cordless tools are now the industry standard. Highlights include the powerful DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ 12 in. Cut-Off Saw and a demolition hammer designed for heavy-duty tasks. Additional tools for concrete applications, including a chemical sprayer, will also be introduced.
DEWALT is heading into World of Concrete 2026 (Jan. 20–22 in Las Vegas) with a clear message for jobsite pros: cordless isn’t a compromise anymore—it’s the new benchmark. In a new announcement, the Stanley Black & Decker brand says it will debut expanded “total concrete solutions,” anchored by two major additions to its DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ lineup and fresh 20V MAX* XR® tool releases aimed at concrete workflows from cutting and demolition to forming and chemical application.
The headline: a cordless cut-off saw that claims the top spot—period
The most attention-grabbing reveal is the DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ 12 in. Cut-Off Saw (DCPS612AG2), which DEWALT calls “the most powerful cordless cut-off saw in the industry” across power source (battery or gas) and blade size (12 or 14 in.). The company says the saw can cut up to 4-3/4 inches deep through concrete, rebar, ductile iron, and more—while avoiding the noise and fumes associated with gas.
On performance, DEWALT highlights runtime metrics like cutting up to eight linear feet of concrete at 4-3/4 inches deep or making up to 156 cuts in #5 rebar on a single charge. Safety and control get a nod too, with an electric brake designed to stop the blade in as little as three seconds after the trigger is released. The saw is expected to be available in fall 2026, kitted with two POWERSHIFT™ batteries and a charger.
A demolition hammer built for the “most demanding applications”
Also joining the POWERSHIFT™ system is the 1-1/8 in. Hex Demolition Hammer (DCPS966AG2), delivering up to 45 joules of impact energy (per EPTA-Procedure 05-2009). DEWALT positions it for heavy-duty demolition work, pairing an all-metal housing with SHOCKS Active Vibration Control® to reduce fatigue.
The tool also includes WIRELESS TOOL CONTROL, allowing users to sync and remotely activate compatible dust extractors (sold separately). Availability is slated for spring 2026, either as a bare tool or as a kit with two POWERSHIFT™ batteries and a charger.
20V MAX* XR® updates: faster forming + concrete spraying support
Beyond POWERSHIFT™, DEWALT is expanding its 20V MAX* XR® lineup with tools that target common concrete job tasks:
- Brushless 21° Plastic Collated Duplex Nailer (DCN910B): Built for concrete forming, temporary bracing, and scaffolding. DEWALT says it delivers up to 3X productivity versus manual nailing (based on its stated test conditions). Available now (tool only), with matching collated duplex nails sold separately.
- Brushless Concrete Chemical Sprayer (DCCS1100B): Designed for concrete spraying applications, with up to 150 PSI, a 10-speed adjustable flow rate up to 0.8 GPM, backpack straps for mobility, and six changeable nozzles. Expected early 2026 (tool only or kitted).
Where to see it
DEWALT says attendees can find the brand in the Silver Lot at Booth #O31324, with interactive demos, giveaways, and events during the show.
For more details, DEWALT points readers to: https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4594464-1&h=2600186824&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdewalt.com%2Fworld-of-concrete-2026&a=dewalt.com%2Fworld-of-concrete-2026
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/
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