home improvement
Simple Ways to Make At-Home Recycling More Effective
To create a more eco-friendly household, consider these practical tips to help you reduce waste, stay organized and make at-home recycling part of your everyday routine.
Simple Ways to Make At-Home Recycling More Effective
(Feature Impact) Recycling is a simple way households can reduce waste and help protect natural resources. While many communities offer curbside recycling programs, some people still wonder if they’re doing it correctly or if they’re missing opportunities to recycle more.
To create a more eco-friendly household, consider these practical tips to help you reduce waste, stay organized and make recycling part of your everyday routine.
Know What Your Local Program Accepts
Recycling rules vary depending on your city or waste management provider. Most curbside programs include items like cardboard, paper, aluminum cans and plastics, but others – such as glass – may require drop-off recycling. Review your community guidelines so recyclables don’t accidentally end up in the regular trash.
Create a Simple Sorting System
Set up clearly labeled bins – separated for paper, plastics and metals – in a high-traffic area like the kitchen, garage or laundry room.
Rinse Before You Recycle
Food residue can contaminate other recyclables and may cause entire batches of materials to be rejected during the recycling process. Quickly rinsing yogurt cups, jars or soup cans of leftover residue helps keep recycling streams clean and more likely to be processed properly.
Break Down Boxes
Cardboard boxes are among the most commonly recycled household materials. Flattening boxes before placing them in the recycling bin saves space and allows collection trucks to hold more.
Compost Food Scraps
Not everything belongs in the recycling bin, particularly food waste. Composting fruit peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells is an easy way to reduce the amount of trash your household produces. Finished compost can be used in gardens, flower beds or houseplants, turning kitchen waste into a valuable resource.
Find more ideas for making recycling a natural part of your household routine at 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!
Last Updated on April 14, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Refresh Your Home: A Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
(Feature Impact) After months of winter, spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and vacuuming – it’s about inviting sunlight and fresh air into your space through the open windows and giving yourself a fresh start for the longer days ahead.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to clear out the old and make room for new experiences, memories and energy. Whether you’re tackling deep cleaning for the first time or you have seasonal rituals for tidying up your home, this room-by-room guide can help you plan and conquer seasonal chores.
Whole Home:
- Declutter spaces: Donate, recycle or discard what you don’t need
- Wash windows inside and out
- Dust baseboards, walls, vents and ceiling fans
- Wipe down doors, knobs and light switches
- Vacuum and clean under and behind furniture
- Clean curtains and blinds
- Store seasonal items like winter clothing and decor
- Replace air filters
- Shampoo carpet
Kitchen:
- Empty and wipe down refrigerator and freezer
- Clean oven, stovetop and microwave
- Scrub countertops and backsplashes
- Clean out the garbage disposal
- Sweep and mop floors
- Organize the pantry and throw away any expired items
Bathrooms:
- Scrub grout and tile
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Deep clean toilets
- Wipe down cabinets and bathroom fixtures
- Wash rugs, floor mats and the shower curtain and liner
- Empty trash and clean the bin
Bedrooms and Other Living Areas:
- Wash bedding, pillows and linens
- Organize closets and drawers
- Vacuum chair, couches and mattresses as well as under cushions
- Dust shelves and decor
- Clean light fixtures and lampshades
Outdoor Areas:
- Power wash patios, sidewalks and driveways
- Wipe down outdoor furniture and replace textiles like pillows, cushions and umbrellas
- Clear debris from garden beds
- Prune shrubs, plants and trees
- Organize garages and sheds
- Reconnect hoses and sprinklers
- Prep lawn equipment such as mowers, weed eaters and blowers
For more spring cleaning tips and tricks, 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!
home improvement
How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally: A Non-Toxic Arizona Homeowner’s Guide
Learn how to get rid of ants naturally in Arizona using safe, non-toxic methods like vinegar, diatomaceous earth, and boiling water.
Ants are a common problem across Arizona, especially in cities like Tempe where hot, dry conditions push them indoors in search of water. While chemical pesticides can be effective, many homeowners are now turning to safer, non-toxic solutions that protect both families and pets.
The good news? You can eliminate ants naturally—and effectively—by targeting their behavior, not just the insects themselves.
🌵 Why Ants Invade Arizona Homes
Unlike ants in cooler climates, desert species are often more attracted to moisture than food. That means kitchens, bathrooms, and even air conditioning units can become hotspots for activity.
Some species, including Argentine ants, can form large colonies with multiple nests, making them especially persistent.
🧼 Step 1: Kill Ants and Erase Their Trails
The first step is immediate control.
Vinegar Solution (50/50 water and white vinegar):
- Kills ants on contact
- Eliminates scent trails that guide other ants
Spray directly on visible ants and along baseboards, then wipe clean.
🧂 Step 2: Use Natural Killers That Work Over Time
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
A fine, natural powder that:
- Dehydrates ants as they walk through it
- Works as a long-term barrier
Apply lightly around entry points, cracks, and under appliances.
Baking Soda + Powdered Sugar
- Mix equal parts and place near ant trails
- Ants carry it back to the colony
- Slowly eliminates the nest from within
🌊 Step 3: Destroy Outdoor Colonies
For long-term success, you must go beyond what you see indoors.
Look for small dirt mounds in:
- Yards
- Sidewalk cracks
- Along foundations
Boiling water method:
- Pour directly into nests
- Repeat daily if needed
- Highly effective and completely chemical-free
🌿 Step 4: Create Natural Barriers
Ants rely heavily on scent trails. Disrupting them helps prevent reinvasion.
Try:
- Lemon juice along entry points
- Cinnamon or peppermint oil near doors and windows
- Regular vinegar wipe-downs
🔒 Step 5: Make Your Home Less Attractive
In Arizona, water is often the biggest draw.
Reduce attraction by:
- Fixing leaks
- Keeping counters dry
- Storing food in airtight containers
- Removing pet water overnight
- Taking out trash frequently
⏱️ What to Expect
- Within 24–48 hours: Fewer ants
- Within a week: Major reduction in activity
- Ongoing: Occasional reappearances (due to nearby colonies)
Consistency is key.
The most effective non-toxic strategy combines:
- Immediate elimination (vinegar spray)
- Long-term control (diatomaceous earth or bait)
- Outdoor colony destruction (boiling water)
- Prevention (removing water sources)
This layered approach ensures you’re not just killing ants—you’re stopping the problem at its source.
🔗 Related Links & Sources
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension – Ant Management Guide
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Safer Pest Control
- EPA – Introduction to Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- UC Agriculture & Natural Resources – Ant Pest Notes
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Healthy Homes & Pest Control
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!
home improvement
Going Beyond Aesthetics: 7 Home Design Trends for 2026
Heading into a new year, home design is once again evolving. Homeowners are blending comfort, personality, sustainability and connections to the outside world this year. Whether you’re refreshing a room or planning a full-blown makeover, consider these ideas for inspiration that feels both timeless and fresh.
Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Heading into a new year, home design is once again evolving. Homeowners are blending comfort, personality, sustainability and connections to the outside world this year. More than just aesthetics, these trends are warm, intentional and rooted in real life.
Whether you’re refreshing a room or planning a full-blown makeover, consider these ideas for inspiration that feels both timeless and fresh.
Warm, Earthy Palettes
This year, say goodbye to whites and cool grays. Instead, cozy earth tones like clay, sage, caramel and rich neutrals create a grounded, inviting atmosphere. Refresh walls or cabinetry with these earthy hues or try color-drenching – using a single hue in varying tones across walls, trim and ceilings – for a bold new vibe that feels both timeless and modern.
Flowing, Curved Shapes
As homes trend more toward feeling lived-in rather than staged, hard edges and rigid forms are taking a backseat. In 2026, curves are everywhere: soft archways, rounded furniture and curved statement pieces – think circular mirrors or oversized armchairs – create fluid, comforting spaces.
Natural Materials and Textures
Designs this year celebrate materials that age beautifully, like natural stone, reclaimed wood and textiles that tell a story. Consider woven pillows and throws, handmade pottery, textured walls and wood with visible grain to enrich rooms with sensory detail and an artisanal feel.
Personalized Nostalgia
Blend vintage finds with contemporary art to create a space that’s truly your own. That means vintage finds, heirloom pieces and decor that evokes memory – even quilted textiles or classic checkered tiles – styled in fresh, modern ways to add warmth and individuality.
Attention to Statement Details
Small details are getting big attention this year. Swapping out basic cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures for artisanal, tactile metals can help elevate kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities, turning them into design statements.
Flexible, Multifunctional Spaces
With hybrid work and lifestyle blending continuing into 2026, rooms should be designed to serve multiple purposes. Reading nooks can double as workstations. Living rooms effortlessly transition from day to night. Adaptable furniture, hidden storage and smart layouts help make multifunctional spaces feel intentional and uncluttered.
Outdoor-Inspired Interiors
The connection to nature grows stronger inside homes with greenery, natural light and materials that echo the outdoors. From indoor-outdoor flow to plant-rich spaces that feel alive and tranquil, biophilic design promotes calm, comfort and connection.
Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more design inspiration to make your home more personal and grounded in comfort.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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!
