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woman cleaning
When it comes to buying a "green" car, most consumers focus on fuel efficiency. The more miles per gallon, the more eco-friendly the car.

But what about keeping the car clean?

1) Interior Window Cleaner: Skip commercial cleansers. The chemicals they contain may leave you cranky or give you a headache, the last things you need when driving. Make your own window wash from water, vinegar and lemon juice; or choose a fragrance-free brand at the store.

Apply directly on a lint-free cotton cloth so the cleaner doesn't spray all over the car.

2) Air Freshener: My personal car pet peeve is those little fragrance bobbles that hang from rear view mirrors and overwhelm the car with some sickeningly sweet odor. They give me an immediate headache that lasts long after the car ride is over. And no wonder: many contain chemicals like benzene and diethyl phthalate that overpower, especially if you're inhaling them in a space as small and closed as a car interior.

The alternative? If your car stinks, find out why. Usually, something like food scraps (from fast food or snacks) have started to rot under the car seat or in the grooves of floor mats. When you leave your car, take the trash with you.

* Open the windows for a few minutes while you're driving to let fresh air circulate through the car.

* Use hot soapy water to wipe down interior doors, handles and vinyl seats.

* At a car wash, don't let the attendants spray the interior with air freshener when they finish vacuuming. If they've done their job properly, the car should smell just fine without it.

Speaking of which, wondering whether you should hose down your vehicle at home or take it to a car wash? Here's the answer.
tv
In the wake of the nation-wide switch to digital television, what should you do with your old analog TV sets?

Trashing televisions adds to the mountains of garbage people throw away every day. Plus, on average, a television contains four to six pounds of lead, plus mercury and cadmium - heavy metals that can pollute our drinking water if they get loose (as they inevitably will if the tv is just thrown into a landfill).

Better choice?

* Convert it. Until July 31, 2009, redeem a free government coupon worth $40 to help underwrite the cost of a converter box so you can continue to use your current tv.

* Recycle it. Check locally to see if your state has established e-waste recycling centers. For example, Washington state's 200 collection points accept old televisions, computers, and monitors for free. TIA E-Cycling Center lists municipal and private drop-off locations by state.

* Give it back. The U.S. EPA's Plug-in to eCycling partnership includes companies that accept and recycle old electronics. Sony, Sharp, Best Buy, Panasonic, and Wal-Mart are among those participating. Check the website to see if the retailer or manufacturer who sold you your TV is on the list.

Earth911 links to more local television recycling options.

Want more recycling? Here's the latest on recycling cell phones and home electronics.

(TV image credit: earth911.com)

ford fusion test drive
When Ford Motor Company called and asked if I'd be willing to test drive the new Ford Fusion Hybrid, I jumped at the chance. They delivered the car to my home and I spent the next three days giving it a try.

I had so much fun, I put my review on YouTube. Take a look.


Are you on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter? Let's connect! I twitter@Dia neMacEachern and @biggreenpurse. You can find me here on F acebook and Linke dIn. Where are you?

I hope you'll join the Big Green Purse group on Facebook,too. That's a great way to let others know how you've been using your big green purse!

In fact, now would be a good time to invite your friends and colleagues to take advantage of all we offer. Do your friends a favor, and pass this newsletter along to them. Just click on the Forward button right below my signature.

Talk to you again soon,

Diane's Photo
Diane MacEachern
Big Green Purse

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