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With a few simple tools and these step-by-step instructions from an expert mechanic, you can change...
Growing trees and shrubs from seed takes time, but has its own rewards...
THE HEALTHY PLATE: Recipe for chicken and shiitake mushroom lo mein...
Olive oil tastes good and is good for you. We did a taste test to see which common brands we liked ...
—Suzanne M. Blood Pittsburgh, Texas
Every spring, after we groom our two large collies, we end up with bags of dog hair. Believe it or not, we have actually found a use for the stuff. We empty the bags in our garden, scattering the hair throughout the plot. Since we started doing this, all the ground hogs, raccoons, and other animals that used to vandalize the crops have gone elsewhere.
—Chris A. Martin Morgantown, West Virginia
About a year ago, I purchased a new catalytic wood stove for our home, and have been discovering small ways to make it run more efficiently ever since. New owners of stoves will find that a small investment in some temperature-measuring equipment would be money very well spent. Chief among these should be a draft, and temperature gauge. In order to feel confident with the damper, knowledge of the draft volume is important, and a draft gauge is the best way to keep a running measurement.
Keeping a handle on the temperature of your stove is another way of giving it a little help. For instance, in order for the catalyst to work, one needs to know what the temperature is around it, making the purchase of the latter gauge a good idea. The reason for this is that the catalytic converter bypass needs to be open until the temperature around it reaches 500°F. At that point, the converter will "light" and the temperature will jump to 1100°F Getting in the habit of doing this will make the burn more efficient and prolong the life of the catalyst.
Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.
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