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2 Home, Lawn & Garden, Tuesday, June 21, 2011 Out with the cold-- in with the hue Ten ways to cut your water bill With the warm days of summer upon us, it is the perfect time to inject vibrant colours into our homes to lift our spirits and make them as warm and inviting as the weather. And luckily, with just a few minor updates you can create a major impact on the décor (and enjoyment) of your home. New Hue in the Loo The powder room is a space you use every day ­ and that guests also view. For this small space, test out a new bold colour that you may not be as daring to use in other larger areas. According to industry experts, green is one of the most popular hues in the bathroom this year. Splash the walls with a coat of paint in a vibrant shade. Or simply update your decorative accents throughout the room with contrasting colours to make a beautiful design statement. Freshen Up Furniture As you move outdoors to enjoy the weather... has your patio furniture seen better days? If the sun and snow have taken a toll on your outdoor seating, look no further than a can of spray paint to update the look. No matter if you've got rusty metal, weathered wood or dingy plastic, you can turn trash into treasure in no time. Krylon's Fusion for Plastic paint is available in dozens of colours to bring everything from seating to decorative accents back to life. For wood materials, try Krylon's outdoor spray stain, and to cover rust on metal ­ or to prevent it in the future ­ Krylon's Outdoor Spaces has the colour and finish to In case you hadn't noticed, the cost of living is on the rise. From the grocery cart to your gas tank and everywhere in between, prices for day­ to­day goods are near record highs. While you can't do much about the price of wheat or crude oil, there's one area of your home where a few quick fixes can translate into real savings: your water bill. Follow these 10 tips and you could shave as much as 20 per cent off your annual water bill: 1. Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are fully loaded before pressing `start'. By running fewer and fuller washes, you'll use less water and energy. 2. If you don't already have one, install a low­flow showerhead. 3. Install a low­flow toilet. Or place a pop bottle filled with sand or water in your toilet tank. You'll use less water every time you flush. 4. Stop washing your car at home. Many people think it saves water but it doesn't. Most car washes have water recycling systems and cost just a few dollars per visit. 5. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving. 6. Check for (and fix) leaky taps and faucets. Even a small leak can waste thousands of litres of water per year. 7. Attach a rain barrel to your downspout to collect water for plants, flowers, etc. 8. Avoid using your toilet as a garbage can. Flushing a cigarette butt, wad of gum or a tissue can use as much as 14 litres of water (depending on the age of your toilet). 9. Keep a jug of water in the fridge to avoid having to run water from the tap until it's cold. 10. Replace your old dishwasher or washing machine with a model that's more water and energy efficient. To celebrate our most precious resource, RBC has launched Join the Wave ­ an online campaign to create a global wave of support for water protection. To participate, simply upload your photo and a message about water to our Facebook stadium at www.facebook.com/rbcbluewaterproject. To learn more about protecting water, visit the RBC Blue Water Project at www.rbc.com/bluewater. --www.newscanada.com suit any décor needs. "Spray painting is a simple project that even a novice DIYer can feel comfortable doing," said Katherine Merkle, Krylon brand manager. "With just a bit of prep work and a quality product, your project will be the envy of your neighbours in no time." Amazing Accents If you've grown tired of the colour scheme in your living areas or bedroom, updating fabric accents can make a dramatic change to your rooms for years to come... or simply for the season. To brighten chairs, loveseats and couches add new decorative throw pillows or drape a new blanket over the back. In the bedroom, a new comforter can add new style (and comfort) to the room. Plus, these accents can be quite affordable and are easily changeable when you're ready for a new hue. More information can be found online at www.projectsinacan.com. --www.newscanada.com When It's Time To Replace Your Garage Door CHOOSE A GARAGA Garaga Garage Doors The most energy efficient doors available Ask for a free estimate now! Sunday, June 26, 10 am to 4 pm · Cooking Techniques · Sampling · Experts to Answer Your Questions www.certifiedbbqexperts.com (905) 873-4848 1-888-836-5552 118 Guelph Street, Unit #6 Georgetown, ON L4G 4A3 www.bmgaragedoor.com < SARAH BROUSSEAU bmgaragedoor@hotmail.com · Free Assembly · Free In-Town Delivery · Plus 100 Bonus Aeroplan Points ($230 Value) r Visit ou m o ro w o sh ACTON HOME HARDWARE 362 Queen St. E., Acton 519-853-1730