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Easiest, Greenest Home Improvements

Smart Products Help Save Energy, Water, Money

Some of the best and easiest summer projects are green upgrades that save water, energy and money in seasons to come. "If you're facing a long summer to-do list, remember that green upgrades are well worth your time and investment," says Tom Kraeutler, home improvement expert and syndicated radio show host of The Money Pit. "These simple projects bring big benefits including improved comfort and high performance on a lot less water, electricity and cash."

Kraeutler and co-host Leslie Segrete recommend these easy ways to go green with summer improvements.

A shower that nurtures both you and the environment
"Enjoy a soothing shower that nurtures both you and the environment with Moen's Nurture Eco-Performance Showerhead," says Segrete. "It's designed to deliver full-body, high-performance coverage, but with a flow-optimized spray that uses up to 30 percent less water." The Nurture Eco-Performance Showerhead beats the industry's standard water-saving flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) with a delivery of 1.75 gpm. It's available in fixed showerhead and handheld versions, and the new Spot Resist Brushed Nickel finish resists fingerprints and water spots. Look for this water-saving shower experience at Lowe's or visit http://www.moen.com.

Dimmers designed for energy-saving light
"Up to now, it's been hard to find a dimmer system compatible with new energy-saving light bulb varieties," says Kraeutler. "But Lutron's Skylark Contour C*L Dimmer meets the challenge with convenient control for incandescents, halogens, CFLs and LEDs." The C*L Dimmer actually improves the dimming performance of dimmable CFLs and LEDs by keeping the lights on as they are dimmed, ensuring that lights turn on at all light levels while eliminating excessive flicker and withstanding line voltage fluctuations. The dimmer's rocker switch turns lights on and off, and a slide control adjusts light for any activity. Learn more at http://www.lutron.com.

A greener clean
"All kinds of summer cleaning chores go green with the new iQ line of non-toxic cleaners," advises Segrete. "With their patented REFill technology, you simply fill the reusable iQ bottle with tap water, drop in the no-mess REFill cartridge, twist on the spray-trigger cap to dispense the non-toxic concentrated iQ cleaning solution, and start cleaning." iQ cleaners are made from plant-based, ecologically sustainable ingredients, and the tap water activation reduces their carbon footprint for a price that's 25 percent lower than other cleaners. The line includes All-Purpose Cleaner, Glass Cleaner and Bathroom Cleaner, available in light fragrances like Green Tea, Bamboo Berry and Nectarine Plum. All iQ products are 100 percent performance guaranteed, and available nationwide at Drugstore.com, Alice.com and grocery retailers. Improve your green cleaning iQ at http://www.iqclean.com.