A crackling fire is the hallmark of many an autumn night spent outdoors with friends and family. The fire pit is often the highlight of a camping trip or the leisurely nightcap to a crisp fall day.

But there’s also a dilemma for some: how to enjoy the tradition while still keeping things environmentally friendly and keeping the wood smoke to a minimum?

Fortunately, there are a host of alternatives these days. One popular option is to install a natural gas fire pit. Although it needs a gas line and would remain stationary, this one still retains a similar look and feel to the concept we associate with fire pit.

If you already have a wood-burning fire pit or simply can’t imagine giving up the logs, you can also find alternative materials. An article in Forbes suggests logs made from non-petroleum natural wax, recycled sawdust, used coffee beans, soy, and switchgrass. Many of these release up to 80 percent fewer emissions than regular wood when burned, it says.

Americans are upgrading their smartphones at an average pace of every 32 months according to the NPD Group. Instead of sticking the old phone into a drawer or throwing it away, however, many consumers can recoup some of the original cost by trading it in or selling it outright, according to Consumer Reports.

Those purchasing iPhones directly through Apple can take advantage of their trade-in program but nearly every major retailer and phone company, such as Best Buy, AT&T or Verizon, will often offer an option to trade a phone in to reduce the cost of an upgraded phone. Although these are the most accessible options, consumers can usually squeeze a little more value from their device by selling it themselves on sites like eBay, Swappa, or Gazelle if they are willing to do a bit more research and legwork.

Selling your old smartphones cuts down on clutter and adds a little extra money to your pocket.

A United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) study revealed that carpet actually helps to clean out air in our homes and offices. The carpet acts as a filter, trapping soils, gasses and pollutants such as pet and human dander, pollen, and even air pollution. This is great news since nearly every home in America has wall to wall carpet installed in one or more areas. There are several things that you can do to keep your carpet looking cleaner and help it last longer. Keep soils out by using walk off mats at entrances and keeping outdoor walkways, stairs and porches clean.

Use doormats at all entrances. Don’t wear street shoes in the house. Avoid going barefoot because body oils get on the carpet and attract dirt. Vacuum often, at least once a week. You should vacuum more often if there are pets or small children in the home, or if anyone suffers from asthma.

Promptly attend to any spots or spills. First, blot or scrape up as much of the spill as you can before it dries into the fibers. Then apply a mild spotting agent to the carpet and gently agitate it into the spot with the back of a spoon. Blot with a white towel to absorb the spot and the cleaner. Put a little clear water on the area, agitate again and then blot as dry as possible. If this process doesn’t work, call us.

In addition to controlling soils, vacuuming often and being attentive to spots and spills, you should include professional cleaning followed by application of a fiber protective treatment. Periodic professional cleaning is a major part of an effective carpet and air quality maintenance routine, eliminating the contaminants that build up over time. Of course, every household has its own unique combination of factors such as environment, number of occupants, children, pets, and smoking or non-smoking, etc.

Deep cleaning of your carpets assures your carpets are brought back to a fresh, healthy condition. This is good for your health as well as your wallet.

How so? Clean carpet has the ability to trap and hold airborne contaminants out of the breathing zone. In fact, studies have demonstrated that it takes ten times more wind force to dislodge the dry particulate soils that can trigger allergic reactions from carpet than from hard floor surfaces. That’s because carpet traps and holds contaminants until they are removed by vacuuming and cleaning.

Carpets that are regularly maintained will last much longer because it is the dry, gritty particulate soil and old oxidized stains that cause the permanent damage that makes old carpets look dull and dirty.

Regardless of how neat and tidy you are, there comes a time when you need professional carpet cleaning.

Call Hansen Steam Way to schedule your next cleaning. You and your family will breathe easier; your carpets will look better and last longer, and your home will remain healthier.