Consumer Report

David Gregg, Senior Editor of BehindTheBuy has been hard at work putting his Spring product suggestions and testing them so that we can all streamline our springtime to-do list.

1. Office Depot and Office Max Ativa Shredder – Along with warmer weather, Spring also officially ushers in tax season. Office Depot and OfficeMax stores want to remind you that they have the gear and solutions to help keep your information and data safe this Spring. An Office Depot survey found only 44% of people shred during tax season. From now through April 23, Office Depot and Office Max stores are helping to reduce identity theft by providing up to five pounds of free bulk bin shredding. Shredding sensitive documents at home is also made convenient with Office Depot’s exclusive Ativa line of shredders.  This 12-sheet, crosscut model can even slice through credit cards and staples. For the latest tax time solutions and to print a coupon for their free shredding offer, visit Office Depot and OfficeMax stores and officedepot.com/tax

2. Kingston Technology MobileLite Wireless G3 – 
   Kingston’s MobileLite Wireless G3
   removes the worries of running out of power and storage space on your wireless devices this Spring.  This digital lifesaver can give tablets a quick charge and provide enough juice to double the battery life of your smart phone.  It will also back up your photos and videos and free up valuable storage space. The Wireless Pro model features 64GB of built-in memory, making it a convenient tool to back up your mobile device without a computer. You can also use any flash card or USB drive to store more content. Fill it up with movies, music and photos so up to four of your friends can share all of that content, making it great for road trips! Both products are compatible with iOS, Windows and Amazon devices. PRICE: G3 – $49.99 (on Amazon); G3 PRO – $105.92 (on Amazon) www.kingston.com/en/wireless/wireless_readers/mlwg3

3. Preen Mulch Plus –  Mulching can keep soil moist, make gardens looks tidy and keep weeds under control.  However, ordinary mulch can contain weed seeds. Finally, there’s a new, very different mulch that’s guaranteed to stop weeds for up to six months. Preen Mulch Plus is the only premium shredded wood mulch that comes with added Preen weed preventers already mixed in. Preen Mulch Plus stops weeds, as seeds, before they can grow. It’s fully effective at only 2-inches deep.  So one bag covers 12 sq. ft. — that’s 30% more coverage than ordinary mulches, which have to be spread 3 inches deep. It’s available in 3 non-fade colors: brown, black or russet-red.  You can find it at Lowe’s for just $4.49 per bag and at top garden centers and hardware stores.  PRICE: $4.49; www.preen.com/products/preen-mulch-plus

4. Briggs and Stratton Mower Engines with QPT – Briggs & Stratton have combined two of its most popular innovations in a new mower engine that is 60% quieter than comparable models and it never needs an oil change. The result is what everyone wants in a lawn mower, reduced noise levels and easier maintenance. Briggs and Stratton’s “Just Check & Add Technology” means never having to change the oil in your mower’s engine – just check it and add oil, when you need more. The Quiet Power Technology means no more annoying the neighbors with a loud mower.  It’s significantly quieter than other gas powered engines. Look for this combination of technologies on select mowers at Sears, Walmart and Lowes where this Husqvarna push mower can be purchased. PRICE: Husqvarna QPT/Exi starts at $339.99; www.briggsandstratton.com

5. Gas Off by Briggs and Stratton – Gas Off by Briggs and Stratton is a plant-based solution that removes gas and diesel odor and residue. 70 percent of people spill gas on themselves, their clothes, car or outdoor power equipment.  Gas Off doesn’t just mask gas smell like other products and home remedies – – it eliminates it. Gas Off is 100% non-toxic and safe for use on fabrics, chrome, plastic, painted surfaces and skin. It’s available in single wipes, a canister, spray bottle, and a flat pack, that’s perfect for your car’s glove compartment.  You can find Gas Off at Walmart, Tractor Supply Company and select Lowes and Home Depot stores. PRICE: starts at $1.29 (for the single wipe) up to $4.95 for the flat pack or spray; www.briggsgasoff.com

For more information, go to www.BehindTheBuy.com

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