6/3/12

Have a spare painter's tarp in storage? Upcycle it into an outdoor movie screen. Stretch the tarp between two trees and place a small table in front. Use a projector connected to a DVD player or a special device that turns your smartphone into a film projector to watch your favorite movie outside. When done, just tear down the tarp and keep it handy for the next backyard movie night.

6/2/12

If you love creating centerpieces for your dining room table using flowers from the supermarket or florist, think again. The majority of flowers are treated with pesticides to help them last longer and grow stronger. And exotic flowers that come from tropical environments have a huge carbon footprint from being flown halfway around the world. Instead, think live plants, like potted pansies or herb plants, for your table. They last longer, and if you're having a party, guests can take them home and plant them.

6/1/12

On average, about 675 pieces of unwanted junk mail end up in our mailboxes every year. If you want to put an end to the madness, try these easy steps. If you move, don't use a change of address form from the post office; instead, contact everyone directly to give them your new address. Avoid participating in contests where you are asked for your address unless you can select an "opt out" for solicitations. And contact the top three credit bureaus -- TransUnion, Equifax and Experian -- and ask the companies to remove you from any unsolicited credit card offers.