12/18/12

During the holiday season, when gift giving is at an all-time high, it can be tough to find something to give that won’t go to waste. With up to 30 percent of gifts either going into storage or -- worse -- tossed into the trash, the wrong gift can be a wasteful one. One thing sure to please is a gift the recipient can consume: a good bottle of wine, gourmet pantry staple or homemade organic biscuits for their dog. So think delicious, artisanal and handcrafted this year.

12/17/12

If you're a parent who has to throw a birthday party for your child, why not invite other moms and dads to come to the party and do a toy swap? While the kids are playing, parents can go through bags of unused toys and trade with each other. It’s a great way to reuse toys, save money and give new-to-them toys to your kids. Whatever doesn’t get swapped can be bundled together and donated to a local charity, like Goodwill.

12/16/2012

If you love pistachios, then this Do Just One Thing tip is for you: Save the shells for your fireplace. Pistachio shells are high in oil and are an excellent fire starter. The curved shape of the shell keeps them from flattening, so the air pockets between the shells creates a slow-burning fire. Just collect the shells as you eat them, and when you're ready to start a fire, toss a handful into the fireplace with crumpled paper and light away.