12/29/12

Many people start backyard compost bins as a way to reduce sending organic waste to the landfill and to create beneficial mulch for their gardens. Yes, leaves, grass clippings and carrot stems are known items for composting, but there are also many unusual items you can toss into the bin. Tea bags will break down in a compost bin -- tear it open to help speed it up the process. Stale bread, pet hair, coffee filters and grounds, dryer lint, cardboard and even shells from crabs, clams, oysters and lobsters are all compostable. Just remember to cover these items with a layer of green matter like leaves or grass clippings.

12/28/12

If you're on the fence about buying the newest expensive gadget, consider renting it for a week instead. Digital cameras, camcorders, iPads and gaming systems can be rented by the week at many national chains, like Rent-A-Center. Return the item after a week, and then make the big investment if you really, truly need the item. Another idea: If you're planning to throw a Super Bowl party and need a giant TV to watch the game, rent it and return it when you're done. Most places handle delivery and pickup.

12/27/12

Many of the world's preventable diseases could be curtailed by proper hand washing with soap. Clean the World is a nonprofit organization working with the hotel industry to collect used soap from hotel rooms. The charity boils and sanitizes the soaps, then forms it into new bars and distributes them all over the world. While the organization works primarily with hotels, it will gladly accept bars of soap from individuals, too. So if you've hoarded a whole collection of soaps, send them to Clean the World, 400A Pittman St., Orlando, FL 32801.