Paper is paper, right? When recycling old office paper or magazines, you'd be surprised to learn that shredded paper is not desirable. Since a recycler can't always tell the difference between glossy, shiny paper, and plastic report covers and metal pieces, which contaminate the load, the whole bale could be tossed. Instead, tear recyclable paper and put truly confidential docs through the shredder and use the trash to dispose of it.

Toothpaste is designed to not only keep your teeth polished and clean, but to leave your breath minty fresh. Since the majority of the ingredients in toothpaste are designed to deodorize and freshen breath, there are myriad uses for the paste beyond brushing. The next time your hands are smelly from cutting onions or garlic, wash them with a squeeze of toothpaste. Add water, rub furiously and rinse off with soap. It'll neutralize the odors and leave your hands smelling fresh.

Are you planning a getaway to a warm beach destination? In addition to researching airfare, hotels and activities for your vacation, checking beach contamination conditions for where you're going is key, too. Local beaches that are not healthy can put you and your family at risk for bacteria, viruses and pathogens. Contamination from storm water runoff, sewage overflow and other spills usually cause unsafe beach conditions. Fortunately, the Natural Resources Defense Council has a constantly updated database of more than 3,000 beaches to help you decide where to go, including a list of "superstar beaches" that routinely have low pollution levels. Visit nrdc.org to learn more.