Over 300 million scrap tires are generated every single year in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. When your tires need to be replaced, do it with a reputable dealer that will recycle your old ones. Many tires today are being shredded and used in roadways and also being made into other products. But to limit the number of tires you replace in the lifetime of your car, try these tips to prolong their life. First, look for new tires that have longer tread life; they may cost a little more, but in the long run, you save money. Also, be sure to rotate your tires every 4,000 miles to even out wear, and balance the tires with each rotation.

Over 6 million Americans are affected by foodborne illnesses every year; one common culprit is the unsanitary sponge used to clean dishes, pots and pans. In a study in the Journal of Environmental Health, researchers took sponges and soaked them in a cocktail of raw wastewater containing fecal matter, viruses and bacterial spores. Then the wet sponges were microwaved on high for two minutes. The result? Ninety-nine percent of all the living pathogens and bacteria on the sponges were eradicated. Using the microwave to disinfect your sponges before you wash the dishes is a surefire way to protect yourself and your family. Just be sure to use a wet sponge and microwave for no more or less than two minutes for maximum results.

Have a bottle of wine that's gone bad? Some people believe you can use it as a fertilizer for plants, since vino is made from fermented organic ingredients. But hold off on giving your ferns a glass: Wine still has alcohol in it, which is a known herbicide that can dry out a plant. On top of that, if the wine has spoiled and started to turn into vinegar, that is also an herbicide. Instead, pour old wine on top of your compost pile, where it will have a chance to decompose and turn your table scraps and garden waste into beneficial mulch.