While recycled paperboard egg cartons are the greenest choice, sometimes plastic foam cartons are your only choice at the supermarket. The good news is that plastic foam is recyclable, and many communities are now accepting it in curbside recycling. But if your community does not accept it, you might find uses for the egg crates around the house. Try storing holiday ornaments in the individual compartments, or use them for crafts to sort paint, glitter or beads. You can also collect the containers and send them to be recycled by mailing them to Dolco Packaging, P.O. Box 1005, 2110 Patterson St., Decatur, Indiana, 46733-5005.

A natural way to keep fleas at bay from your dog -- and your home -- is to use essential oils like cedar or lavender. The scent from the oils is pleasant to us, but for fleas, not so much. But rubbing essential oils all over your dog's coat can be messy and difficult. One easy way to deliver the benefits of essential oils when playing outdoors with your dog is to use an old bandana. Dilute five drops of essential oil with 1/2 cup cool water. Soak the bandana in the oily mixture and gently wring out. Tie it around your dog's neck, and it'll act like an all-natural -- not to mention stylish -- flea collar.

A blender that doesn't puree, froth or whip like it used to may need just one simple repair. Before tossing it in the trash, try sharpening the blades. Carefully disassemble the blender and remove the blade attachment; it should twist right out from the bottom of the blender. Then use a sharpening stone (from any kitchen supply store) and run each edge of the blade along the stone. Make sure you run them on an angle going in the same direction. Repeat for all sides of the blades. Rinse, dry and reassemble. Now enjoy those summer smoothies.