Do Just One Thing

Do you have retailer loyalty cards or "reward" cards that you use for in-store discounts and to rack up points that you can use for freebies down the road? These reward programs are often in supermarkets and drug stores like Safeway, Walgreens and CVS. But did you know you can register your loyalty card through the website eScrip.com and use it to also raise money for charity? When you register your card, you can choose three nonprofits, and when you use the card, it supports causes you care about. To date, over $400 million has been raised through the thousands of merchants who participate. Learn more at eScrip.com.

Carpeting is one of the top items sent to landfills every year. If you have wall-to-wall carpet that you want to replace because it looks old and faded, consider hiring someone to re-dye it instead. First, yes, you can dye carpet. A trained technician can make your old carpet look brand new. You can have the carpet dyed to match the original color, or you can change the color altogether. The process is less expensive than installing new carpet, and the products used are environmentally friendly. The dying process is colorfast, so nothing will wear off on feet, socks, paws or through vacuuming.

When giving gifts during the holiday season, it's nice to give gifts that give back and help make a difference for those in need or communities that need support. Fair trade products are items that provide a living wage to artisans or farmers and provide a steady source of income to help build the community in which they live. One organization, Fair Trade USA, has a certification program that helps consumers identify these products. You can find everything from organic coffee to jewelry to clothing and items for the home. The group's annual holiday gift guide is online at fairtradeusa.org.