Modern-day sponges are made mostly from petroleum and are neither recyclable nor biodegradable. But if you look more closely at labels the next time you shop, you can find sponges that are made from 100 percent cellulose. Made entirely from wood fibers, cellulose sponges have the look and feel of traditional sponges, but unlike petroleum-based ones, cellulose scrubbers can be tossed into the compost bin when it's time to replace them. You can even cut them into squares and mix them with soil for houseplants. They'll absorb water and slowly release it back to the plant over time.

When you get a tear in your pantyhose or tights, there's no need to toss them into the trash. Did you know it takes about 40 years for nylon hosiery to decompose in a landfill? Old stockings and nylons are completely recyclable, too. The No Nonsense brand has created a pantyhose-recycling program that takes any brand of hosiery and turns them into new materials, like park benches, running tracks, car insulation and playground equipment. Just visit nononsense.com, print out a shipping label and send in your box of ripped hosiery. It's that simple.

In the winter months, don't toss your eggshells in the trash; instead, give them to the birds. When food is scarce, birds benefit from the high mineral content of eggshells when they feed on them. To give our feathered friends pieces of eggshell, a little prep is needed to make sure they stay healthy: Rinse the shells with water and place them on a baking sheet; bake at a low heat (about 250 degrees) for 15 to 20 minutes to dry them out and disinfect them. Crush the eggshells with seed and place the mixture somewhere where the birds can easily find the meal.