Winter weather means major snowstorms, so many of us turn to snowblowers to help remove snow from our driveways and sidewalks. When shopping for a new snowblower, look for eco-friendly models that do not emit greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. A traditional snowblower is typically gasoline-powered. New hybrid snowblowers use an integrated rechargeable battery (so they are cordless) that can work for about an hour before a recharge. And less expensive electric models (with a cord) are perfect for homeowners with smaller areas they need to clear.

Imagine getting exercise and raising money for charity -- you can with the free app Charity Miles. When you download the app, you select a charity of your choice (like the World Wildlife Fund or Habitat for Humanity) and a corporate sponsor pledges money for every mile you work out. It's all synced to your smartphone, so you can't cheat your workout miles.  All you do is hit start and then work out. When you're done, you hit stop, and the app tallies up your donation. Over time, your "sweat equity" can help do a lot of good.

When pumping gas, save money and maximize fuel by doing one thing: Hold the gas pump correctly. When you hold the gas trigger all the way down, it is the fastest way to fuel up your car. But it also creates the largest amount of gas vapors, which means the fuel going into your gas tank becomes vapor and then it's returned back into the underground storage tank at the station. You end up with less fuel, still paying the same price. To maximize your fuel efficiency, pump gas at a slower speed to minimize vapors and waste.