Do Just One Thing

While many charity stores and thrift shops don't accept old underwear, you don't always have to toss used undergarments in the trash. Some old underwear and undergarments are compostable -- it just depends on what they're made from. If you have old underwear that's past its prime and made from 100% cotton or silk, you can tear it up and add it to you compost. Just remove any elastic, buttons or straps made of synthetic materials and rip what's left into small pieces so it breaks down more easily.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Whatever type of blinds you invest in for your windows -- bamboo, wooden, cellular, roman or roller style -- they can help to improve energy efficiency in your home. If you live in a cool climate, blinds should be left open in the winter when it's sunny to help bring heat inside the home. But at night, they should be closed and snug in the window frame to prevent cold air from seeping in and to help reduce heat loss. Some blinds are more efficient than others, but any style is better than none.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you love wine and want to be a little greener with your purchases, consider glass bottles made from something called "Eco-Glass." Although glass is infinitely recyclable, it can still be heavy in cases and require a lot of fuel to ship from the vineyard to your store. Eco-Glass is 25% lighter than regular glass, with absolutely no compromise in the quality of the wine inside the bottle. There are some big players using this lighter glass; to find out if your favorite varietal is using it, visit eco-glass.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION