Archives

Terra cotta pots are great for container gardening and are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic pots (plus they also look better in your garden or on your patio). But what to do when the... more

Do you use Apple AirPods? These wireless buds use a small rechargeable battery, and when the battery dies, it can be nearly impossible to replace. (Apple currently does not offer a service to replace ... more

They may look pretty, but outdoor lights for holiday decorating or for simple illumination are considered "light pollution" by the international citizen-science campaign Globe at Night. According to t... more

The National Wildlife Federation estimates as many as 4 billion birds are killed every year by household cats. While hunting birds is instinctual behavior for cats, it takes a heavy toll on bird popul... more

Have you ever thought about how unclean the inside of your car really is? Many of us never thoroughly clean the interior, even though our car is a second home. Some independent studies have shown that... more

Here's a great tip from the Cookware Manufacturers Association to get marred or dirty cookware sparkling-clean again. Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and simmer your badly st... more

If you want to donate your old laptop securely and safely, the best charity is likely your local Goodwill. Most Goodwill stores will take old laptops in any condition and wipe the hard drive clean. It... more

Among the prized items your local food bank loves to get during the holiday season: spices! Essential spices like salt, pepper, chili powder and cinnamon are critical, since they can go a long way to ... more

Do you love avocados? Don't toss the pits in the trash! They can be upcycled into the most delightful foot and body scrub. The trick is to rinse the avocado pits and let them thoroughly dry for a week... more

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 de... more

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, bli... more

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 c... more

What can you do with a bottle of olive oil that has gone rancid? While you may not be able to cook or make a salad dressing with it anymore, that doesn't mean you can't put it to some other good use. ... more

If you have an older home, take a look at your refrigerator and dishwasher to determine if they need to be replaced based on age. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a dishwasher made be... more

Who knew that one of the best ways to refresh the air isn't spray air fresheners loaded with chemicals, but rather with plants? The Sanseveieria plant is a succulent that NASA discovered could absorb ... more

Here's a Hall of Fame tip from the Do Just One Thing archives: Save newspaper to deodorize your shoes. Newsprint paper is designed to absorb ink, but it does an excellent job of absorbing excess moist... more

According to the National Sanitation Foundation, your coffeemaker is the fifth-dirtiest appliance in your home. That's high, considering you don't bake, fry, microwave or cook with it; but the coffee ... more

You probably already have the necessary ingredients somewhere in your home to make your own inexpensive and highly effective laundry stain remover: All you need is hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. Jus... more

Before you toss out bath towels that smell like mildew, try this eco-friendly solution: Wash them in white vinegar. White vinegar is a gentle acid that effectively kills the fungus that causes mildew ... more

The Buy Nothing Project is aptly named: It is a community dedicated to the simple idea that it's great to "buy less and share more." The community believes that buying less stuff can help "make us all... more

If you're planning to travel to see family during the holiday season, be sure to pick a time to drive that's likely to have less congestion to help cut back on fuel waste (and personal aggravation!). ... more

Do this one thing: Choose unbleached paper products to use for cooking and baking in your kitchen. Many white paper kitchen materials are bleached using chlorine, which means chemicals can leach into ... more

You may be hosting a large function during the holiday season, whether it's a dinner party or a festive event with lots of food. Since this is the time of year when food waste can quickly end up in la... more

When decorating for the holiday season, look for locally grown and all-natural decor instead of store-bought items. Evergreen swags, berries, squashes and dried corn and gourds are all great things to... more

Do you want to support a great nonprofit, keep waste out of landfills and make some extra cash, too? There's a growing trend of people sharing what you can buy at thrift stores like Goodwill that you ... more

Donating used items to charity is a great way to find a new home for your old things, get a tax deduction and help a worthwhile nonprofit raise funds. But not everything can be donated to charities, s... more

Tired of getting unsolicited offers in the mail that want to sign you up for a new credit card or insurance? One way to opt out on these mailings is to register online at the official Consumer Credit ... more

Yes, your dog's favorite toys need to be cleaned periodically. They spend a lot of time in mouths, outdoors or just lying on the ground picking up germs and bacteria. When you're ready to clean them, ... more