Freezer burn happens when food like meats, vegetables and ice cream lose moisture after prolonged exposure to cold air. While freezer-burnt foods are safe to eat, they can be rather bland, tough or ju... more
You might be in a mood to declutter at home, and getting rid of old DVDs and Blu-ray discs could be at the top of your list. But the editors at Popular Science want you to think twice before gutting y... more
One of the simplest and best things you can do to help the bee population in your own backyard is to leave dead plant stems behind. When you're pruning or cleaning the garden, don't take away plant st... more
When it's time to replace your bedding, there are myriad things you can do with your old sheet sets. Beyond donating them or reusing them as tarps or furniture covers, you actually can use sheets in t... more
Are you looking for a new juicer to make freshly squeezed juices at home? Consider a "gear" juicer instead of the "centrifugal" style. Here's why: A centrifugal juicer tears and shreds the fruits and ... more
During the hot summer months, local nonprofit organizations that support those most in need in your area are looking for specific seasonal items. If you ever find personal hygiene items on sale at the... more
While the best option is to donate your old books, a lot of charities will reject them if they aren't in good condition or if they are seriously out of date. The simplest solution for outdated or worn... more
Sure, it's convenient to buy prepackaged potting soil at the hardware store, but using it can create a condition called "soil pollution" in your garden. Prepackaged soil can contain pesticides and oth... more
When choosing a gemstone for a piece of fine jewelry, there's a lot of controversy around natural diamonds and colored gemstones. It's all about ethical sourcing, ranging from "blood diamonds" used to... more
Since marble is a natural stone, is it sustainable? Quarrying marble involves a lot of energy and destruction of natural habitats, and it's an incredibly heavy material to transport from mines halfway... more
A recent study by the Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health found that dry-erase markers commonly used in classrooms have toxic emissions that are "400 times higher than highlighters... more
If you're trying to avoid GMO (genetically modified organisms) when shopping at the supermarket, keep in mind almost all fresh produce is considered non-GMO. But there are exceptions to this GMO-free/... more
If you want a beanbag chair in your home, expandable polystyrene fill is not a very eco-friendly choice. It's the most common fill used for beanbag-style chairs, but it's not recyclable or biodegradab... more
Myth busted: Uncooked rice doesn't kill birds. There's a mistaken belief that when birds eat uncooked rice, it swells in their body and eventually kills them. The truth is, the rice needs to be cooked... more
Did you know that clothing hangers -- plastic, flocked and wooden -- are nearly impossible to recycle? It's because the plastic ones are made with mixed materials, and the wooden ones are coated and t... more