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Houseplants must have enough sunlight to thrive. But how can you tell if they are getting too much or too little light? The answer is simple: Let the plants tell you. If the plant is leaning toward su... more

An average household of four people uses about 12,000 gallons of water every year doing laundry. Cutting down on your washing machine’s water usage can help with water conservation and save you money.... more

Here’s another reason to quit drinking bottled water: It’s often polluted with plastic particles. Scientists recently tested a variety of national-brand bottled waters and found that 93% of them were ... more

When buying pre-bagged organic produce at the supermarket, not every bag is the same. For instance, if you are purchasing a pre-bagged 5-pound sack of organic apples, not all of the bags will weigh ex... more

There’s no need to buy shredded paper or gift-bag filler from a store when you can easily make your own. Older paper shredders are great for turning scrap paper or junk mail into filler. You can also ... more

Have you ever seen an Instagram post about a dog or cat up for adoption, a charity doing good work, or a tip to help reduce someone’s carbon footprint? Don’t just watch it -- like it. The more likes a... more

Is it better to send a printed greeting card or an e-card, which uses energy to power servers and devices? It turns out digital is the winner. Printed cards require significantly more resources, energ... more

Many of us add liquid fabric softener to the washing machine to help make clothing not only feel soft, but smell good, too. But the nonprofit Healthy Child Healthy World says it’s best to skip fabric ... more

Real leather bags, shoes and furniture can crack or deteriorate over time from weather and heat. Store-bought leather conditioners can work, but they can also be expensive. So make your own: Just comb... more

When serving food, avoid plates, bowls and cups that have the look and feel of glass or ceramic but the durability of plastic. According to the Food and Drug Administration, these tabletop items are m... more

Many homeowners are told to keep chest freezers in the garage, assuming the unheated space will help them stay cold. In reality, garage temperatures fluctuate widely, especially in regions with hot su... more

Backyard bird and nectar feeders need to be properly filled to avoid getting birds sick. When it comes to birdseed, be sure to store it in a dry place inside an airtight container. If there's any mois... more

During the winter months, a few simple steps can help keep your recycling efficient and effective. If you live in a snowy or icy climate, make sure recyclables are dry before placing them outside, to ... more

It’s a myth that closing vents in little-used rooms will save you money on heating during the cold winter months. In reality, your HVAC system is designed to heat your entire home efficiently, and shu... more

Not only can a taxi ride to the airport be expensive, but it can be wasteful; the taxis at the terminals often arrive with just one passenger and their suitcase. To save money and cut down on carbon e... more

If you’re donating old clothing and household items, there are a few things you can do to help your local Goodwill or other donation site. Use rubber bands to help keep shoes together, and be sure to ... more

Do you have frequent flyer miles sitting unused for airlines like United, Delta or American -- especially ones you rarely fly? If your balance isn’t enough for a free ticket, consider donating those m... more

You might wonder if the free weights that are gathering dust in your basement gym are recyclable. Yes, hand weights are recyclable. Most free weights are made entirely from iron, often with steel hand... more

Freezing fruits and vegetables is an easy to way to extend their life and avoid food waste. But there are some fruits and veggies you should never freeze. Celery, for example, can turn limp and take o... more

Wonder if your faucets at home are slowly leaking water when you’re away? One of the simplest ways to check is to leave a coffee cup under the faucet when you’re gone. When you get home, you can see h... more

While plastic containers are perfect for recycling, containers that formerly held oil or other flammable liquids are not welcome at recycling centers. That's because those substances pose special prob... more

When you buy new skin care, makeup or other beauty products at stores, you’ll often receive free samples or even free full-size products as part of a loyalty club. If you have a stash of unused beauty... more

Plants need light for photosynthesis, and to thrive and be healthy over time. You might think placing a plant near a lamp is just as good as placing it near a sunny window, but the reality is sunlight... more

Gold prices are at an all-time high, and many are turning their scrap gold into cold, hard cash. But if you think pure gold can only come from broken jewelry or coins, think again: You might have some... more

New recycling technologies now allow you to leave plastic caps on bottles when recycling. The sorting machinery can now separate the caps from the bottles. Just give the bottle a quick rinse before re... more

While some popular houseplants thrive indoors, they should never be transplanted outdoors, where they can become invasive. The snake plant, for example, spreads rapidly through underground shoots and ... more

With forecasts predicting one of the coldest winters on record, there are simple ways to stay warm while staying eco-friendly. Use natural sunlight to your advantage -- open curtains and blinds during... more

Flying can take a toll on the environment, but a few simple choices can make your trip more eco-friendly. Opt for daytime flights instead of nighttime ones, because contrails and cirrus clouds formed ... more