Is there some residual yogurt inside that plastic container? Don't rinse it out; use it to create a highly effective face mask. Turns out yogurt made from dairy milk has an active ingredient called la... more
If the chemicals and preservatives in conventional perfume aren't enough to turn you off, maybe this fact will: Perfume is aging your skin. According to a story by Harper's Bazaar, the chemical compos... more
It's a fact that using an automatic dishwasher can save you energy and water over time. But there's one habit you should break when loading a dishwasher: pre-rinsing dishes in the sink. Over the lifes... more
Replacing inkjet printer cartridges can be expensive, especially if you print a lot at home. To save money on cartridges, do two things: First, opt to only print in "draft" mode whenever the actual qu... more
Having a mouse in the house is more than a nuisance; it can actually be hazardous, since they can chew through wires and cause fires. To prevent mice, try a simple nontoxic tip like installing door sw... more
Here's my easy way to keep toilets sparkling-clean without the use of chemicals. Sprinkle into the bowl of the toilet 1/2 cup of borax and 1/2 cup of white vinegar, then let it sit for a full 60 minut... more
Did you know that nearly 15 billion single-use alkaline batteries are sold worldwide every year? When you're gifting an electronic item that needs a battery, consider upgrading to rechargeable. Unlike... more
Do you have a handheld steamer you normally use to blast away wrinkles in clothing? These little steamers are actually fantastic to use around the house to help sanitize, all while using only the powe... more
Even though the label says "dry clean," a cashmere sweater can be easily washed at home. First, ditch the washing machine and dryer: It'll shrink and destroy the sweater. Instead, fill a sink with col... more
One thing a road warrior should always travel with is a reusable water bottle. Instead of opting for single-use plastic bottles, you can refill your bottle wherever you go. And it's easier than ever b... more
Not all essential oils in the supermarket are actually natural. If the words "naturally derived" are on the bottle, that means the molecular structure of the oil was simply derived from a flower or pl... more
If you support your local food bank, you can also ask if they are looking for non-food-related items to help the people that they serve. Often, personal hygiene products are an in-demand item that are... more
When flying, it's not only quicker to fly nonstop, it's also greener. Choosing flights that have connections means you're contributing more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere with your travel choice... more
Using cloth dish towels is an economical and ecological way to quickly clean up spills and keep your kitchen tidy. But over time, they can get smelly and dirty, and actually spread germs and bacteria ... more
Ever wonder what to do with a broken terra cotta pot? First, there are myriad uses around the house. You can fill a new terra cotta pot with shards to help with drainage and aerate the potting soil. ... more
Pre-moistened makeup remover wipes are all the rage for their convenience to take off even the most bulletproof makeup. But with that ease of use comes an environmental price. Despite feeling like clo... more
Do you want to kill germs on surfaces naturally? Try this DIY disinfecting spray. Fill a spray bottle with five parts water (distilled water is preferred, but you can use tap), one part white vinegar,... more
It seems innocent enough: tossing out food deer love to eat to help them survive during the harsh winter months. But the problem is, feeding them something that is not part of their routine diet can m... more
Did you squeeze a bunch of lemons? Don't throw them away when they can still be used to help freshen up one of the hardest-to-clean kitchen appliances: your microwave. Just toss the squeezed lemons in... more
It's no surprise that your windows are the biggest culprit in letting cold air in during the winter season. Old low-efficiency windows can be responsible for up to 30% of your home's heat loss. While ... more
When you're on vacation at a distant exotic destination, remember this one rule: Just because it's for sale doesn't mean it's legal to bring back to the United States. The World Wildlife Fund warns tr... more
Are you sick or is someone ill with a cold or flu in your household? To help prevent the spread of germs, it's important to disinfect household items that can harbor viruses on their surfaces. The top... more
If you're pruning evergreen trees or if it's after the holiday season and you've got a real Christmas tree or wreath to dispose of, try upcycling them into a sidewalk cover. In Scandinavian countries,... more
Sure, not using any gift wrap to wrap presents is the greenest option, but it's not the most festive. If you do want to use gift wrap, avoid papers that have a shiny finish, glitter, metallic embellis... more
The great Christmas tree debate is almost here: Is real or fake better for the environment? While artificial trees can be reused year after year, they are not made to last indefinitely and eventually ... more
We're used to storing vegetables in the refrigerator to help them stay crisp and fresh longer. But there's one vegetable you should never store in the fridge: potatoes. Turns out the cool temps actual... more
Do you just toss your eggshells away after you've whipped up a delicious frittata? You may think twice when you realize how beneficial they can be around the house. If you want to clean a bottle with ... more
Winter weather also means it's important to take a few simple steps to protect your family pet. One basic rule of thumb is this: If it's way too cold for you to be outside, it's too cold for your pet.... more
What could be the harm from picking wildflowers and making an arrangement from them? Turns out, you could be giving yourself third-degree burns. Many wildflowers are toxic if ingested, but they can al... more
Ever wonder what you could do to keep a bar of soap from dissolving so quickly in the shower? Turns out, you need to let a fresh bar of soap "cure" for a few weeks before using it. Many bars of soap a... more