11/21/09

Buy in bulk when you need it most. Many shoppers who frequent wholesale clubs end up buying items they really don't need in bulk, so perishable items like salad dressing and produce can go to waste. Avoid this by keeping a tally of what you really use and make it a point to only buy frequently used items in bulk. You'll save money, cut back on excess packaging and make fewer trips to the store to buy these items.

11/20/09

If you're in the market for new wall-to-wall carpet or area rugs, ask your retailer to show you options made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled nylon, which comes from old plastic water bottles. Millions of bottles are collected from curbside recycling each year and turned into beautiful carpet in all types of styles and colors. And the best part? These rugs and carpets are becoming much more affordable.

11/19/09

If your garbage disposal smells funny, don't pour toxic chlorine bleach down the drain. Instead, think tomato soup. Tomatoes can neutralize odor -- like washing the family dog with canned tomatoes after he's been sprayed by a skunk -- so they'll do wonders with your garbage disposal. Let the soup sit in the drain for a while before washing it away with regular water.