4/1/10

While it's tempting to use lightweight, plastic faux terra cotta pots for your outdoor garden, it's best to avoid them. Most plastic pots are made from polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, which is made from a nonrenewable resource that is not biodegradable.

3/31/10

When cleaning the lint trap from your dryer, don't throw it away. Instead, place it outside where birds can easily find it, near a bird feeder or bird bath. Break up the dryer lint into small, manageable pieces. They'll pick up the soft mass and use it to feather their nests.

3/30/10

Ask if your local animal shelter is in need of newspapers. Many animal shelters depend on donations of old newspapers, so they can use them as shredded bedding for orphaned animals. While you're there, consider adopting a stray cat or dog to be a loving companion in your own home, or volunteer some time helping the shelter with charitable works.