11/28/10

When you're shipping presents this holiday season, opt for ground shipping or the U.S. Postal Service's Parcel Post. Sending gifts via overnight or 2-day service may get the package to your destination quicker, but it uses gas-guzzling planes and will drain your wallet as well. By planning ahead and using ground shipping, your gifts will arrive at a lower price and use less fuel.

11/27/10

Ziploc bags can be used again, but many people are worried about cross-contamination if the reused bag isn't sterilized properly enough. You can wash out a bag and air-dry and then reuse it to hold non-edible items. For example, when traveling, reuse a bag to hold toiletries when going through airport security. Bring a few extra-large bags to fill with smelly sneakers, socks or a wet bathing suit.

11/26/10

Many of us keep our Halloween pumpkins outside well after the holiday -- the cooler temperatures help preserve all types of gourds for months to come. When you are ready to toss them, don't think trash, but the backyard instead. Tossing them into the compost bin is one easy way to dispose of them, but you can also just bury a hole in the yard, fill it with the pumpkin, and cover it back up with soil. It'll slowly degrade, while giving back nutrients to the soil. The best part? It may even germinate into a mini pumpkin patch when the temperatures get warm again.