11/29/10

Gift-giving season is just around the corner, so start putting together a mini post office right in your own home. Save sturdy, good-quality cardboard boxes, packing peanuts and bubble wrap from shipments coming to your home or from the throwaway can at your office. Flatten the boxes, roll up the bubble wrap and use an empty garbage bag to hold the packing peanuts. When you need to ship lots of gifts in a jiffy, you'll be prepared to securely send a bunch.

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.