12/1/10

To avoid cross-contamination when using reusable shopping bags, designate specific bags for specific items. Choose one bag for meat products, one for fruits and vegetables, one for household items, and so on. The bag containing meat products should be disinfected on a regular basis (tossing it in the washing machine with hot water will do the trick), while the others can be washed as needed.

11/30/10

This holiday season give the gift that everyone can use: a gift card. With millions of actual presents purchased, wrapped, shipped and then returned to stores, it makes sense to give something that lets the recipient choose exactly what they need and will actually use.

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.