12/27/10

Save all the peel-and-stick bows from your holiday gifts and reuse them for gifts throughout 2011. All you need to do is buy poster tape and attach it to the back of all the bows. When you're ready to use them, just remove the waxy strip to reveal the adhesive and stick.

12/26/10

Many stores offer a discount whenever you bring in a reusable bag -- usually around a nickel per bag. If the checkout person fails to give the discount, however, many of us don't speak up because it's only five cents and not a huge savings. But it's important to say something because the retailer's computer system keeps track of the number of customers who do bring in reusable bags. With more people using the bags and getting the discount, the more likely it is that retailers will continue to come up with reusable incentives.

12/25/10

Here's a tip that many of us heard as children to help animals, but it's worth repeating: Cut up plastic six-pack rings of soda or beer. Many animals can get caught inside the plastic rings, so one simple thing is to be sure to cut them up with scissors before throwing them away. Better yet: Buy your beverages in cardboard boxes instead of six packs to eliminate the need altogether.