3/21/11

Don't buy products simply based on the fact it has a recycling symbol on the packaging or is marked "recyclable." Technically, anything is recyclable, but what's (BEGIN ITALS)easily(END ITALS) recyclable in your community is the question you should be asking. Styrofoam cups, for example, are marked with a No. 6 recycling symbol on the cup, but very few places accept the cups for recycling, so most of them end up in the landfill anyway, making them not a green choice.

3/20/11

Your garage is a great place to see if your car is leaking oil. One way to check is to simply place newspaper on the garage floor underneath your car overnight; be sure it's on a clean dry floor. The next morning, go and see if any oil has leaked onto the paper; take it to your auto body shop if you do see any leakage.

3/19/11

Tic Tac mint boxes are made with a hard-to-recycle plastic, but they still have a myriad of uses after the last breath mint is consumed. For crafters, upcycle the boxes to hold beads, sequins, glitter and buttons. For the office, store paperclips and staples in individual boxes. And for kids, they can make mini "beach finds" at the seashore by collecting small shells and a little bit of sand to take home with them.