11/28/11

While it isn't courteous to show up at a holiday party empty-handed, the reality is that many gifts go unused, unopened and eventually end up in the landfill. So this holiday season, bring something perishable. Ask the host or hostess what item you can bring to their party. It can be a good bottle of wine, a tray of cookies or a side dish for their party. No mess, no waste and everyone can enjoy your tasty treat.

11/27/11

Many hotels today have eco programs that will give you the option to make your stay greener, such as not having the bedding changed every day. Not changing the sheets daily can help save water and reduce the use of detergents that end up in our waterways. When traveling, check with people at the hotel's front desk to see if they offer any incentives for skipping these standard guest services, like rewards toward future stays at their hotels.

11/26/11

Here's a shocking way how your name ends up on junk mail lists: your credit card companies. These companies are big sellers of mailing lists to direct mail marketers. An easy way to stop your name from being sold is to call each of your credit card companies, including store cards, and ask them to not include you on any mailing lists.