01/08/2012

Ever wonder how to recycle a fiberglass bathtub, a slow cooker or an ironing board? For the truly bizarre recycling dilemmas, the website "How Can I Recycle This?" has a treasure trove of head scratchers with some clever solutions to keep everyday stuff out of landfills. Check out www.recyclethis.co.uk and find out what to do with your recyclables -- like using eggshells as calcium supplements for your chickens.

01/07/12

Vacuums can last a long time if properly maintained and used. Just keep in mind that they are designed to suck up only dry debris -- like dirt, dust, crumbs and small pieces of paper. If you make a spill in the kitchen that includes any damp items, use a broom or towel to clean it up. Introducing any moisture inside a vacuum can lead to mold and mildew buildup, which spews spores into the air when you turn it on, creating an unhealthy environment.

01/06/12

Next time you order a soy cappuccino with extra foam and a shot of mocha at Starbucks, be sure to add the words "in a ceramic cup" to the end of your order. If you're planning to hang out at the coffee shop on your next visit, ask for a to-stay cup instead of a disposable one. The same goes for any pastry treat; they'll gladly serve it to you on a ceramic plate instead of placing it inside a throwaway paper bag. When you're done, just return it to the counter and it'll get washed and reused.