01/29/2012

According to the Stanford University School of Earth Sciences, if every Starbucks customer used mugs instead of paper cups, it would save over 1 million tons of wood, 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide and 4 billion gallons of water every year. There are many styles of reusable coffee mugs that are sturdy and keep your latte piping hot, and many mimic the shape and feel of disposable cups. You can save money, too: bringing your own mug to Starbucks means a 10 cent discount each time you use it.

01/28/12

One way to feed wild birds during the winter months involves taking a piece of bread, like a stale bagel, and coating it in peanut butter and birdseed to hang from a tree. Top bird experts agree this practice should be avoided because the bread offers few nutrients to birds, since they need fat to survive, not carbohydrates. If you want to help, you can still coat natural peanut butter all over a pinecone, then roll it in seed to help our feathered friends during the winter months.

01/27/12

Organic food products aren't just limited to health food stores, supermarkets or gourmet shops. You can find discounted organic food products from produce to pasta at big-box stores like Target, which carries more than 700 organic items. These stores also accept coupons and promotional sales on organic items, which could mean even greater savings for you. And remember to bring your reusable grocery bag with you for a small discount at the register.