4/16/12

Many of us fill bags with unwanted clothes and drop them off at Goodwill as a way to help the charity, clean out the closets and feel good. While we may forgo the receipt for tax-deduction purposes because it can be laborious itemizing every single item donated, consider getting a receipt when donating larger items. Furniture, artwork and major electronics all retain value when donated, so research the estimated retail value and place a sticky note on each item you donate. You'll be able to deduct around 30 percent of that value from your taxes.

4/15/12

Many stores are selling frying pans, kitchen utensils and stainless steel knives that claim to be dishwasher safe. But read the fine print: Most are dishwasher safe only if you follow complex steps about what wash cycles you can use. Extend the life of these kitchen items by washing them by hand. And leave your everyday dishes, glasses and cutlery for the dishwasher to take care of.

4/14/12

Did you know more than 1.6 million disposable pens are tossed into the trash every year? One way to cut down on the waste is to look for writing utensils made from recycled materials. Staples' Eco Easy program helps customers identify green office supplies. One pen it offers is made from 75 percent recycled water bottles. Other eco options include 100 percent recycled reams of paper, bamboo flash drives and folders made from recycled paper and plastic.