5/21/12

Here's a good way to get some extra mileage out of your old -- but still wearable -- shoes: Give them to someone in need. Visit shoeboxrecycling.com and download a free UPS label to ship as few as 10 pairs and up to 40 pairs of lightly used shoes. Include a note about the journey your shoes have taken you on. You can trace the path your shoes take ... you might even meet your "sole" mate! ShoeBox Recycling distributes the shoes to people in need. It's free, easy and a good way to make a difference.

5/20/12

Most dry cleaners will gladly accept wire hangers for recycling. You can also recycle them yourself: Wrap fuzzy pipe cleaners around the hanger. The pipe cleaners reinforce the hanger and make it soft, fuzzy and slip-proof. Bonus tip: To cut down on plastic garment bags, ask that all your dry cleaning be wrapped in one bag and not separate ones.

5/19/12

Every year, millions of birds die when they fly directly into panes of glass. To help our feathered friends, consider leaving your windows a bit dirty or marred so they can recognize the glass when they're flying. Also, consider putting up a reflector -- like a paper cutout or a hanging ornament -- in front of the window as another deterrent to help them avoid a collision.