7/17/12

Be wary of donating clothes to those drop boxes that are often found in supermarket parking lots. Yes, the clothes dropped in those bins are collected and recycled, but they are often designated for questionable for-profit companies that make money selling used clothes for textile recycling. It’s best to donate to reputable charities like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, where you know your donation will go to good use.

7/16/12

If you want to help our feathered friends build a softer, stronger nest for their chicks, look no further than your hairbrush. Run your fingers through the bristles, and remove the small clumps of hair. Place the hair where birds can discover it easily -- near a bird feeder or on a dense bush. The birds will pick up the strands, which will help build a stronger, more resilient nest that will stand up to the elements.

7/15/12

If the cost of refills for those refillable mops has you questioning their value, look no further than your closet to save money. An old cotton T-shirt can be cut into squares and used in place of those disposable sheets. Simply attach the shirt square to the mop, soak lightly with all-purpose cleaner and wipe away. And the best part? The T-shirt squares are machine washable and can be reused several times.