11/30/12

Old sponges can be given a second life as freezer packs. First, wet your sponge and disinfect it in the microwave by heating it on high for 90 seconds. When it is cool, soak it in water and place it inside a freezer bag. After it's frozen, place it in shopping bags when you grocery shop, and it will help keep frozen food cold longer. As the ice melts, the sponge will automatically reabsorb the water.

11/29/12

If you are switching cellphone carriers, you may not need to buy a whole new phone. Many cellphone companies that are courting your business will activate a deactivated phone for you if you switch to their plans. This cuts back on the electronic waste piling up in our homes. The only way to know if your new carrier will do this is to bring in your old phone and ask.

11/28/12

Did you know that just because a package or container has the three-arrow symbol on it, it does not necessarily mean it's actually recyclable? Depending on what your trash hauler's recycling program accepts, many items -- particularly different grades of plastic -- are not actually accepted. Check your garbage or recycling collection website to find out exactly what it accepts, and put only those items in your curbside recycling. Mixing in items that are not accepted can actually contaminate a load of recyclables and send it straight to the landfill.