12/19/12

Cast iron cookware has been around for generations, and it is extremely durable. But you may want to eventually replace your skillet and might wonder if you can recycle it. The answer is yes: Iron is the main component of steel, and cast iron cookware is highly desirable and recyclable. While you can’t recycle old cast iron in your curbside recycling, any scrap metal dealer will gladly take it, and you might even get paid for it.

12/18/12

During the holiday season, when gift giving is at an all-time high, it can be tough to find something to give that won’t go to waste. With up to 30 percent of gifts either going into storage or -- worse -- tossed into the trash, the wrong gift can be a wasteful one. One thing sure to please is a gift the recipient can consume: a good bottle of wine, gourmet pantry staple or homemade organic biscuits for their dog. So think delicious, artisanal and handcrafted this year.

12/17/12

If you're a parent who has to throw a birthday party for your child, why not invite other moms and dads to come to the party and do a toy swap? While the kids are playing, parents can go through bags of unused toys and trade with each other. It’s a great way to reuse toys, save money and give new-to-them toys to your kids. Whatever doesn’t get swapped can be bundled together and donated to a local charity, like Goodwill.