12/28/12

If you're on the fence about buying the newest expensive gadget, consider renting it for a week instead. Digital cameras, camcorders, iPads and gaming systems can be rented by the week at many national chains, like Rent-A-Center. Return the item after a week, and then make the big investment if you really, truly need the item. Another idea: If you're planning to throw a Super Bowl party and need a giant TV to watch the game, rent it and return it when you're done. Most places handle delivery and pickup.

12/27/12

Many of the world's preventable diseases could be curtailed by proper hand washing with soap. Clean the World is a nonprofit organization working with the hotel industry to collect used soap from hotel rooms. The charity boils and sanitizes the soaps, then forms it into new bars and distributes them all over the world. While the organization works primarily with hotels, it will gladly accept bars of soap from individuals, too. So if you've hoarded a whole collection of soaps, send them to Clean the World, 400A Pittman St., Orlando, FL 32801.

12/26/12

A portable space heater can be an energy-efficient way to heat up the room you're in without having to crank up the thermostat. The best way to use a space heater is to leave it on the floor -- not on a small table -- since heat rises. Leaving it on the floor allows it to heat up cool air as it rises, giving it the maximum amount of efficiency and the highest level of comfort when it's turned on.