3/11/13

Who knew those little UPC stickers on produce actually do more than help speed up the checkout line at the grocery store? The numbers on the sticker -- called the PLU code -- also tell you how that apple, orange or cucumber was grown. Four numbers means the produce was grown conventionally using pesticides; five numbers starting with an eight tells you it was grown using genetically modified seeds; and five numbers starting with a nine means it's organic and grown without any genetically modified seeds.

3/10/13

Online auction sites like eBay are great places to sell unwanted items. But be considerate about what you're listing: Heavy items, like furniture, need to be packed, crated and shipped using large amounts of resources and fuel to get from point A to point B. Instead, stick to selling small items that can be shipped via the U.S. Postal Service, whose network of cars, trucks and planes makes it the most affordable and most fuel-efficient way to ship, and sell your large items locally the old-fashioned way.

3/9/13

When shopping for your next reusable shopping bag, choose one that gives back to the world. In 2004, brothers Raan and Shea Parton founded the company Apolis, hoping their collection of clothes and accessories could help change the world. Their popular burlap-coated market bag is one example that marries great style with sustainability. The bag is made in a Bangladesh co-op that employs women who would otherwise not have employment. Plus, it's a super durable and good looking. See it at apolisglobal.com.