8/22/13

For a long time, plastic clamshell takeout boxes and disposable drink cups from fast food restaurants were almost impossible to recycle. They are commonly made from hard-to-recycle No. 6-grade plastic, also known as polystyrene. But things are changing: Major supermarkets and fast food retailers are switching to No. 1-graded plastics, or PETE (polyethylene terephthalate), which is the most commonly recycled plastic. Since these containers have the look and feel of No. 6 plastics, check to see if the recycling mark is a No. 1 -- if it is, you can recycle it.

8/21/13

According to the Energy Department, the average U.S. household spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. Up to 10 percent of those energy costs are wasted on plugged-in appliances and electronics that are not in use. Even when turned off, items that are plugged in still use a small amount of energy. While many of us know to unplug cellphone chargers and televisions when not in use, there are other energy hogs that should also be unplugged: lamps, toaster ovens, coffee makers, cordless phones, stereos, radios, DVD players and modems. Unplugging helps you reduce energy costs and saves you money.

8/20/13

Do you try to avoid buying products from companies that use genetically modified ingredients? Or maybe you want to buy products that are made in the United States only? Whatever you reason to use your dollars to support companies you believe in, there is an easier way to shop -- just use your smartphone. The free Buycott app looks up the product you want to buy and tells you about the parent company and if its work is aligned with your beliefs. Learn more at buycott.com.