10/5/13

More than $32 billion worth of flower arrangements from 15,000 local florists are sold every year. From billions of dollars worth of arrangements come millions of glass and ceramic vases that end up stashed under the kitchen sink, in Goodwill donation bins or in the trashcan. If you want to find a home for your unwanted vessels, think about contacting the local florist who brought you the arrangement. Often they’ll take back the vase and reuse it to create new arrangements.

10/4/13

Ever wonder what to do with old metal keys you no longer need? The good news is that they are recyclable, since most household keys are comprised of brass with a nickel coating. All you have to do is remove any plastic covers you might have on the key and bring it to scrap metal or recycling facilities. Old keys are melted down to make new metal products. Here’s another idea: Have a key fundraising drive. Ask everyone to bring old keys from their junk drawer, and sell the whole lot to a scrap metal dealer. Local businesses like car dealers and realtors could donate tons of keys to help you raise money, too.

10/3/13

Recent reports indicate 40 percent of fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables are simply thrown away because they are too ugly. Instead of being used to help feed people, it ends up landfilled and totally wasted. Do this one thing: Overlook aesthetic beauty when choosing produce, and look for the freshest and highest quality instead. When looking at irregularly shaped fruits and veggies, rely on scent to determine if it’s ripe and ready to eat. Touch the produce to make sure the skin is firm and taut. By buying the ugliest in the bunch, produce won’t go to waste at the supermarket.