11/18/13

Next time you think about throwing a penny into a pond to make a wish, remember you’re only wishing illness on the fish that live there. When you throw spare change into a fountain or pond, the copper in the coins interacts with fish blood cells and increases mucus production in their gills, which makes it more difficult for the fish to breathe and absorb oxygen. When they struggle to breathe, they gasp at the surface for oxygen, and, ultimately, could die. If you want to make a wish, do so, but leave the coins in your pocket.

11/17/13

Leftover foreign currency -- whether it’s Japanese yen or Mexican pesos or Canadian dollars -- doesn't have to live stashed away in a junk drawer. Collect all of your foreign currency and donate it to UNICEF. Its Change for Good program takes your foreign currency and uses it to fund programs to support children all over the world who do not have access to education, food and clean water. Send your money to U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Attn: Change for Good Program, 125 Maiden Lane, New York, N.Y., 10038. Be sure to include your name, address and email so the organization can send you a receipt for your donation for tax purposes.

11/16/13

Stained coffee mugs can be an eyesore and embarrassing to use when serving guests. Instead of using chemical chlorine bleach to restore your mugs to their former shine, try these pantry staples instead: Generously sprinkle baking soda inside the mug and pour white vinegar on top; the natural chemical reaction will neutralize the stain, which you can rinse and wipe out of the mug. Powdered orange drinks like Tang or lemon-flavored Kool-Aid also work -- the high level of citric acid in the mix will do the trick.