According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, an astounding 40 percent of food in the United States ends up in landfills. To help cut back on food waste, try this simple tip to save leftovers at home: Invest in reusable, small, flat containers with matching lids and divide leftovers into them. This will help the food cool down faster, preventing bacteria spores from germinating. The benefit of several containers also helps with portion control, so family members can opt to reheat one serving instead of an entire batch of food.

If your automatic dishwasher isn't getting your plates, pots and pans sparkling clean anymore, try this trick before replacing it: Clean the filter. At the bottom of your dishwasher is a filter that is designed to keep large particles of food away from the internal pump. Over time, the filter can get clogged from grease and other debris. Simply remove it and give it a good scrub in the sink. When you run the dishwasher again, you may be surprised at how clean your dishes are. As always, refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

New moms, listen up: Keep your kids healthy and happy by regularly cleaning their toys using these nontoxic ideas. Plastic toys can be disinfected and washed on the top rack of your dishwasher. For items that may not be strong enough to withstand the hot temperatures of the dishwasher, you can wipe them down with hydrogen peroxide to kill germs. And for plush toys, placing the toy in the freezer overnight can kill bacteria that may be harboring inside.