Many of us think of our pets like family, so it makes sense that we want them to feel as comfortable and stress-free as possible when at home. If you sense your cat or dog is anxious, stressed or nervous, you may be able to reach into your pantry for an ingredient to help calm them. The next time you brew a cup of soothing chamomile tea, think about making a double batch. Let the excess tea cool, and give it to your pet in lieu of water. The naturally soothing effects of chamomile can help them de-stress. Just be sure it's cool enough so they don't burn themselves as they lap up the liquid treat.

Even in this digital era, sometimes writing with an old-fashioned pencil is preferred to take notes or to write in your journal. But did you know that cedar trees -- some from old-growth forests -- are used to make about 2 billion pencils every year? There is no need to cut down large trees when alternative materials like recycled paper, newspaper and even rubber (from old car tires) are being used to make pencils. They sharpen just like a traditional wood pencil, cost about the same and can be found at any office supply store.

Recycling empty cans, bottles, boxes and paper is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cut down on landfill waste. But did you know that a greasy pizza box is not recyclable with cardboard since the food waste can contaminate a recycling load? If only half the box is greasy, you can tear the clean part away and include it in your recycling; half a box is better than none when you recycle! If you have half-full bottles of water, soda or juice, empty the leftover contents onto the lawn before recycling. The liquids will filter through the soil and safely re-enter the water stream, and the recycling load will weigh less when it's collected.