Ever find those little silica gel packets when you buy something new, like a new computer, a wicker basket or even inside bottles of vitamins? They are designed to absorb moisture and protect items from rust, but they are also nearly impossible to recycle. The good thing is that they have a million uses around the house. Leave them in a box of old photos, baseball cards or any paper matter to prevent humidity from attacking printed items. Leave some inside toolboxes and camera bags to prevent rust on expensive equipment. If you save seeds to plant in the spring, drop a few packets in with the seeds to protect them from mold during the fall and winter months.

Today's the day to go through your car and remove all the junk that's weighing it down. Get rid of everything: recyclables that have been tossed into the backseat; extra paperwork and boxes in the trunk; sporting equipment and cases of food that never quite made it from the store to your kitchen pantry. Every extra 100 pounds of weight in your car actually cuts the fuel efficiency by 2 percent. With high gas prices, this one simple trick can actually save you about $40 to $50 a year.

Want to save money on organic food at the supermarket? Consider store brands or generic options over national brands. Since the term "organic" is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture, all certified organic foods have to follow the same strict guidelines, no matter the brand name on the packaging. But less expensive store brands are often made for the stores by the big-name national brands, so you're often buying the same food item with different packaging. So when it comes to frozen organic fruits and vegetables, canned foods and dried grains and pastas, think store brand to eat healthy and save money.