Those fluorescent tube light bulbs that are common in many offices and industrial rooms of the house are energy efficient, but they contain a small amount of mercury, which can be dangerous, especially if one of the tubes breaks when you replace it. If a tube light shatters, have everyone (including pets) leave the room. Turn off the central heat (or air conditioning, depending on the time of year) so it does not recirculate the mercury-laden air. Use damp paper towels and large pieces of tape to pick up all the pieces, and place everything in an airtight container. Then tape the lid securely on the container and dispose of it in the trash. Then consider safer lighting alternatives, like LED bulbs, that are mercury-free.

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.