Have you ever accidentally put a wool sweater into the washing machine and worried you've shrunken it? First, don't toss it in the dryer -- that will set the fibers and make it impossible to save. Instead, soak the sweater in the sink with a few tablespoons of gentle soap (like shampoo). Let it soak for 30 minutes and place it on a large bath towel. Then gently stretch the sweater back to the original shape. Let it sit for a few hours, then roll it up in the towel. Once it's completely dry, your sweater should be as good as new.

The Environmental Protection Agency has multiple certification programs to help consumers find the most energy- and water-efficient products in the marketplace. A new program called the Wood Heater Certification Program was originally designed to help reduce air pollution when it comes to burning firewood by highlighting the cleanest-burning wood stoves. But these certified wood stoves have also been found to be more efficient in generating actual heat when used, too. So when shopping for a new wood stove, look for the EPA-certified ones for the cleanest and most efficient models.

Do you have a large number of items like furniture, clothes and workout equipment you'd like to donate to charity but don't have the means to actually bring it to the donation center? The Salvation Army has made it easy to donate toward its good works through its website, satruck.org. Simply enter your ZIP code, and the site will direct you to the local Salvation Army center. Select the items you want to donate, choose a pickup date and a truck will come and take away your items. And don't forget: The Salvation Army also provides a tax deduction valuation list for your donated goods, which you can deduct from your personal income taxes.