Are you planning a getaway to a warm beach destination? In addition to researching airfare, hotels and activities for your vacation, checking beach contamination conditions for where you're going is key, too. Local beaches that are not healthy can put you and your family at risk for bacteria, viruses and pathogens. Contamination from storm water runoff, sewage overflow and other spills usually cause unsafe beach conditions. Fortunately, the Natural Resources Defense Council has a constantly updated database of more than 3,000 beaches to help you decide where to go, including a list of "superstar beaches" that routinely have low pollution levels. Visit nrdc.org to learn more.

Terra cotta pots and other glazed outdoor pots can crack and break in winter months. But it's not the cold weather that causes the breakage -- it's moisture that can build up and freeze. To protect your outdoor containers, cover them in bubble wrap and then add a layer of burlap on top. Secure with natural twine to keep it all in place, and then move to an area away from moisture, like inside a garage or a covered patio. Plastic and wooden containers can be left untouched, since they are designed to last through tough winter conditions.

The fashion designer Eileen Fisher is a pioneer in the green fashion space. Recently, the company has started to accept used Eileen Fisher clothing at its Green Eileen locations, which it resells or recycles. To date, more than 200,000 items have been recycled, and the proceeds go to support women and girls' charities. For each item donated, customers are rewarded with $5 in store credit. With Americans tossing out around 70 pounds of clothing a year, this is one way to help reduce the waste and raise money for important causes.