Even with energy-efficient CFL and LED light bulbs, you can still save even more energy and money at home by using a dimmer switch. For lighting fixtures that are on for the majority of the day, replacing a standard switch with a dimmer switch can mean saving around 4 to 9 percent in energy costs. The more you dim, the more you save. And while most people associate dimmer switches with saving on traditional incandescent bulbs, CFL, LED and halogen bulbs can also be used. An average house can recoup about 20 percent in lighting cost savings per year with this simple switch.

Paper is paper, right? When recycling old office paper or magazines, you'd be surprised to learn that shredded paper is not desirable. Since a recycler can't always tell the difference between glossy, shiny paper, and plastic report covers and metal pieces, which contaminate the load, the whole bale could be tossed. Instead, tear recyclable paper and put truly confidential docs through the shredder and use the trash to dispose of it.

Toothpaste is designed to not only keep your teeth polished and clean, but to leave your breath minty fresh. Since the majority of the ingredients in toothpaste are designed to deodorize and freshen breath, there are myriad uses for the paste beyond brushing. The next time your hands are smelly from cutting onions or garlic, wash them with a squeeze of toothpaste. Add water, rub furiously and rinse off with soap. It'll neutralize the odors and leave your hands smelling fresh.