Lightly used yoga mats can be difficult to recycle. There are websites dedicated to interesting upcycling ideas, like cutting mats to make jar openers or a mouse pad for your computer, but the reality is that you can recycle your mat, and you should. On the website theboldermatcompany.com, the retailer has identified charities all over the United States that have a need for the mats. They're used for a whole host of purposes -- everything from extra padding for dog beds in shelters to free yoga and meditation classes for at-risk youth. And when buying a new yoga mat, look for ones made from recycled rubber or hemp.

Are your favorite crafting hobbies knitting and crocheting? Your talent can be put to good use to help someone in need through World Vision's Knit for Kids program. In countries and communities where children need warm clothing, World Vision connects your handmade garments, blankets and hats with children and infants who need them. Your handmade creations could end up in the hands of children in Swaziland, Tanzania or Nicaragua, or in New Orleans or the Bronx. Download a pattern from worldvision.org and knit or crochet a cap, blanket or sweater. Send in your item, and it'll help someone in need.

If you have a cargo unit strapped to the roof of your car, get rid of it. While it may be useful for carrying camping gear for a road trip, it wastes gas when you're not actually using it. Cars are designed to be as aerodynamic as possible, and a cargo unit on the roof decreases your car's efficiency by as much as 25 percent. If you must have a cargo box, consider a rear-mounted one; it decreases your car's efficiency only 5 percent.