Kids are obsessed with Rainbow Loom bracelets and kits, and they love taking the tiny rubber band-like loops and turning them into custom creations. But what do you do with the loops if they break? The company has a free recycling service that will take them back. Just put the loops in a bag and mail it to the company. It melts the plastic and turns it into new products. Learn more at rainbowloom.com.

One of the easiest ways to combat pesky mosquitoes is to be vigilant about standing water. Mosquitoes need only a spoonful of still water to leave their eggs behind. While it's obvious that places like buckets, kiddie pools and inactive birdbaths are key real estate, consider less-obvious places like uneven gutters or the small trays under planters. If you do find an area that is difficult to dump or dry out, add a little vegetable oil to the standing water. It'll effectively kill the larva that may be inside.

Some chefs and home cooks believe you should have two coffee grinders at home: one for grinding coffee beans and a second for seeds and whole spices. But if you think less is more and having two is excessive, try this trick to get double duty from just one machine: use rice. Throw dry rice (any kind) into the coffee grinder and turn it on. The rice will pulverize into a powder and absorb all the oils from the coffee beans. With no lingering scent of java, you can use the coffee grinder for spices, seeds and herbs.