Laptop computers are convenient because they have an integrated rechargeable battery that lets you work anywhere without having to be near an outlet. But if your day-to-day computer is a laptop, is it better to keep it plugged in the whole time or disconnected until you need to recharge the battery? According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, keep it plugged in whenever you can -- AC power is 20 percent more energy-efficient than using the battery. If you have a laptop with an easy-to-remove rechargeable battery, you should remove the battery and plug in the laptop if you plan to work from one location for extended periods of time for the maximum in energy savings.

Are you sending a care package or mailing a letter to a faraway destination? There's a good chance the label or envelope could get wet and cause whatever you wrote on the label to fade or wash out. Instead of using plastic tape to create a barrier to waterproof the address, reach for a white candle. When you rub the candle over the label or envelope, you create a waterproof shipping label or envelope. Plus, because you didn't use tape or a plastic pouch cover, the whole thing is still recyclable.

Invest in a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure inside your tires. Once a month, check the pressure to make sure it meets the suggested guideline in your car's manual. If it reads lower, use an air pump at the gas station to add air. This simple test can improve the overall average miles per gallon for your car by as much as 3 percent.