Many of us use space heaters to stay warm on cool days, especially if we're chilly at our offices or in a poorly heated room of the house for extended periods of time. But we're also under the misconception that space heaters are energy-efficient alternatives to our overall heating system. The reality is, they use more energy than, say, a gas furnace, which only uses 43 percent of the energy of a space heater, according to the Department of Energy. To keep you feet and legs warm at your desk, skip the space heater and think heating pad. Rest it on the floor and put your feet on top. It'll keep your feet warm, and the heat will rise to the air above it, all while being more energy-efficient.

Many people have old (but totally usable) life jackets hanging in their garage or stashed away in the attic. Since 1997, the BoatUS Foundation has been working to collect lightly used life jackets and make them readily available to use for free at over 575 marinas and fuel docks around the country. The goal is to educate boaters -- many of whom are on the water for the first time -- that wearing and using a life jacket is a necessary part of going into the water. The program also helps families borrow life jackets when they don't have them or simply forgot to bring them from home. Learn more at boatus.org.

For many years, the leaves that surround broccoli florets were removed and discarded by farmers as a waste product. But new research has shown that the broccoli leaf -- now known by the commercial name BroccoLeaf -- is actually a superfood that's loaded with vitamins and minerals and is actually quite delicious. The non-GMO and organic BroccoLeaf can be eaten and served just like other hearty greens (like kale and chard), and is an excellent source of vitamins like calcium, vitamin C and vitamin A that our bodies need.