We're becoming more and more of a cordless world when it comes to our electronic devices, smartphones, e-readers and tablets. Most of these products use something called a lithium-ion battery (or li-ion), which is rechargeable. But over time, a rechargeable battery needs to be replaced and should never be thrown in the trash. The nonprofit Call2Recycle has thousands of collection boxes that will accept them for free; you can find them in stores like Lowe's, Home Depot and Best Buy. Just place batteries from phones, cordless power tools, digital cameras, two-way radios, laptops and e-readers inside, and they'll be recycled for free.

Sure, plastic dog bowls may seem like a safe and shatterproof way to take care of the family pet -- especially if he picks up the bowls with his mouth -- but they aren't the healthiest choice. Over time, they get scratched, and the small crevices can harbor harmful bacteria and germs. A better choice is to invest in stainless steel bowls, which can be sanitized easily with equal parts baking soda, warm water and salt.

LED -- light-emitting diode -- lightbulbs are all the rage now. But when shopping for the energy-efficient and long-lasting bulbs, look for ones that are marked with the Energy Star-approved label. In addition to being tested for quality, these bulbs also pass tests for consumer satisfaction. According to Energy Star, LED bulbs "emit light in a specific direction, unlike incandescent and CFL bulbs, which emit light and heat in all directions." That means some LED bulbs can cast light ineffectively in just one direction, giving limited lighting in a room. Energy Star-approved LED bulbs meet specific requirements to replicate the look, feel and distribution of conventional lightbulbs, so you'll reap energy and monetary savings without sacrificing experience.