If you have an open masonry-style fireplace and use it to keep warm during the harsh winter months, there is one inexpensive thing you can do to maximize the heat and make your fireplace more efficient. For about $75, invest in a heavy metal sheet called a "fireback." This piece sits behind the fire and does two things: It reflects heat and light into the room, and it protects the masonry work inside the fireplace. While it may not be as efficient as installing a fireplace insert (which can cost up to $3,000), it is a step in the right direction to cut waste.

Sure, takeout and food delivery services are handy, but they can be wasteful when it comes to the plethora of disposables that come with your food. If you're ordering over the phone or in person, all you have to do is ask for no disposable plates, utensils or whatever extras you really don't want and normally throw away. And with online websites like GrubHub and Seamless, you now have the option to "green" your order by opting out of disposables and even adding to your order to make the delivery carbon neutral.

Want a beautiful bouquet of cut flowers to live longer? Do just one thing: Give it filtered water. Since flowers need water to live, regular hard tap water can be difficult for the flowers to take in. The hard water can cause blockage of plant cells, which leads to the flowers getting inadequate hydration. By giving the flowers filtered water, the hardness is significantly reduced, and the flowers live longer. The same tip can also work for potted household plants.