In the winter months, don't toss your eggshells in the trash; instead, give them to the birds. When food is scarce, birds benefit from the high mineral content of eggshells when they feed on them. To give our feathered friends pieces of eggshell, a little prep is needed to make sure they stay healthy: Rinse the shells with water and place them on a baking sheet; bake at a low heat (about 250 degrees) for 15 to 20 minutes to dry them out and disinfect them. Crush the eggshells with seed and place the mixture somewhere where the birds can easily find the meal.

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.