When you get a tear in your pantyhose or tights, there's no need to toss them into the trash. Did you know it takes about 40 years for nylon hosiery to decompose in a landfill? Old stockings and nylons are completely recyclable, too. The No Nonsense brand has created a pantyhose-recycling program that takes any brand of hosiery and turns them into new materials, like park benches, running tracks, car insulation and playground equipment. Just visit nononsense.com, print out a shipping label and send in your box of ripped hosiery. It's that simple.

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.