According to companies that handle curbside recycling, the worst items found in single-stream recycling bins are plastic shopping bags. They are the absolute last things you should put in a recycling bin. When they show up in loads of recyclables, the flimsy plastic has to be sorted, removed and disposed of as trash. And worse? Those that aren't caught wind around recycling machines and clog the system. Instead, bring clean plastic bags to designated recycling bins at your local grocery store.

According to the animal advocacy website AcctPhilly.org, when you see a healthy cat wandering your neighborhood, it may be best to just leave it alone. Healthy felines who are not in danger are often best left alone so they can find their own way home. Trying to trap the cat and bring it to a shelter when it is not in need of medical care "is the least likely way for that cat to get home." But if you are concerned for the cat's safety (after being attacked by a dog, for example), you should intervene.

If you brew a pot of coffee every morning and have leftover java, save the brew to give your grill a good cleaning. The natural acids in coffee help break down grease, grime and other baked-on messes that have collected on your grill grates. Just pour lots of leftover coffee into a basin and soak the grill grates. Let them sit overnight, and rinse them off the next day. They'll be clean and ready for some barbecue.