When renovating a kitchen, the choices you make for major appliances can have a profound impact on the overall energy use and bottom line. New technology in ovens allows for even cooking and energy savings. It's called convection cooking, which circulates heated air around food, and it makes your oven bake, roast and broil more efficiently. It reduces overall cooking time and can save you about 20 percent in energy costs in comparison to a standard oven.

Have something unusual, odd or hard-to-recycle you'd like to, well, recycle? The website caretorecycle.com makes it easy. All you have to do is type in the odd item you'd like to recycle -- anything from grass clippings to old grills -- and your ZIP code, and the site will point you to the recycling centers nearest you. It includes the recycler, address, phone number and even hours of operation.

Experts recommend replacing an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator about once a month. When you do replace the box, don't throw away the old baking soda. Instead, sprinkle it in the shower; wipe it up with a sponge, and your shower will be sparkling clean. You can also get your outdoor grill clean by using a mix of baking soda and water to scrub off the crusty, grimy mess. And if you have old books, sprinkle some between the pages and place it in a plastic bag; wait a few weeks, and you'll have a fresh, mildew-free tome.