A Harvard University report on sustainability found that reducing your computer's monitor brightness level from a peak of 100 percent to just 70 percent can reduce the machine's energy consumption level by 20 percent. The more you reduce the brightness level, the more energy savings you recoup. It's easy to adjust the brightness settings: On most computers, there are buttons on the keyboard that change the levels with just a few taps. While you're making this change, enable automatic energy savings mode for your computer.

Many curbside recycling programs accept aseptic containers for recycling because the waxy paperboard that holds milk and juice has become more easily recyclable over the years. But when it comes to other paperboard containers like frozen food and ice cream containers, since they feel just like juice boxes, can they be recycled, too? No. Despite looking and feeling like the same material, they are different: Frozen food containers are sprayed with a plastic coating. This coating prevents freezer burn and makes the container nonrecyclable. It should never be put into the recycling bin -- throw it away instead.

There are many nonprofit organizations that collect lightly worn gowns, handbags and jewelry for low-income students to wear to prom. One charity, Operation Prom (operationprom.org), takes it one step further and also accepts lightly worn tuxedos. So if you have formal dresses and accessories or black-tie suits collecting dust, think about donating them to charity to help someone in need. Your donation is tax deductible, too.