Sure, bamboo is an eco-friendly material, but it may not be the best material to use in your kitchen when you're cooking up a storm. Most bamboo utensils like spatulas and large spoons are glued together in strips, and using them in hot pots or boiling water can actually cause the glue to melt and possibly seep into your food. To avoid this risk, look for solid options -- literally -- like single-piece wooden utensils or stainless steel.

The next time you drop off a bag of used clothing at your local Goodwill, think about bringing your old laptop or desktop computers. The nonprofit has partnered with Dell to take back any old computer (it does not need to be a Dell). The trained staff inspects the computers to see if they can be reused, refurbished or recycled. The proceeds from the computer donation benefit Goodwill's charitable works, and it helps keep old technology out of landfills. Plus, it's free to recycle.

Do you have chia seeds in your pantry that you sprinkle on salads, add to smoothies or mix into sauces to give whatever you're eating a health boost? Well, the same seeds you eat can also successfully grow in your backyard as a beautiful, flowering plant. Chia seeds germinate easily and grow quickly. When they bloom, they turn to seed, which birds love to eat. Just leave the flowers to dry out, and the birds will feed from them.