To fully charge your smartphone, you usually need about 30 minutes. But if you plug in your phone before you go to sleep at night, not only are you wasting energy charging a fully powered phone, you're also causing strain on the battery. Look for electric outlet adapters that have a built-in timer. These timers can be set for 30 minutes, three or six hours and then automatically cut off the power source. This lets you sleep, save energy and protect your pricey smartphone, too.

Cardboard boxes are a desirable recyclable and should be set out for curbside recycling whenever possible. But what happens if Mother Nature has other plans and rains on your cardboard recycling parade? When cardboard boxes get wet, you should not recycle them. When the fibers are saturated with water, it weakens them and reduces the quality of the recyclable. Instead, place wet cardboard in a dry place and let it dry out before returning it outside for recycling.

Manufacturers of printing products continue to innovate over the years. One new technology that has improved printing quality is called nanoprinting, which refers to using tiny particles in toner cartridges that are less than 100 nanometers. The bad news? These microscopic particles can cause health problems for people who work in office environments. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, nanoparticles "are able to reach deep into the lungs when inhaled, potentially causing respiratory and cardiovascular damage." To create a healthier office, place printers in well-ventilated areas away from people. And when running large printing jobs, stay clear of the machine until it's done.