After the holiday season, there can be mounds of wrapping paper and gift bags left to dispose of. First, try to save and reuse it for next year. If the paper or bags are too torn, don't toss them into the recycling bin. The reality is, many holiday paper products are over-dyed, laminated or contain non-recyclables like glitter, plastic and other shimmery materials that give them a festive look. Even uncoated gift wrap can be tricky; it's often very thin and undesirable as a recyclable. Instead, toss it in the trash and consider easily recyclable paper like kraft paper the next time you wrap.

If you want to support your local animal shelter, make sure you're donating items they actually need instead of creating a burden for them. Items like an open bags of dog food, old toys, human personal care products like shampoo, crates and carrying cases and even stacks of newspaper are not only unwanted, they can cost the shelter money. These items are not needed, and the shelters are forced to dispose of them. The time it takes to throw away these items costs money and manpower, which can be used to help animals. If you want to donate, visit your shelter and ask for a shopping list.

Feel like doing a little DIY at home? Instead of buying expensive and rarely used home improvement equipment, consider renting. Major home improvement chains not only sell products, they rent them, too. You can find things like tillers, trenchers, sod cutters, chainsaws and blowers that are the best of their kind and a fraction of the cost of buying. Renting also lets you try things before committing to a full purchase. Rent by the day or the week, and turn your basic lawn into a professional-looking showcase.