When it comes to three-ring binders, it seems the only choices at the office supply store are those made from plastic. These binders (and their matching plastic folders) are made from either PVC or polypropylene, which are difficult to recycle. When shopping for binders, consider searching for an alternative: aluminum. These durable, all-metal binders not only look good, but they are often made from recycled metal and are 100 percent recyclable. If you ever need to recycle it, just toss it into the recycling bin.

If you’ve collected a bunch of travel-size toiletries when you stay at hotels, you can either use them at home or give them to a good cause. The nonprofit Amenity Aid can use them for its important work to help people who are low-income, at-risk or homeless. The recipients love to use the new toiletries, including bar soap, shampoo, body wash, lotion, toothbrushes, razors and more. To donate, visit amenityaid.org.

The Humane Society of the United States wants to help you make your backyard into a more bird-friendly nesting environment. There are obvious natural items that birds love, like twigs, dead trees and branches, and small muddy areas. But you can also do things like set out pet fur after you give your dog a grooming; birds can use it to line their nests. Try to leave spider webs alone -- not only are spiders part of our natural ecosystem, but birds use old webs as “glue” for nest-building. And never leave dryer lint out: It’s covered in chemical detergents and soaps and can harm our feathered friends.