Waterproofing fabric and material used for things like boots and tents may help keep them dry during inclement weather, but there are concerns the chemicals in waterproofing sprays can have serious health effects on one’s respiratory system. To avoid chemical sprays, try all-natural solutions like beeswax, linseed oil and jojoba oil. Wipe the wax or oil using a cloth to create a quick, water-resistant surface. The layer of protection may not be long-lasting, but it’ll do the trick when you need it for a rainy day or weekend camping trip.

Many of us leave seashells and sand behind on the beach when we travel instead of bringing them home as souvenirs. This is a great thing, since this helps preserve the natural biodiversity of coastal areas. But what about pieces of driftwood that wash up on the shore? Whether you found it on the beach or even in a gift shop, U.S. Customs and Border Protection highly discourages bringing driftwood back. In many countries (and in some parts of the United States), it’s illegal to take driftwood from protected ecosystems. But the main reason is pests may be living in the driftwood, and you could introduce a non-native species to wherever you live.

While the price of used romance novels and biographies isn’t high, the resell value of college textbooks can be significant. If you have some textbooks at home, you may be sitting on a gold mine of educational tomes. Simply enter the ISBN number (it’s inside the book on the copyright page) on the website cash4books.net. The site will list the value it's willing to pay for the book. Once you compile the books you want to sell, the site generates a free shipping label, and in a few days, you’ll get a check or PayPal payment for the value of your old textbooks.