Dog and cat owners know their love of animals can also lead to giant mounds of stray pet fur. When you’re brushing your pet, don’t toss the pet hair into the trash. Instead, simply place it outside, where birds may pick up nest-building materials (like pine needles, small sticks or twigs), and let them use it to feather their nest. Yes, birds may avoid the actual cats and dogs, but they love their soft fur. But a word of caution: If your pet has been shampooed with a flea and tick product, don’t share it with our feathered friends.

Here’s another reason to unplug your microwave when you’re not using it: You could start a fire if your microwave accidentally turns on when it's empty. A microwave uses a magnetron to create electromagnetic waves. It attacks the water molecules in food and creates a vibration, which creates heat and then cooks whatever you’re heating up. If there’s nothing inside the machine that can absorb the electromagnetic waves, they have nowhere to go but back to the magnetron, which can overheat and cause a fire. An unplugged microwave ensures it won’t accidentally turn on.

If reusable food storage containers have taken on a smell of something you stored weeks or months ago, there’s no reason to replace it. Simply create a solution of dried mustard powder and hot water, and let it naturally deodorize the container for you. Dry mustard powder has natural antimicrobial properties that can attack stubborn odors and stains. Use a teaspoon to a tablespoon (depending on the size of the container) of dry mustard powder and hot water to activate the mustard's natural cleaning properties. Once you rinse out the solution, your container should be as good as new.