Planting a tree is a fast and effective way to help make a difference to combat climate change (and add some beauty to your yard). If you would like to plant some trees and are impatient about seeing results, consider fast-growing varietals. A weeping willow, for example, grows 4 to 8 feet every year and will achieve an impressive 30-foot height in just three years; that’s just 10 feet shy of its mature height. Other fast-growing trees include American sycamore, American red maple and pink dogwood, all varietals that are easy to find and grow.

Has your garden hose sprung a leak from a small tear or hole? There’s no need to replace the hose when you can simply repair it yourself -- and it’s a lot easier than you think. Turn off the faucet and thoroughly dry the area where the tear is. Cover the whole tear with rubber cement, and let it dry completely before wrapping the area with electrical tape; it should be wound very tight around and around the hose to help secure the rubber cement fix. Voila! Good as new.

The next time you make a big batch of pasta, consider saving the pasta water. The water you used to cook up a box of linguini is full of protein and natural starches that can be used to thicken sauces, gravy, stews and soups. To save your pasta water, simply ladle portions into ice cube trays. Freeze them and store them in freezer bags. To use, simply toss a few cubes into whatever you’re cooking.