Did you know nearly 2 billion plastic gift cards are purchased every year and given away as gifts? While they're a convenient and useful gift for many people to choose exactly what they need, you might wonder: Are these cards recyclable? While the PVC plastic is technically recyclable, it's hard to find a recycler to turn old cards into new products. So do this instead: When you receive a card and use it, save it and reload it to give to someone else in the future. Most gift cards are reusable and reloadable.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it's freezing cold outside, that doesn't mean you need to crank up the thermostat, use natural resources and waste money to stay warm inside. If it's sunny outside, open the shades and drapes to let the bright sunshine inside. The sun's rays will have a greenhouse effect and create real warmth inside your home. At night, do the opposite: Shut the blinds and close the drapes to maximize the energy efficiency of your windows.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you've bought a bunch of flowers or a gift basket wrapped in cellophane, you might wonder: Is this clear, plasticlike material recyclable? While it looks like plastic, the good news is, it isn't: Cellophane is actually made from wood pulp and not from petroleum. But that doesn't make it eco-friendly, per se; the Sierra Club reports that "cellophane production requires toxic carbon disulfide." But unlike plastic, it will biodegrade, and it is also compostable.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION