Did you know that buying a used kitchen knife from a resell site like eBay can save as much as 90% of the energy costs needed to make a new knife? You can sanitize a used knife in seconds at home. If the knife does not have a plastic handle, place it in boiling water for 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and let the knife sit in the hot water, then slowly pour the boiling water out; allow it to cool to room temperature. If the knife has a plastic handle, fill a pot with the hottest water that comes out of the tap and let it soak for 15 seconds. Remove with tongs and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove any debris.

An area rug is an easy way to add a decorative touch to a space, but it's also a fantastic way to improve the energy efficiency of your house. Rugs and carpet are great insulators, and they can transform chilly floors into warm, cozy places. Studies have shown using a rug pad and rug can have the most impact on insulating your floors. They improve efficiency for all types of floors -- wood, ceramic and laminate -- and can reduce your heating bills by around 5%.

If you live in a climate with harsh, icy and snowy winters, one way to help birds survive these conditions is to switch from standard birdseed to high-energy alternatives. Nutritious options include sunflower seeds, peanuts and mealworms, which are rich in healthy fats and provide essential protein to help birds maintain body heat and energy. You can also offer suet during extreme cold, as it’s especially beneficial in winter. Avoid feeding bread to waterfowl, as it offers little nutritional value and can be harmful to their health. And be sure to clean your bird feeders regularly -- especially during wet or freezing conditions -- to prevent mold buildup and reduce the spread of disease among visiting birds.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION