ArcaMax

While they don't have to be sparkling clean, it's important that the glass containers you put in your recycling bin are reasonably clean. This often means using running water and scouring the last bits of food out of a jar. Here's a win-win: Use the remaining space in your dishwasher to get them clean. Since a dishwasher is the most energy- and ...Read more

Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem because they pollinate flowers and food crops -- in fact, about one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators like bees. Still, having bees hover around when you're outdoors can be inconvenient. Instead of reaching for harsh insect-killing sprays, you can try a gentler, bee-deterring ...Read more

Do you have a container of old glue that has dried out and hardened? It may be useless to you, but depending on its chemical composition, it could spell trouble if thrown into the trash. Even in a hardened state, solvent-based glues are very flammable and should never be tossed in the trash. Instead, dispose of them with your household hazardous...Read more

Witch hazel is a natural astringent distilled from the flowers of a shrub native to North America. It's often used to soothe acne-prone or inflamed skin because of its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, witch hazel has natural antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Pour it into a small spray bottle and you've got...Read more

It's wonderful to experience the beauty of another country on foot, but your hiking boots could be a source of contamination by bringing foreign species into the United States. When you've traveled abroad, be sure to have your boots cleaned before you head to the airport, especially boots with deep treads, which can be filled with contaminated ...Read more

Hydrogen peroxide is a common first-aid antiseptic because it helps oxidize and break down bacteria and debris in minor cuts and scrapes. It then decomposes into water and oxygen, leaving no harmful residue behind when used appropriately. Beyond the medicine cabinet, it's also a useful household cleaner. You can help disinfect cutting boards by ...Read more

If you think you have mold, don't reach for chlorine bleach. Yes, bleach will kill virtually every kind of mold it comes in contact with, but it only works on nonporous materials like ceramic tile and glass. It does not penetrate materials like drywall and wood, where most mold issues really lie. An alternative is to use nontoxic borax to kill ...Read more

Memory foam mattresses and toppers are made from petroleum-based polyurethane foam, but they are not simply "melted down" like recyclable plastics; because the material is a thermoset, recycling requires breaking it down mechanically rather than melting it. The good news is that they are still widely recyclable in practice, and the foam can be ...Read more

If your garlic press is sitting unused in a drawer, it's time to put it to work beyond garlic. It can also crush dried herbs and spices to create your own custom blends at home. Add whole spices like black pepper, cumin, coriander -- whatever combination you like -- then press them through for a fresh, coarse mix. Once you land on a blend you ...Read more

Tired of scrubbing your shower to fight mold and mildew? Try this simple, nontoxic prevention trick the next time you shower. While the space is still warm and steamy, sprinkle table salt over the tile, floor and even the shower curtain. The residual moisture helps the salt cling to surfaces, where it can sit all day or overnight. The next time ...Read more

Did you know your old metal sports equipment can be reused, recycled and even turned into cash? Scrap metal yards often accept items like old bikes, dumbbells, soccer goals, metal baseball bats and golf clubs, since they're made from recyclable steel or aluminum. You can also take a wide range of used sports and fitness gear to Play It Again ...Read more

If you enjoy the warmth and ambience of a backyard fire pit, a gas-powered version is the greener choice. Wood-burning pits release carbon into the atmosphere and can also pose safety risks from flying embers and sparks. Gas fire pits produce significantly fewer emissions, with virtually no smoke, particulates or greenhouse gases. If you do ...Read more

Lightening your car by removing unnecessary items can noticeably improve fuel efficiency and handling. Focus on clearing out heavy trunk clutter like unused tools, sports gear, extra fluids and accumulated junk, along with interior extras such as spare floor mats, bulky seat covers and unused car seats. If possible, skip rooftop carriers, bike ...Read more

Don't toss broken terra cotta pots -- put them to work in your garden instead. Use a mallet to break them into small, gravel-like pieces and mix them into your soil to improve aeration and drainage, especially in heavy or compacted beds. Terra cotta is naturally porous, so it absorbs and slowly releases water, helping maintain more consistent ...Read more

When it comes to getting whites bright on laundry day, there are plenty of good reasons to skip chlorine bleach. Research has shown that bleach releases harsh fumes -- particularly chlorine gas and chlorinated byproducts -- that can irritate the airways, trigger coughing and wheezing, and worsen conditions like asthma. Even low-level repeated ...Read more

Have you ever moved into a home that still carries the odor of cigarette smoke? It can feel nearly impossible to erase, but nature offers a surprisingly effective fix. Houseplants act as gentle air purifiers, releasing water vapor that helps draw in and break down lingering pollutants -- essentially turning stale, contaminated air into plant ...Read more

If you're setting up backyard nets for soccer, volleyball, tennis, pickleball or any other casual game, make it a habit to take them down as soon as you're finished playing. What seems like harmless fun equipment can quickly become a serious hazard for wildlife -- birds, deer, foxes, snakes and other animals can easily become entangled. In their...Read more

A lot of people like to add white vinegar to the automatic dishwasher to help boost its cleaning power and leave dishes and cups sparkling clean. The only issue with using vinegar is this: It's a strong acid that can degrade the rubber gaskets inside your dishwasher over time. Instead of adding vinegar to the dispenser, consider spraying white ...Read more

Green juice powders can be more eco-friendly than bottled juices because they’re lightweight and compact, reducing transportation emissions. They also use less packaging -- especially when sold in recyclable pouches -- cutting down on plastic waste. Many brands make their powders from “ugly” or surplus produce that might otherwise go to ...Read more

Don’t toss those eggshells -- there are plenty of creative ways to give them a second life! Crush them and sprinkle in your garden as a natural fertilizer packed with calcium for healthy plants. Add crushed shells to compost to balance acidity and enrich the soil. You can also dry and crush them to make a natural, eco-friendly abrasive for ...Read more