ArcaMax

The little stickers you see on produce at the store contain a code called a PLU, or a price lookup code, to help supermarkets accurately check out fruits and vegetables. The codes do have significance and can be helpful in determining if the item you're buying is organic. If the PLU code starts with a 9, that means it's organically grown. If you...Read more

When squirrels start overtaking your attic or get stuck in your house, one of the easiest ways to remedy the problem is to use a humane trap. The trap (usually baited with peanut butter) lures the squirrel inside, and a trigger shuts a door behind it. When it's time to release the squirrel outside, don't relocate it far away from your house. The...Read more

Being eco-conscious on your wedding day can make a meaningful difference. Instead of managing every green detail yourself, choose a venue that already practices sustainability. Look for one that maximizes natural light and partners with vendors who use locally grown flowers for decor. Ensure the venue handles recycling and composting, and that ...Read more

Do you really need it? The instant gratification of buying something on impulse often leads to more waste and drains your hard-earned money. Try a “cooling-off” period for nonessential items; a little time and distance can help you realize you never really needed it. For bigger wants (like a new handbag or gadget), wait a full 30 days before...Read more

Ever do some "extreme couponing" at the store? It's when you combine coupons with store sales, making the total price of your items next to nothing. If you are able to procure a small stockpile of brand-new personal care items like toothbrushes, deodorant and soap through clever couponing, why not donate to your local food pantry? Food pantries ...Read more

Fresh cuts of protein like fish, chicken and beef can be frozen and used many months later if properly packaged in the freezer. The trick is to leave virtually no "air space" between the protein and the packaging material, which helps prevent freezer burn. Wrap fresh protein tightly with freezer paper and then cover in aluminum foil, pressing ...Read more

Yes, ice can go bad. It is technically a food, and like most foods, ice can harbor everything from bacteria to viruses that can cause illness, according to the International Packaged Ice Association. Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli can live in ice, because freezing does not kill these contaminants. Ice that's left in the freezer for a long ...Read more

On your next journey abroad, be sure to check out the website packforapurpose.org, which encourages international travelers to save a little extra space in their luggage to bring along donation items for schools and hospitals. Shipping these goods halfway around the world can be expensive, so tossing things like packages of pencils or Band-Aids,...Read more

A dying houseplant isn't a dead one, and there are steps you can take to give it a second chance at life. Start with the roots: Unpot the plant and look at the stems and roots. If you see any green stems, and if the roots are pliable, the plant has a good chance to recover. Just shake off the excess soil, trim the dead roots and repot with fresh...Read more

Did you know that 33 million tons of cardboard were recycled in 2024, making it one of the most commonly recycled materials turned into new products? It’s worth the effort to prepare cardboard properly for recycling. The American Forest & Paper Association recommends emptying boxes of any nonpaper materials (no need to remove tape or labels), ...Read more

The World Wildlife Fund offers a few easy ways to make your Halloween more eco-friendly -- and it all comes down to one theme: reuse, reuse, reuse. For trick-or-treating, skip the plastic and use what you already have -- an old pillowcase, a bucket or even a sturdy shopping bag painted with festive designs. Hosting a party? Choose reusable cups ...Read more

It's a popular trend on Pinterest, but you should avoid painting, foiling and glittering pumpkins. They may look pretty, but when painted or adorned pumpkins biodegrade, all the remnants of what you used to decorate them also seep into the ground. Not only can these kinds of decorations make the pumpkin noncompostable, but they also can make it ...Read more

If you have food waste, here are some quick and easy ways to use leftover scraps, peels and trimmings in the kitchen. Broccoli stalks are edible and can be sliced, trimmed and made into a nutrient-dense soup. Rinds from hard cheeses can be tossed directly into sauces and soups to add a new dimension of cheesy, salty flavor. For a most delicious ...Read more

If you're a parent throwing a birthday party for your child, why not invite other moms and dads to come along and do a toy swap? While the kids are playing, parents can go through bags of unused toys and trade with each other. It’s a great way to reuse toys, save money and give new-to-them toys to your kids. Whatever doesn’t get swapped can ...Read more

Cast-iron cookware has been around for generations, and it is extremely durable. But you may want to eventually replace your skillet and might wonder if you can recycle it. The answer is yes: Iron is the main component of steel, and cast-iron cookware is highly desirable and recyclable. While you can’t recycle old cast iron in your curbside ...Read more

If you're on the fence about buying the newest expensive gadget, consider renting it for a week instead. Digital cameras, camcorders, iPads and gaming systems can be rented by the week at many national chains, like Rent-A-Center. Return the item after a week, and then make the big investment if you really, truly need the item. Another idea: If ...Read more

When it's cold outside, there are easy ways to maximize the efficiency of your home's heating system. One of the best things you can do is to raise the temperature on your thermostat slowly, allowing it to reach the desired temperature one or two degrees at a time. If you raise the heat quickly, your pump uses something called a heat strip, ...Read more

When looking at cleaning supplies and insecticides, there are three key words that can help you determine exactly how toxic the product is: "caution," "warning" and "danger." If you see "caution," it means the overall product ingredients are low in toxicity. "Warning" is a step up in toxicity. And if you see "danger," the product contains the ...Read more

When it's time to bring your houseplants indoors, do this one thing: Sprinkle them with black pepper. Ground black pepper is a natural deterrent for insects, so any little bugs that may get a free ride into your home will run away from your peppered plants. Just mix a large amount of black pepper with white flour and gently sprinkle it on top of...Read more

Did you know your everyday purchases can also help feed an animal in need? Skout’s Honor -- a maker of eco-friendly pet care products -- donates a meal for every bottle sold. To date, nearly 33 million meals have been donated to animal shelters in 26 states. It’s all through the Greater Good Charities’ GOODS program, a nonprofit that ...Read more