ArcaMax

Have you ever accidentally put a wool sweater into the washing machine and worried you'd shrunk it? First, don't toss it in the dryer -- that will set the fibers and make it impossible to save. Instead, soak the sweater for 30 minutes in the sink with a few tablespoons of gentle soap (like shampoo). Place it on a large bath towel. Then gently ...Read more

Have you heard of the Swedish term "plogging"? It’s a combination of jogging and picking up litter. The movement began in 2016 as a way to clean up walkways and prevent trash and other debris from ending up in waterways. It also happens to be a great workout, incorporating jogging or walking, bending, squatting and carrying extra weight as you...Read more

Did you know that human hair can be composted? It’s actually a great organic material to add to gardens, compost bins or soil, thanks to its high nitrogen content. The key is to use hair that hasn’t been chemically treated or styled with products, as those can introduce unwanted chemicals into your soil. Composting it is simple: Just mix the...Read more

If you're choosing blinds for your windows and live in a hot climate, avoid metal blinds. During the day, the sun's rays can heat up the metal blinds and essentially turn them into a hanging radiator in your home. The hot blinds can also impact your thermostat, making the indoor environment read hotter than it actually is, which forces your air ...Read more

When it comes to helping wildlife, the best thing you can do is keep them wild. Viewing wild animals should always be done at a distance; never go near them, and especially do not try to feed them. Don't try to make an Instagram moment by getting your photo taken with a wild animal; they are unpredictable and could try to defend themselves. ...Read more

Forgot your reusable coffee thermos, so you grabbed a paper cup instead? It happens! But is it OK to reuse that paper cup? Turns out, it's not. Single-use paper cups are designed for just one use. They’re lined with a thin layer of plastic -- typically polyethylene -- which can begin to break down each time it comes into contact with hot ...Read more

In our ever-evolving digital age, you might wonder: Is it greener to stream a movie or to download it? It turns out downloading is the better choice. Streaming relies on energy-intensive servers and data centers, while downloading content reduces dependence on these systems, leading to lower emissions and energy usage. However, when comparing ...Read more

Are the shoes you just bought too tight? There's no need to wear them and cause your feet to suffer in the hopes of stretching them out. Instead, try this DIY shoe stretcher spray made with two household ingredients: rubbing alcohol and water. Make a mixture of 50% water and 50% rubbing alcohol and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray generously ...Read more

Household plants can be a natural and efficient way to purify the air inside your home. But if your plants get sick -- with white or black mold spores on the outside of the leaves -- they can also contribute to an unhealthy air environment. For sturdy plants, wipe down the leaves with a damp microfiber towel to pick up the mold spores; wash the ...Read more