ArcaMax

That can of diet soda could be dangerous -- if not deadly -- for your dog. Many zero-calorie drinks contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs and can lead to seizures, liver failure and other serious health problems. Even small amounts, along with traces of caffeine, can trigger issues like heart palpitations in ...Read more

Don’t toss worn pillowcases -- put them to work in your closet. They make great storage bags for sweaters, allowing the fabric to breathe while keeping dust and light off delicate knits. You can also turn one into a simple garment cover: Just cut a small hole in the center of the closed end and slip it over a hanger to shield jackets or shirts...Read more

It might be time to rethink the classic tennis ball for games of fetch. The familiar fuzzy coating is actually made from plastic fibers that shed as the ball wears down, creating microplastics that can end up in waterways -- or even in your dog’s mouth. A better option: plastic-free tennis balls that deliver the same bounce, size and ...Read more

Two good reasons to buy groceries from local merchants instead of big-box stores: You're supporting your local economy, and you’ll likely cut back on single-use plastic. Large supermarket chains often wrap fresh produce in plastic to keep it looking pristine and to protect it from the hundreds of customers who handle it each day. Smaller ...Read more

Instead of tossing leftover tile, plumbing fixtures or wallpaper, consider donating them to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Your donations help fund local Habitat projects while giving materials a second life for someone else’s renovation. Plus, it’s an easy way to declutter sustainably and support your community. You can also shop at ...Read more

Don’t throw away Bubble Wrap after opening a package. Reuse it for shipping, donate it to local businesses or “Buy Nothing” groups, or repurpose it around the house to cushion tools, protect plants from frost or insulate drafty windows. If you’re done with it, pop the bubbles and take it to a store drop-off for plastic film recycling (it...Read more

A microwave oven is an energy-efficient way to quickly heat and cook foods at home. But did you know that, on average, a microwave is used only about 70 hours a year? That's about 1% of the year, but when the microwave is not being used to heat food, it's still sucking power from the grid to illuminate the display and keep it ready to go at the ...Read more

Many households have perfectly usable life jackets tucked away in garages or packed in attic storage. Since 1997, the BoatUS Foundation has been collecting gently used life jackets and redistributing them through a nationwide loaner program available at more than 575 marinas and fuel docks. The initiative is designed to remind boaters -- ...Read more

If you have a wood-burning fireplace with an uncapped chimney, there’s a possibility that wildlife have made themselves at home inside. The first clue is often sound -- listen for scratching, rustling or even the high-pitched cries of baby animals. Raccoons, squirrels, bats and birds are all known to nest in chimneys. If you think an animal ...Read more