ArcaMax

Yes, your dog's favorite toys need to be cleaned periodically. They spend a lot of time in mouths, outdoors or just lying on the ground picking up germs and bacteria. When you're ready to clean them, inspect them first. Are they falling apart or brittle? It may be time to dispose of some toys, since small pieces that break off can be a choking ...Read more

Did you know black dogs and cats are the least likely to be adopted from animal shelters? It’s not due to superstition -- it’s because they’re harder to photograph, so they don’t “pop” in online listings or social media feeds. Their facial expressions can also be more difficult to capture, making it harder for potential adopters to ...Read more

According to NSF International -- the leading authority that "manufacturers, regulators and consumers look to for public health standards" -- the spatula is one of the dirtiest tools in your kitchen, because wood and rubber varieties can have scratches that hide E. coli, yeast and mold. To fix this, be sure to wash (and sanitize) them in the ...Read more

Two reasons to shop for 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. Supermarket chains have a practice of excessively wrapping their fresh produce in single-use plastic. It helps keep produce fresher longer and protects it from the hundreds of ...Read more

We all know refilling a reusable water bottle is a greener choice, but what else makes it smart? For starters, it can save you over $300 a year. According to Roundup.org, the average person buys 156 bottles annually, at about $1.98 each -- money that adds up fast. The good news? Over 60% of Americans already own a reusable bottle. If we all ...Read more

If you've bought a bunch of flowers or a gift basket wrapped in cellophane, you might wonder: Is this clear, plasticlike material recyclable? While it looks like plastic, the good news is, it isn't: Cellophane is actually made from wood pulp and not from petroleum. But that doesn't make it eco-friendly, per se; the Sierra Club reports that "...Read more

Do you follow the “Five-Hour Rule” when deciding whether to drive or fly? The rule is simple: If your destination is within a five-hour drive, it’s more eco-friendly to hit the road. Short flights have disproportionately high emissions, resulting in a larger carbon footprint per passenger. Driving also lets you bring extra belongings ...Read more

If you want to help lessen strain on the electrical grid and save money, try this: Run your dishwasher at night. You can load up your dishwasher throughout the day and after dinner, then turn it on right before you head to bed. The grid is less strained during overnight hours, and it's cheaper, too. Energy costs decrease during the hours when we...Read more

If you like to buy fresh pomegranates and use the ruby-colored seeds inside for salads or snacks, you might be surprised to find out you can also use the rind to make a healthy pomegranate tea! Bring water to a boil in a small pot and turn off the heat, then steep the peel in the water for at least 30 minutes to get the maximum flavor and ...Read more