ArcaMax

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