During the hot summer months, local nonprofit organizations that support those most in need in your area are looking for specific seasonal items. If you ever find personal hygiene items on sale at the... more
While the best option is to donate your old books, a lot of charities will reject them if they aren't in good condition or if they are seriously out of date. The simplest solution for outdated or worn... more
Sure, it's convenient to buy prepackaged potting soil at the hardware store, but using it can create a condition called "soil pollution" in your garden. Prepackaged soil can contain pesticides and oth... more
When choosing a gemstone for a piece of fine jewelry, there's a lot of controversy around natural diamonds and colored gemstones. It's all about ethical sourcing, ranging from "blood diamonds" used to... more
Since marble is a natural stone, is it sustainable? Quarrying marble involves a lot of energy and destruction of natural habitats, and it's an incredibly heavy material to transport from mines halfway... more
A recent study by the Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health found that dry-erase markers commonly used in classrooms have toxic emissions that are "400 times higher than highlighters... more
If you're trying to avoid GMO (genetically modified organisms) when shopping at the supermarket, keep in mind almost all fresh produce is considered non-GMO. But there are exceptions to this GMO-free/... more
If you want a beanbag chair in your home, expandable polystyrene fill is not a very eco-friendly choice. It's the most common fill used for beanbag-style chairs, but it's not recyclable or biodegradab... more
Myth busted: Uncooked rice doesn't kill birds. There's a mistaken belief that when birds eat uncooked rice, it swells in their body and eventually kills them. The truth is, the rice needs to be cooked... more
Did you know that clothing hangers -- plastic, flocked and wooden -- are nearly impossible to recycle? It's because the plastic ones are made with mixed materials, and the wooden ones are coated and t... more
You might think that leaving your dog's waste to naturally decompose is better than bagging it up, but you're wrong. Just like human waste, pet waste is a pollutant that can cause serious environmenta... more
When your television breaks, it's tempting to simply put it in the box your new TV comes in and leave it on the curb to be picked up as trash. But the reality is TVs -- including old tube-style, LED, ... more
When it comes to a lush lawn, consider clover seed rather than grass. It's a hardy plant that is disease-resistant and grows densely, which minimizes weeds. Clover is also tolerant of heavy foot traff... more
We all know planting a tree is an easy step to help fight climate change and add beauty to your home. But choosing the right tree is just as important as planting one. Many people love the look of a m... more
A staggering 80 billion pounds of food is wasted in the United States, which equals about 30% of the overall food supply. That means almost one-third of all food is simply thrown away from supermarket... more