ArcaMax

Don’t stress when a greasy pizza slice leaves a mark on your clothes -- there’s a simple, eco-friendly fix hiding in your pantry. Cornstarch isn’t just a kitchen staple; it’s a natural, biodegradable way to lift oil stains without harsh chemicals. Sprinkle it generously over the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes so it can ...Read more

Ever heard of a “snag”? It’s not a run in your sweater; it’s a standing dead tree that’s intentionally left in place to naturally break down. Snags play an important role in backyard ecosystems, offering food and shelter to a surprising range of wildlife. In fact, the National Wildlife Federation notes that a single snag can support up...Read more

Do you receive ice packs with meal kits or other perishable foods shipped to your home? The gel inside is nontoxic and can be safely poured down the drain once thawed; but instead of tossing the packs, consider donating them. Local food banks, pantries and organizations like Meals on Wheels often welcome reusable ice packs to help keep food cold...Read more

Here’s a sweet idea: Eat more local honey. Buying locally produced honey supports nearby farmers and beekeepers who depend on healthy hives for their livelihoods. With honeybee populations declining across the country due to factors like habitat loss, pesticides and colony collapse disorder, their essential role in pollinating fruits, ...Read more

A kitchen sink can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and germs. Instead of reaching for chlorine bleach, try sanitizing it with simple household ingredients like white vinegar and lemon juice. Rub the basin with a cut lemon, then spray white vinegar over the sink, faucet and handles. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. The natural acidity ...Read more

Food scraps and yard waste together make up more than 25% of what Americans throw away. When organic materials end up in landfills, they decompose without oxygen and produce methane -- a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. In general, anything made entirely from plant fibers (such as paper pulp or cotton) without plastic coatings...Read more

Whenever you can cut back on paper usage, no matter how small, it adds up over time. Select “no receipt” at the ATM machine or retail stores. Don’t print out a boarding pass at home for your airline flight when you can send the pass straight to your smartphone. Use an app to make your grocery list instead of jotting it down on paper and ...Read more

Before planting a tree, make sure it isn’t an invasive species that can outcompete native plants and disrupt local ecosystems. Fast-growing trees like the Bradford pear tree, tree of heaven and Norway maple may look appealing but can quickly spread, crowd out native trees and reduce biodiversity. These species often alter soil chemistry and ...Read more

If you have airline miles with carriers you rarely fly, consider donating them to charity instead of letting them go unused. Many major airlines allow you to contribute miles through their loyalty programs to vetted nonprofit partners, which use them to book travel for humanitarian work. Minimum donations vary, often starting around 500 to 1,000...Read more

Do you completely flatten aluminum soda or beer cans before tossing them into the recycling bin? You shouldn't, and here's why. Many recycling facilities use automatic sorting machines that separate two-dimensional and three-dimensional items from commingled recycling bins. When you flatten a soda can, it can often be mistaken by the sorting ...Read more

When shopping for a reusable water bottle, some options are far healthier than others. Look for bottles made from food-grade stainless steel; they’re durable, nontoxic, chemical-free and can be washed and reused indefinitely. Glass is a good second choice since it’s also nontoxic, though it's less durable (especially if you’re prone to ...Read more

There are so many parts of fruits and vegetables we often trim away but don’t have to. The leafy green tops of carrots, beets, radishes and turnips can be eaten just like other greens or blended into a vibrant pesto. Watermelon rind can be pickled for a surprisingly heart-healthy snack. Even potato skins can be air-fried into crispy, delicious...Read more

Many frying pans, kitchen utensils and even stainless steel knives feature packaging that claims they are dishwasher-safe. But read the fine print: Most are dishwasher-safe if you follow complex rules about what dishwasher cycles you can and can't run them in. Instead of turning your convenient dishwasher into an inconvenience, extend the life ...Read more

Could a coat of paint keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer? "Insulating paint," a technology that was developed by NASA to protect shuttles from extreme temperatures when they re-enter Earth's atmosphere, is produced by adding a special powder made of microscopic "ceramic spheres" that create a barrier wherever you apply it...Read more

Before donating to a charity over the phone, pause and do a quick check. Many telephone solicitations are run by third-party fundraisers, and in some cases over 90% of your donation can go to the telemarketing company instead of the charity itself. To make your gift count, hang up politely and donate directly through the charity’s official ...Read more

If you’re trying to make more eco-conscious choices, it helps to know that environmental impact studies often rank brandy, cognac and rum among the least eco-friendly spirits. Their production typically requires energy-intensive distillation and large amounts of agricultural land, which can increase greenhouse gas emissions. A simple step is ...Read more

Here's one smart way to reuse a broken terra cotta pot: Fill the bottom of a new planter with the shards to improve drainage and keep potting soil well aerated. If you do end up discarding the broken pot, you can feel good knowing it’s made from natural clay and, over time, slowly breaks down into claylike particles, rather than releasing ...Read more

Want a simple way to keep your toilet gleaming without harsh chemicals? Pour 1/2 cup of borax into the bowl, followed by 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and allow the fizzy mixture to sit for about an hour before giving it a good scrub. The natural bubbling action breaks down stains and neutralizes odors with ease. For tougher problems like mineral ...Read more

While traveling abroad, it's not uncommon to be visited at your accommodations by a friendly stray dog. Start by offering a bowl of clean, fresh water, especially in hot weather, when dehydration is common. If you have food to share, stick to safe options like plain cooked chicken, rice or small pieces of unseasoned meat. Avoid giving spicy ...Read more

When it comes to composting, you may have heard that cooked foods are off-limits -- but there are a few exceptions. Leftover cooked vegetables and grains can be composted if they were prepared using only plant-based oils. However, if butter, cheese or any other animal products were used, it’s best to keep those scraps out of the pile. The same...Read more