ArcaMax

Sadly, it's not uncommon to see a landscaping sprinkler system running at full power during a rainstorm. However, it's not the mark of a wasteful homeowner; it's because the sprinkler system is on an automatic timer. To fix this problem (and save water and money), have a rain sensor added to your sprinkler system. The sensor determines whether ...Read more

Here are a few reasons from the animal kingdom to avoid setting off fireworks for special events. In addition to making companion animals like dogs anxious and causing panic attacks, they can affect other types of wildlife as well. Bees get disoriented by the loud noise of fireworks and can't make it back to their hives. This often causes them ...Read more

To help with cleanup and extend the life of your bakeware, consider silicone liners. Silicone bakeware and liners that go on top of existing metal bakeware are naturally nonstick, and they're safe -- they do not leach any harmful chemicals into your food when you use them. They are a breeze to clean, and they also allow you to bake, roast and ...Read more

A few simple habits can make your backyard barbecue more energy-efficient. Keep the grill lid closed whenever possible to trap heat inside -- every time you lift the lid, valuable heat escapes, causing your grill to burn more fuel. Maximize that heat by batch-cooking several items at once, reducing overall cooking time and fuel consumption. And ...Read more

Don't toss broken or outdated wired headphones in the trash. While they don't contain lithium-ion batteries like wireless earbuds (e.g. AirPods), they still include copper wiring and plastic components that can be recycled through specialized e-waste recycling programs. Major retailers like Best Buy and Staples accept wired headphones for free. ...Read more

Empty spray sunscreen cans are recyclable, but there's a hitch: Make sure it's truly empty so it can be recycled. Press the nozzle until all of the product and propellant have been released -- you should no longer hear any hissing or spraying sounds. Never puncture, crush or try to manually vent the can. Once it's empty, remove the plastic cap ...Read more

It may sound like a problem for "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous," but if you do one thing to help our oceans, consider passing on eating caviar. Caviar varietals like beluga and wild-caught sturgeon are species that are often overfished. Caviar is a product of fish that can take many years to mature -- and when they do, their eggs are ...Read more

When possible, choose paper products that are made domestically. While recycled paper has benefits, paper manufactured closer to home often has a smaller carbon footprint because it avoids the emissions associated with long-distance shipping (where most recycled products are made in other countries). Domestic paper mills are also subject to ...Read more

Before buying something new, check a resale site first. Shopping secondhand helps extend the life of perfectly good products, reduces demand for new manufacturing and keeps usable items out of landfills. Just keep one thing in mind: The biggest environmental benefit comes when a pre-owned purchase replaces something you would have bought new, ...Read more