ArcaMax

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