ArcaMax

Even in an age of digital reading, printed books are still in demand and can be donated if you're ready to make room on your bookshelf at home. The rule of thumb for donating books is this: If the book was published three years ago or less, donate it to your local library, which will resell the book at a fundraiser to raise money for its ...Read more

Beauty products can still be useful in new and different ways well after they've been used up or expired. A clean mascara brush, for example, can be used to scrub between stones in jewelry or watch links to clear away dirt and debris. Unwanted nail polish (perhaps a color not to your liking) can be used to paint the stems of wineglasses to give ...Read more

Just because a product or its packaging has a recycling symbol on it doesn't mean it is easily recyclable. The question you have to ask is this: Is the item recyclable within your community or in your curbside recycling program? If it isn't, it does not matter if it has the symbol. Items like Styrofoam cups are marked with a No. 6 recycling ...Read more

Create a beautiful table arrangement that's as practical as it is pretty. Fill a wide vase or container with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, mint and sage, then tuck in edible flowers such as chive blossoms, marigolds and pansies. Set a pair of small herb scissors alongside the arrangement so guests can snip fresh garnishes for their meals ...Read more

Upcycle a large plastic soda bottle into a simple mosquito trap. Cut the bottle in half, then fill the bottom half with 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of yeast. Invert the top half into the bottom to create a funnel. As the yeast ferments the sugar, it releases carbon dioxide (C02), which can attract mosquitoes into...Read more

Empty prescription bottles are typically made from recyclable No. 5 plastic (polypropylene), but they usually cannot go into your curbside recycling bin. Their small size often causes them to fall through sorting equipment, and many recycling facilities only accept rigid plastics larger than about 3 inches. Instead, ask your local pharmacy if ...Read more

You may have heard that you should not store ripe tomatoes in the refrigerator and that you should keep them at room temperature right on the kitchen countertop instead. But what do you do if you have a bumper crop of ripe tomatoes? To extend the shelf life of a ripe tomato, put it in the refrigerator. The chill will prevent it from ripening ...Read more

Even if there are recycling bins at parks or other outdoor recreational areas you are visiting, consider taking your recyclable trash home with you instead. Wild animals can't tell the difference between trash cans and recycling bins, so they'll root through both. Glass and plastic containers that once held snacks can be tempting to animals, ...Read more

It's rare, but sometimes a wild bird finds its way in and ends up flying around inside your home or office. What do you do to safely get feathered friends back outside? First, don't create a panic by trying to chase the bird or capture it with a blanket or coat. The stress won't help the bird, and you're more likely to hurt it. Instead, find a ...Read more