ArcaMax

Beautiful trees like weeping willows, poplars and birches can create unexpected problems in the landscape. Weeping willows and fast-growing poplars have aggressive root systems that seek out water and can damage septic drain fields, sewer lines and residential pipes. Birch trees also require consistently moist soil, especially in dry climates, ...Read more

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

Even small actions in caring for your dog can have an impact. Choose certified compostable waste bags made from plant-based materials instead of traditional plastic bags. Replace disposable pee pads with washable, reusable training pads or sustainable options made from materials like bamboo. For indoor accidents, reach for old towels, rags or ...Read more

Your dog's diet can have a surprisingly big environmental impact. Choosing foods made with lower-impact proteins like chicken, sustainably sourced fish or even insect-based proteins (cricket and grubs) can significantly reduce the resources needed to produce pet food. And whenever possible, buy kibble in the largest bag your dog can finish while...Read more

Never flush contact lenses down the sink or toilet. Whether you wear daily disposable lenses or reusable monthly lenses, they generate about the same amount of waste over the course of a year -- dailies create more packaging waste, while reusables require plastic lens cases and bottles of cleaning solution. To reduce their environmental impact, ...Read more

Asparagus may be a green vegetable, but it can carry a surprisingly high carbon footprint, especially when it's bought out of season. In fact, it's often cited as one of the more climate-intensive vegetables -- sometimes rivaling lower-impact animal proteins, depending on how it's transported. The issue isn't the plant itself, but how it's ...Read more

Despite the energy used to keep it frozen, it turns out that frozen fruit is more sustainable than fresh. While freezing does require energy, it's largely offset by a major reduction in food waste. Fruit is flash-frozen at peak ripeness, locking in flavor and nutrients while dramatically extending shelf life and cutting down on spoilage at both ...Read more

Before reaching for bleach, let the sun do the work. Hang damp or musty towels loosely on a clothesline or drying rack in direct sunlight for 1 to 2 hours, flipping them halfway through so both sides get equal UV exposure. The sun's ultraviolet rays help kill odor-causing bacteria and mold spores, while fresh air naturally eliminates lingering ...Read more

There's a viral TikTok trend that suggests mixing uncooked oats with leftover cooking grease to create a "nutritious" treat for birds as an alternative to throwing the grease away. While the intention may be good, wildlife experts say it's a bad idea. According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, cooled cooking fats can smear onto ...Read more

Sure, it's great to upgrade your heating and cooling systems at home to be kind to the environment and reduce your utility bills, but did you know those investments can improve the resale value of your home, too? According to the trade magazine Remodeling, for every $1 in annual energy savings your improvements provide, you gain up to $20 in ...Read more

If you love burning candles at home, it's common knowledge that paraffin wax alternatives like soy wax will burn cleaner and release fewer pollutants into the air. But when shopping for soy wax candles, buyer beware: If a candle is simply marked "soy wax" or "soy blend," there's no guarantee that it's 100% soy. In fact, only 51% of the candle ...Read more

You can make your home feel significantly cooler even if you don't have air conditioning. Keep blinds and blackout curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to block heat, then create a cross-breeze by placing a fan in one window facing outward while opening a window across the room to pull in cooler air. Set ceiling fans to spin ...Read more