ArcaMax

Do you use a laptop computer? One way to help prolong the life of the rechargeable battery is to make sure it isn't plugged into a power source all the time. While leaving the computer plugged in isn't detrimental to your laptop, the excess heat that's created can wear down the battery, and extra wear on the battery means its lifespan is ...Read more

There are more than 40 million acres of lawn in the United States, and it's simply grass that provides very little in the form of food or shelter for wildlife. If you take just a small portion of your lawn and plant native plants, it can go a long way to support wildlife like birds. Food sources like nectar, berries and seeds can come from ...Read more

While the pre-measured "pods" for laundry and dishwasher detergents may be convenient, they are wrapped in a plastic called polyvinyl alcohol, or PVOH; it's a plastic that is designed to "dissolve" in contact with water, but rather than fully dissolving, it goes into the waterway and becomes a microplastic. The best course is to stick with old-...Read more

When you pull mounds of invasive weeds out of your backyard garden, what do you do with them? Instead of throwing them away or composting them and potentially spreading weed seeds, the greenest solution is to bag them in black plastic trash bags and then compost them. Placing the weeds in a black bag and allowing them to bake in the sun is a ...Read more

Want to brighten clothes and remove stains without using any harsh chemicals in your washer? Grab salt from your pantry and add it to your laundry routine. The natural chloride in salt works as a brightener, protector and stain remover all in one. Just add 1/2 cup of salt to your laundry (in addition to your detergent) to give it a natural boost...Read more

When one of your favorite organic food items is at an irresistible price at the supermarket, do you ever wonder how much you should stock up on? When something like organic pasta sauce, cereal or other shelf-stable pantry items are on sale, go for about 12 weeks' worth as your maximum supply when you want to stock up. That's about the length of ...Read more

What's one way to save more than $100 and 4,600 gallons of water a year? Shut off the shower when you are shampooing and conditioning your hair. Typical showers account for around 17% of the average household use of water, making showering the second-biggest water hog in the home. Just turning off the shower for a minute while shampooing can cut...Read more

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American family spends about $2,000 a year combined on household heating, cooling and electricity. One way to help reduce those costs is to think about how to save money when nobody is in the house. If you turn back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for at least eight hours a day, it...Read more

While it may seem all-natural, burning incense in your home can equal the polluting effects of smoking cigarettes. Incense sticks contain the chemical benzene, which is also found in cigarettes, and this carcinogen is released into the air when you burn it. Instead, try oil burners for fragrant scents. Burners warm up scented oil using a candle ...Read more

Here's a simple way to reuse old pillowcases: Store your sweaters inside them! The cases will allow the sweaters to breathe while protecting them from the elements and dust. You also can protect clothing that you hang, like jackets and shirts, with old pillowcases. Simply cut a hole in the middle of the closed side and drape it over the hanger ...Read more

Tea lovers know that you should never store tea leaves in the spice cabinet. The reason? Strong spices like cinnamon actually can be absorbed into tea leaves, which can change their flavor profile. But because tea leaves are absorbent, they can also be used to deodorize around the house. Sprinkle dry tea leaves all over a rug or carpet and press...Read more

Mulch made from recycled rubber sounds eco-friendly, but it's not a good option for your garden. While this variety of mulch does make use of a waste product that's notoriously difficult to recycle -- tires -- the reality is that rubber does not biodegrade, and recycled rubber mulch slowly leaches chemicals into your soil. It's also highly ...Read more

When traveling, if your destination is less than 300 miles away, it's best to avoid short-haul flights and opt for a different mode of transportation. According to the World Wildlife Fund, short-haul flights are the least fuel-efficient way to travel. Choosing to drive or going by bus or train are the most eco-friendly ways when you don't have ...Read more

If you've ever found the smell of gas annoying while at the filling station, you're not wrong to be irritated: It's not only obnoxious, but it could be toxic. The fumes you smell are likely benzene and toluene fumes, which can lead to health problems. When pumping gas, the proper way to fill up is to insert the nozzle into your gas inlet and use...Read more

Some of us might avoid light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs when lighting our homes because we're afraid that the light will feel cold and clinical. But LED bulbs are highly energy-efficient, and finding the right bulbs can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and inviting. When shopping for LED bulbs, key words to search for are "warm ...Read more

It's no surprise that the least eco-friendly fabrics are the ones that are human-made. These include polyester, acrylic and rayon, because they are made from synthetic materials and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill conditions. But the list of least-sustainable fabrics also includes a natural fiber: conventional cotton. The ...Read more

When it comes to saving electricity at home, appliances that involve water or keeping things cold account for nearly 25% of the average household's energy use. Choosing energy-efficient dishwashers and refrigerators is a good way to start, and opting for cold water whenever possible when washing clothes really adds up. If you're buying a ...Read more

While marble countertops may be beautiful and are considered a "natural" material, the environmental damage from mining marble should make it a no-go for your future kitchen. Most marble is mined far away in quarries in Europe and Africa, where explosives are used to extract it from the Earth. Huge amounts of energy and water are used to make ...Read more

Some flowers are more than just beautiful to look at -- they are also useful to help maintain the natural organic health of your garden. Plant lots of chrysanthemum flowers, which contain a natural chemical called pyrethin that is toxic to insects. These beautiful flowers are easy to grow and come in a wide variety of colors, so you can mix them...Read more

Almost all inflatable toys for the pool or beach -- balls, rafts and floaties -- have one thing in common: They are made from hard-to-recycle polyvinyl chloride, or PVC plastic. But if your old pool toys are punctured and won't inflate, that doesn't mean you have to toss them into the trash. Look for PVC repair adhesive at your sporting goods ...Read more