ArcaMax

It’s not just bottled water that’s part of the single-use plastic problem; it’s cleaning products, too. It’s estimated nearly 2.5 billion plastic bottles that once held laundry detergent, dishwashing soap and surface cleaners end up in landfills ever year. Even though they're recyclable, the percentage that actually gets recycled is low....Read more

Even though they look like paperboard, ice cream containers are not commonly recycled. They are composed of layers of plastic and paperboard, and it’s nearly impossible for recyclers to separate the materials for recycling, so it’s best to reuse them or put them in the trash. If you have a green thumb, you can reuse ice cream pints as ...Read more

If you’ve squeezed the last few drops of toothpaste out of the tube, grab some scissors and cut it open. You can use what's left to help with a myriad of household tasks. Stains on your carpet? Just rub a small amount of paste on top and scrub away with an old brush to help lift the stain and brighten the fibers. And if you have watermarks or ...Read more

It may seem harmless, but it’s actually illegal to take rocks out of national parks. With millions of people visiting our parks annually, if everyone took a small natural souvenir home, it would have a devastating effect on the park. If caught, not only have you committed a federal crime, but it also can result in a hefty fee. And even ...Read more

During the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s estimated that food waste increases by 25%, on top of the 30% to 40% of our food supply that Americans throw away on average. To reduce this, think of holiday meals as you would any meal, rather than as all-you-can-eat feasts. Encourage guests to bring take-home containers with...Read more

It’s estimated nearly 30 million live Christmas trees are sold every year in the United States, which means a lot of people are shopping for holiday decorations for the tree. Instead of buying new, why not consider thrifting for antique or vintage pieces? Or make DIY snowflakes and other paper decor using scrap paper or items from the ...Read more

It might be shiny, sparkly and fun, but glitter is also well known for getting everywhere, and it’s an ecological problem. Those tiny particles are microplastics, which are among the biggest culprits of water pollution. So avoid glitter when you’re buying greeting cards, cosmetics, decorative items, craft supplies, etc. And it isn't just ...Read more

Did you know the average size of a recycling bin is 65 gallons? That’s the standard size most trash haulers provide. If you’re recycling more and making less trash, do this one thing: Ask for an upsized bin. Upgrading to a 95-gallon recycling bin is usually free, and all it takes is a simple phone call. While you’re at it, many trash ...Read more

While roof racks and clamshell storage containers on top of your car can be incredibly helpful when you are transporting large items or luggage, they literally can be a drag when not in use. These car accessories can reduce your automobile’s fuel efficiency by 5%. That adds up over time, especially if you rarely use them. Simply removing them ...Read more

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, “the clothes dryer is one of the largest energy users in the home, often consuming as much as a new refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes washer combined.” The nonprofit suggests air-drying whenever possible, and if you need to use the dryer, make sure the lint filter is clean before use. If...Read more

As shopping has become less about getting necessities and more about acquiring more stuff, there’s a rising movement to buy fewer things. One way to reduce your shopping is to shop as a chore, not as a fun activity. Paying with cash instead of credit cards can help you think twice about whether you really need something. And for big ticket ...Read more

Did you know billions of dollars are wasted every year on unwanted gifts that end up landfilled? While it may be considered poor etiquette to show up at a party without a gift, what you bring should be carefully considered. Instead of nonperishable goods, opt for more sustainable options, like an organic fruit assortment, fresh flowers or a nice...Read more

Packing light when you travel has two benefits: It’s easier for you to get around, and it reduces your carbon footprint. When you check a heavy bag for a flight, it requires more fuel to transport to your destination. Opting for a carry-on bag instead helps save fuel, but it also helps you realize that you really don’t need tons of wardrobe ...Read more

Here’s something you can stop using: fabric softener. While it’s touted as a product to help clothes feel smoother and reduce static cling, it’s also completely unnecessary. The chemical residue that’s left on clothing can irritate skin, build up on clothes and lead to your washing machine working less efficiently over time. But if you ...Read more

The nonprofit The Wildlife Trust says there’s one simple thing pet owners can do to help lower their dog and cat’s carbon footprint. They say for pets on a meat-based diet, look for protein sources from poultry, like chicken and turkey, and avoid beef, which has the highest environmental footprint for meats. Opt for sustainable seafood ...Read more

One of the easiest ways to help combat climate change is to plant a tree. But did you know that some trees aren’t as good at absorbing and storing CO2 emissions as others? The U.S. Forest Service did a study in 2002 that researched which trees in an urban environment did the best to absorb CO2. Trees like black walnut, ponderosa pine, Douglas ...Read more

Are you looking for a new juicer to make freshly squeezed juices at home? Consider a “gear” juicer instead of the “centrifugal” style. Here’s why: A centrifugal juicer breaks up the fibers of the fruits and veggies, which means any chemical and bacterial residue ends up in the finished juice. A gear juicer presses produce without ...Read more

The “fast” culture that has inundated fashion with cheaply made garments has worked its way into the furniture business, but filling your home with cheaply made furniture is one of the worst things you can do for the environment. Avoid furniture composed of engineered woods, which look like solid wood but are made of particle board, plywood ...Read more

Did you know around 45% of America’s children live in neighborhoods that do not have public libraries or even stores that sell books? The nonprofit Kids Need to Read wants to change that and ensure that all children have access to quality reading materials by serving these communities and their underfunded public schools. If you have good-...Read more

Facebook Marketplace is more than just an easy way to turn your unwanted goods into some cash; it’s also better for the environment. While we’re used to donating items to charity shops, a high percentage of these items actually don’t get resold and end up in landfills. Facebook Marketplace (and other platforms like it) connects buyers and ...Read more