ArcaMax

Did you know the color of your jeans can have an environmental impact? Turns out faded or distressed jeans are created through a process that involves multiple washes in harsh chemicals. It’s estimated that somewhere between 900 and 1,600 gallons of water are used per pair of jeans, and chemicals like bleach end up in waterways. Dark finishes ...Read more

With so many viewing options, ranging from conventional cable boxes to streaming services like Netflix, there are some eco-friendly choices you can make to minimize energy usage when watching movies and TV shows. If you only use streaming platforms, go with an "internet-ready" TV that needs only a small plug-in device for streaming platforms to ...Read more

When buying old books, do a quick inspection to make sure they aren't infested with bed bugs. Look at the edges of the book where the pages stack up; do you see black spots? This may be a sign of bed bugs. Open the book and look at the pages and binding to see if any small insects are nesting inside. Since they can be hard to see, try laying the...Read more

When you need hydration or drinks on the go, the greenest choice is to fill a reusable water bottle. But if you want flavored beverages like sports drinks, coffee and tea, the next best thing is to choose the "instant" or powdered forms of these drinks and make them yourself. When you compare premade beverages in glass or plastic bottles to the ...Read more

If you're in the habit of clipping your fingernails and letting the trimmings go down the drain, stop. While fingernails are composed of organic materials called keratin and biotin, nails really do not biodegrade, so trimmings can clog drains and cause problems over time. And because they are so strong and durable, using a chemical drain cleaner...Read more

The paperboard boxes that grocery items like cereal and frozen food often come packaged in are recyclable materials. If the boxes are greasy, soaked or dirty, they should never be put in your recycling, since they are a contaminant. Also, if the box has a small plastic window (often seen in boxes for things like pasta), just peel off the plastic...Read more

Every drop counts when it comes to saving water, especially in summer. Try these easy backyard tips: Water early in the morning or late in the evening, when the water has a better chance to soak into the soil instead of evaporating in the sun. Aim the hose at the base of your plants rather than watering from above. And don’t forget to mulch --...Read more

If you have annoying houseflies and fruit flies zipping around your kitchen, avoid the temptation to grab a chemical spray, hang glue traps or even swat them with your hands. One of the easiest ways to capture them is to simply use apple cider vinegar. The insects are attracted to the pungent smell and will fly directly to it. To capture the ...Read more

Take out the rechargeable battery whenever you're not using small personal electronics like camcorders or digital cameras. Even when turned off, these items still drain the batteries and cause them to be totally dead the next time you attempt to turn them on. By removing the batteries, you also help extend their overall life, since they ...Read more

Yes, your dog's favorite toys need to be cleaned periodically. They spend a lot of time in mouths, outdoors or just lying on the ground picking up germs and bacteria. When you're ready to clean them, inspect them first. Are they falling apart or brittle? It may be time to dispose of some toys, since small pieces that break off can be a choking ...Read more

Did you know black dogs and cats are the least likely to be adopted from animal shelters? It’s not due to superstition -- it’s because they’re harder to photograph, so they don’t “pop” in online listings or social media feeds. Their facial expressions can also be more difficult to capture, making it harder for potential adopters to ...Read more

According to NSF International -- the leading authority that "manufacturers, regulators and consumers look to for public health standards" -- the spatula is one of the dirtiest tools in your kitchen, because wood and rubber varieties can have scratches that hide E. coli, yeast and mold. To fix this, be sure to wash (and sanitize) them in the ...Read more

Two reasons to shop for groceries from local merchants instead of big-box stores: You're supporting your local economy, and you'll likely cut back on single-use plastic. Supermarket chains have a practice of excessively wrapping their fresh produce in single-use plastic. It helps keep produce fresher longer and protects it from the hundreds of ...Read more

We all know refilling a reusable water bottle is a greener choice, but what else makes it smart? For starters, it can save you over $300 a year. According to Roundup.org, the average person buys 156 bottles annually, at about $1.98 each -- money that adds up fast. The good news? Over 60% of Americans already own a reusable bottle. If we all ...Read more

If you've bought a bunch of flowers or a gift basket wrapped in cellophane, you might wonder: Is this clear, plasticlike material recyclable? While it looks like plastic, the good news is, it isn't: Cellophane is actually made from wood pulp and not from petroleum. But that doesn't make it eco-friendly, per se; the Sierra Club reports that "...Read more

Do you follow the “Five-Hour Rule” when deciding whether to drive or fly? The rule is simple: If your destination is within a five-hour drive, it’s more eco-friendly to hit the road. Short flights have disproportionately high emissions, resulting in a larger carbon footprint per passenger. Driving also lets you bring extra belongings ...Read more

If you want to help lessen strain on the electrical grid and save money, try this: Run your dishwasher at night. You can load up your dishwasher throughout the day and after dinner, then turn it on right before you head to bed. The grid is less strained during overnight hours, and it's cheaper, too. Energy costs decrease during the hours when we...Read more

If you like to buy fresh pomegranates and use the ruby-colored seeds inside for salads or snacks, you might be surprised to find out you can also use the rind to make a healthy pomegranate tea! Bring water to a boil in a small pot and turn off the heat, then steep the peel in the water for at least 30 minutes to get the maximum flavor and ...Read more

Tired of unwanted birthday gifts every year? Why not use your special day as a way to raise money for your favorite charity? Facebook's "birthday fundraiser" feature lets you host a fundraiser with your friends and followers. On your birthday, it'll announce a special fundraiser for your chosen charity to celebrate your day. Billions of dollars ...Read more

Many kitchen sinks have a garbage disposal, and it's a convenient way to quickly and efficiently dispose of food waste when composting isn't an option. But there are a few organic waste items you should avoid putting down the disposal. Pasta and rice are starchy foods that can expand in your pipes and create clogs. Stringy vegetables like ...Read more