Do Just One Thing

Danny Seo

One of the worst enemies of quality oils like olive, grapeseed and avocado is ultraviolet light. When the sun’s rays hit clear containers sitting on your kitchen counter, the oils inside can begin to deteriorate. When shopping, look for oils packaged in opaque or dark bottles instead. These containers block UV light and help keep oils fresher, longer. The bottles are still recyclable, but the darker glass helps protect the contents from light damage. And avoid storing oils near your stove, where the heat from cooking can speed up their breakdown.

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The aerosol cans that make it easy to spray sunscreen all over your face and body actually could be unhealthy for you. There is a significant consensus from doctors that if you can smell your sunscreen when you’re spraying it, you’re likely inhaling some of the ingredients into your lungs, and active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which help block the UV rays, could be carcinogenic when inhaled. Opt for sunscreen in lotion or stick forms, or spray sunscreen into your hand and apply it to your skin.

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Turn an empty coffee can or large glass jar into a simple countertop compost bin. If you want to make it even more practical, use a container with a lid to help keep odors contained. Fill the bottom with a small layer of baking soda or a piece of newspaper to absorb moisture and odors, then add fruit peels, vegetable scraps and eggshells throughout the day. Empty it regularly into your outdoor compost pile!

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Fresh cuts of protein like fish, chicken and beef can be frozen and used many months later if properly packaged in the freezer. The trick is to leave virtually no space for air between the protein and the packaging material, which helps prevent freezer burn. Wrap fresh protein tightly with freezer paper and then cover in aluminum foil, pressing tightly against the protein and creating a tight seal. When ready to use, thaw for 24 hours in the refrigerator.

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When shipping a package, choose a box that closely fits the item instead of one that’s much larger. Oversized boxes often require extra packing materials and end up shipping a lot of empty space — what the industry calls “shipping air.” A properly sized box reduces waste, uses fewer materials and helps lower the fuel needed to transport the package. If the box is slightly larger than necessary, fill the gaps with recycled paper or other reusable materials rather than plastic fillers.

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Skip the pre-rinse before loading your dishwasher — modern machines are designed to handle food residue. Simply scrape leftover food into the trash or compost and place dishes directly in the rack. Pre-rinsing can use up to 20 gallons of water per load, so skipping it can save hundreds of gallons each month. Let your dishwasher do the work and you’ll save both water and energy.

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Junk mail can be frustrating, and it often keeps arriving even after you opt out. When you receive mail with return envelopes inside, don’t let them go to waste. Repurpose them for your own letters by covering the printed address with a blank label and adding your own stamps. It’s an easy way to give these envelopes a second life while saving money and resources.

Through his best-selling books, television programs, products and syndicated column, environmental lifestyle expert Danny Seo shares the creative ideas that have made him America’s leading authority on modern, eco-friendly living.