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Could a coat of paint keep your home warm in the winter and cooler in the summer? "Insulating paint," a technology that was developed by NASA to protect shuttles from extreme temperatures when they re-enter Earth's atmosphere, is produced by adding a special powder made of microscopic "ceramic spheres" that create a barrier wherever you apply it. It has the potential to reduce heat gain/loss by as much as 20%. If you're repainting your home, this small investment added to your paint can save you money in the long run.
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Many frying pans, kitchen utensils and even stainless steel knives feature packaging that claims they are dishwasher-safe. But read the fine print: Most are dishwasher-safe if you follow complex rules about what dishwasher cycles you can and can't run them in. Instead of turning your convenient dishwasher into an inconvenience, extend the life of these kitchen items by washing them by hand, and leave your everyday dishes, glasses and cutlery for the water- and energy-efficient dishwasher.
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When shopping for a reusable water bottle, some options are far healthier than others. Look for bottles made from food-grade stainless steel; they're durable, nontoxic, chemical-free and can be washed and reused indefinitely. Glass is a good second choice since it's also nontoxic, though it's less durable (especially if youղe prone to dropping things). Avoid hard plastic bottles, which can scratch easily and create hiding spots for bacteria, mold and algae.
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Before planting a tree, make sure it isn't an invasive species that can outcompete native plants and disrupt local ecosystems. Fast-growing trees like the Bradford pear tree, tree of heaven and Norway maple may look appealing but can quickly spread, crowd out native trees and reduce biodiversity. These species often alter soil chemistry and light conditions, making it harder for native plants and wildlife to thrive. Instead, choose regionally appropriate native trees.
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Do you completely flatten aluminum soda or beer cans before tossing them into the recycling bin? You shouldn't, and here's why. Many recycling facilities use automatic sorting machines that separate two-dimensional and three-dimensional items from commingled recycling bins. When you flatten a soda can, it can often be mistaken by the sorting machine for paper. And when metal gets into paper recyclables, it can contaminate the entire load. The good news is, dented and slightly crushed cans are fine. But very flat cans should be left out of the recycling bin altogether.
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There are so many parts of fruits and vegetables we often trim away but don't have to. The leafy green tops of carrots, beets, radishes and turnips can be eaten just like other greens or blended into a vibrant pesto. Watermelon rind can be pickled for a surprisingly heart-healthy snack. Even potato skins can be air-fried into crispy, delicious chips. Using the whole plant not only reduces food waste but also stretches your grocery budget.
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If you have airline miles with carriers you rarely fly, consider donating them to charity instead of letting them go unused. Many major airlines allow you to contribute miles through their loyalty programs to vetted nonprofit partners, which use them to book travel for humanitarian work. Minimum donations vary, often starting around 500 to 1,000 miles, though some programs require more. While organizations like UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity and others may participate through airline programs, the exact charities available depend on the airline. Donating is typically as simple as logging in to your frequent flyer account and selecting a "Donate Miles" option.