Trending
Do Just One Thing
By Danny Seo
Don't let completed jigsaw puzzles collect dust in a closet. Instead, trade them with fellow puzzle lovers through the Jigsaw Puzzle Swap Exchange, an international community where members send puzzles to one another and receive a new one in return. The exchange has a library of more than 5,000 puzzles and has facilitated more than 13,000 swaps. It's a simple way to enjoy more puzzles without continually buying new ones and keep perfectly good puzzles in circulation.
n n n
If you've squeezed the last few drops of toothpaste out of the tube, grab some scissors and cut it open. You can use the residual paste inside to help with a myriad of household tasks. Stains on the carpet? Just rub the paste on top and scrub away with an old brush to help lift the stain and brighten the fibers. Watermarks or coffee stains on the kitchen table or countertop? Rub with toothpaste and wipe away to make those surfaces look good as new!
n n n
Do you enjoy drinking hot green tea? Before you toss those used tea bags, give them a second life as an easy at-home spa treatment. Green tea is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, including EGCG, which have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated skin and leave it feeling softer and refreshed. After brewing your tea, save five to 10 used green tea bags and toss them into a hot bath. Let them steep for about 15 minutes, then soak and relax. It's a simple way to turn something you'd normally throw away into a relaxing, skin-soothing ritual.
n n n
If you're registering for gifts for a major event like a wedding or a housewarming, consider registering at a landscaping center for plants. Large balled trees, flowering bushes and other landscaping plants can be expensive. But over time, they'll mature and add beauty to your yard and also help provide a habitat for wild animals. Plus, think of your registered gifts as something that will grow with you over time. And don't forget: Most nurseries offer a guarantee on plants, so if one or two trees don't make it, they can be replaced free of charge.
n n n
Spare change that accidentally ends up in a load of laundry may seem harmless, but a few coins can cause surprisingly expensive damage. During the spin cycle, a washing machine's drum can reach hundreds of revolutions per minute, and loose coins can become lodged in the drain pump, filter or other moving parts. In some machines, a coin can even block the pump and prevent water from draining properly. Make it a habit to check every pocket before tossing clothes into the washer. This simple step can help keep your machine running smoothly -- and save you from an unnecessary repair bill.
n n n
Buying secondhand clothing at thrift stores or consignment shops is easier on your wallet and can be up to 95 percent more energy-efficient than buying new, since it eliminates much of the energy required to produce, dye, manufacture and transport a new garment. For an even smarter secondhand strategy, when you find a pair of pants, jacket or other tailored piece that fits you perfectly, ask the consignment shop to contact you when that same seller brings in more clothes. Since you already know their pieces fit your body type, you may have found your perfect source for future finds.
n n n
When shopping for clothes, skip virgin polyester whenever possible, along with other petroleum-based synthetics, such as acrylic and nylon. These fabrics are made from fossil fuels, don't readily biodegrade, and can shed tiny plastic microfibers into waterways when washed. Nylon production is also energy-intensive and can generate potent greenhouse gases, while acrylic is difficult to recycle and can release harmful chemicals during manufacturing. If you must buy clothing like fleece or workout clothes, look for secondhand as the next best option.