ArcaMax

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