ArcaMax

If you have food waste, here are some quick and easy ways to use leftover scraps, peels and trimmings in the kitchen. Broccoli stalks are edible and can be sliced, trimmed and made into a nutrient-dense soup. Rinds from hard cheeses can be tossed directly into sauces and soups to add a new dimension of cheesy, salty flavor. For a most delicious ...Read more

If you're a parent throwing a birthday party for your child, why not invite other moms and dads to come along and do a toy swap? While the kids are playing, parents can go through bags of unused toys and trade with each other. It’s a great way to reuse toys, save money and give new-to-them toys to your kids. Whatever doesn’t get swapped can ...Read more

Cast-iron cookware has been around for generations, and it is extremely durable. But you may want to eventually replace your skillet and might wonder if you can recycle it. The answer is yes: Iron is the main component of steel, and cast-iron cookware is highly desirable and recyclable. While you can’t recycle old cast iron in your curbside ...Read more

If you're on the fence about buying the newest expensive gadget, consider renting it for a week instead. Digital cameras, camcorders, iPads and gaming systems can be rented by the week at many national chains, like Rent-A-Center. Return the item after a week, and then make the big investment if you really, truly need the item. Another idea: If ...Read more

When it's cold outside, there are easy ways to maximize the efficiency of your home's heating system. One of the best things you can do is to raise the temperature on your thermostat slowly, allowing it to reach the desired temperature one or two degrees at a time. If you raise the heat quickly, your pump uses something called a heat strip, ...Read more

When looking at cleaning supplies and insecticides, there are three key words that can help you determine exactly how toxic the product is: "caution," "warning" and "danger." If you see "caution," it means the overall product ingredients are low in toxicity. "Warning" is a step up in toxicity. And if you see "danger," the product contains the ...Read more

When it's time to bring your houseplants indoors, do this one thing: Sprinkle them with black pepper. Ground black pepper is a natural deterrent for insects, so any little bugs that may get a free ride into your home will run away from your peppered plants. Just mix a large amount of black pepper with white flour and gently sprinkle it on top of...Read more

Did you know your everyday purchases can also help feed an animal in need? Skout’s Honor -- a maker of eco-friendly pet care products -- donates a meal for every bottle sold. To date, nearly 33 million meals have been donated to animal shelters in 26 states. It’s all through the Greater Good Charities’ GOODS program, a nonprofit that ...Read more

Broccoli is considered a super-vegetable by many nutritionists, since the heads are nutrient-dense in vitamins B1, B6, E, calcium, iron, niacin and zinc. But did you know broccoli leaves aren't just edible and nutrient-rich, but really delicious, too? As nutritious as kale, broccoli leaves shouldn't be tossed into the trash. Just wash and treat ...Read more