Knowledge
/ArcaMax
Do Just One Thing
We all know refilling a reusable water bottle is a greener choice, but what else makes it smart? For starters, it can save you over $300 a year. According to Roundup.org, the average person buys 156 bottles annually, at about $1.98 each -- money that adds up fast. The good news? Over 60% of Americans already own a reusable bottle. If we all ...Read more
Do Just One Thing
If you've bought a bunch of flowers or a gift basket wrapped in cellophane, you might wonder: Is this clear, plasticlike material recyclable? While it looks like plastic, the good news is, it isn't: Cellophane is actually made from wood pulp and not from petroleum. But that doesn't make it eco-friendly, per se; the Sierra Club reports that "...Read more
Do Just One Thing
Do you follow the “Five-Hour Rule” when deciding whether to drive or fly? The rule is simple: If your destination is within a five-hour drive, it’s more eco-friendly to hit the road. Short flights have disproportionately high emissions, resulting in a larger carbon footprint per passenger. Driving also lets you bring extra belongings ...Read more
Do Just One Thing
If you want to help lessen strain on the electrical grid and save money, try this: Run your dishwasher at night. You can load up your dishwasher throughout the day and after dinner, then turn it on right before you head to bed. The grid is less strained during overnight hours, and it's cheaper, too. Energy costs decrease during the hours when we...Read more
Do Just One Thing
If you like to buy fresh pomegranates and use the ruby-colored seeds inside for salads or snacks, you might be surprised to find out you can also use the rind to make a healthy pomegranate tea! Bring water to a boil in a small pot and turn off the heat, then steep the peel in the water for at least 30 minutes to get the maximum flavor and ...Read more
Do Just One Thing
Tired of unwanted birthday gifts every year? Why not use your special day as a way to raise money for your favorite charity? Facebook's "birthday fundraiser" feature lets you host a fundraiser with your friends and followers. On your birthday, it'll announce a special fundraiser for your chosen charity to celebrate your day. Billions of dollars ...Read more
Do Just One Thing
Many kitchen sinks have a garbage disposal, and it's a convenient way to quickly and efficiently dispose of food waste when composting isn't an option. But there are a few organic waste items you should avoid putting down the disposal. Pasta and rice are starchy foods that can expand in your pipes and create clogs. Stringy vegetables like ...Read more
Do Just One Thing
When a recipe calls for an unusual flour made from almonds, rice or oats, running to the store or looking for another recipe aren’t your only options. You can make these flours in your own home. All you need are raw almonds, white rice or uncooked oats. Toss the ingredient into your food processor and put it to work. As the blades process the ...Read more
Do Just One Thing
If you use a pitcher with a water filter inside (like a Brita-style model), it can feel wasteful when you replace the filter every month with a new one. The good thing about the activated charcoal filters is that they also make excellent containers to grow new plants. All you have to do is snip off the top and fill the charcoal mixture with ...Read more