ArcaMax

Love having houseplants at home? Be sure to use a peat-free soil mix. Peat moss is harvested from peat bogs -- unique ecosystems that store carbon, regulate aquatic systems by acting like natural sponges, and support diverse wildlife. Removing peat disrupts these habitats and contributes to environmental damage. Instead, choose soil mixes made ...Read more

When composting, the general rule of thumb is no cooked foods go into the pile. But that isn’t always the case if you have leftover cooked vegetables and grains. If you saute or fry vegetables using pure vegetable oils, you can easily compost the leftovers; if you use butter or have other animal products like cheese on top, don’t. The same ...Read more

Sure, it’s a superfood, but turmeric is also a super-stainer. If you get turmeric on fabric, don’t worry: You can get the deep orange color out. First, don’t try to rinse it out with hot water; this will only set the stain and make it nearly impossible to remove. Instead, mix a combination of equal parts dish soap and white vinegar and ...Read more

It might seem odd to stock a bag of dried liver and dog treats in your car, but there’s a good reason. If you ever come across a dog or cat that might be in harm’s way and needs to be rescued, these strong-smelling foods can lure the animal to come closer to you and help you retrieve it. Without the treats, it’s very easy for the animals ...Read more

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 ...Read more

Yes, leaded crystal containers can release lead into your body when you drink from them. But there are ways to minimize the risks if you have a collection of glasses and decanters at home. First, never store anything in leaded crystal; studies have shown that alcohol and wine left in leaded crystal decanters have significantly higher amounts of ...Read more

Those little silica packets you find in bottles of vitamins, in some packaged foods and in electronics boxes are there to help protect the product you’re buying by absorbing moisture. You can save the packets and use them for a myriad of purposes around the house; but do you wonder what to do with them when they have absorbed their maximum ...Read more

You don’t want unused medications falling into the wrong hands, so flushing them down the toilet might seem like the right solution, but it’s not. Certain medications can contaminate waterways and disrupt fragile ecosystems. Instead, return them to your pharmacy for proper disposal. Many locations even provide secure drop-off boxes for easy,...Read more

When it's cold outside, there are easy ways to fully 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