ArcaMax

While most foods have an expiration date, there are some everyday staples that never expire. While there are obvious ingredients like sugar and salt that can last indefinitely, white rice also lasts for decades. Unlike brown rice, white rice has no bran oil in it, so it can last up to 30 years in dry conditions. Maple syrup and honey are two ...Read more

Once you’ve opened a carton or jug of dairy milk, it only has about a one-week shelf life in the fridge. If you smell the milk and it seems like it’s already turning less than a week after opening, it might be where you store it that’s the problem. When milk is exposed to warm temps, it spoils more quickly. Store it in the back of the ...Read more

If you eat pre-sliced deli meat, you might be surprised to learn those slices of salami, ham and turkey can go rancid very quickly. In fact, the meats can turn bad in as little as 72 hours, developing mold and smelling less fresh overall. The best solution is to buy only as much pre-sliced deli meat as you will use quickly and to store it in an ...Read more

Ceiling fans are always a good investment to circulate air in the home, keeping it as cool or warm as you need it in the most efficient manner possible. When you want it cooler inside, have the fan go in a counterclockwise direction to push cool air down. When you want it warmer inside, set the fan in the opposite direction, which helps move ...Read more

If you buy food packaged in cans, you’re probably choosing the most environmentally friendly option. Nearly 70 million tons of steel is recycled every year and made into new steel products. And the long shelf life of canned food (typically three to five years) makes cans the ideal packaging to stock a pantry. But a big reason why cans are far ...Read more

When you’re watching your favorite shows on a streaming platform, the way you watch it can have a profound impact on how much energy you use for your entertainment. Start by watching at a lower resolution; instead of the super-high res 4K or 1080p, try for 720p to reduce energy usage. If you watch shows on your phone, always stream over a Wi-...Read more

With nearly 1.3 billion gallons of paint mixed and sold every year in the United States, a lot of paint ends up wasted because we chose the wrong shade. It can be hard to choose the perfect hue from paint chips, and when we pick something we like, it often appears too bright, too dark or just wrong on our walls. To help avoid this financial and ...Read more

You probably have a box of old baking soda in your refrigerator that needs to be replaced, but don’t toss it -- you can use it to help clean around the house. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to your empty coffeepot and fill the rest with cool water, dissolving the mixture, then run it through your coffee maker. The baking soda mixture will help ...Read more

If you live in a climate that has freezing cold winter days, one of the biggest challenges for wildlife is to find fresh water to drink. You can help give birds and other animals a drink of water by investing in a solar-powered fountain that has a feature called a “water wiggler.” This prevents ice from forming and keeps the fresh water ...Read more

Did you stock up on too much hand sanitizer during COVID lockdown? The good news is there are myriad uses for it other than keeping your hands germ-free. One of the most ingenious is deodorizing smelly feet by simply rubbing a small amount of sanitizer on the soles; the alcohol kills the odor-causing bacteria. You can also clean digital devices ...Read more

For many of us, the idea of leftover wine seems like an oxymoron, but if you do have a little extra vino from a party, you can use it to help your plants. The nitrogen content in wine is beneficial for plants, gardens and compost bins. Just pour the wine directly into a compost bin or dilute it with water if you are feeding it to plants to give ...Read more

There are a number of creative uses for used coffee grounds, but did you know you can also use them on your dog? Fleas detest coffee, so instead of using a harsh chemical flea shampoo or spray on your beloved pet, just gather some used grounds to keep the fleas at bay. The next time you give your dog a bath, massage a handful of grounds into the...Read more

If you love to craft with kids, it’s important to stock up on supplies that are free of harsh chemicals. Many products like ink pads, markers and craft paints can contain asthma-triggering chemicals or have high levels of volatile organic compounds. The basic rule of thumb is, if the product has a smell, it’s likely chemical-based. How do ...Read more

Oranges have one of the largest carbon footprints of all fruits and vegetables, but it depends on where they come from. The majority of oranges come from Brazil, which means they are transported from far away to the United States. If you purchase domestically grown citrus from California or Florida, the footprint is much lower. Growing, ...Read more

Modern-day paper shredders do an excellent job of finely cutting, dicing and obliterating important documents so they are impossible to piece back together. While these shredders are great for protecting your privacy, they are terrible for the environment. When paper is cut into small pieces, the fiber sizes are reduced to the point of being non...Read more

Did you know that most yoga and stretching mats are made from hard-to-recycle PVC material? They can off-gas chemicals, and they don’t degrade in landfills. Instead of plastic mats, look for greener alternatives like cork, which comes from a fully renewable resource and offers more grip to help you achieve the perfect pose. There are also ...Read more

It’s not always necessary to send your wool and cashmere sweaters to the dry cleaner to get them clean. If the reason for cleaning is odor, just spraying the sweater with vodka can help neutralize the odor-causing bacteria and freshen your clothes right up. If they’re in need of a wash, the delicate or slow cycle on your washing machine is ...Read more

While most public tap water is safe to drink, it’s always a good idea to be aware of certain red flags before you take a sip. One of the easiest ways to assess your water's safety is to use your sense of smell. If water smells musty, metallic, fishy or like rotten eggs, that could indicate the presence of bacteria, organic matter or high ...Read more

Cash is always the most appreciated donation if you want to support a local food pantry, but so are things that are considered “nonessential.” Donate cake mixes, frosting, candles and a cake pan so families in need can celebrate a holiday or birthday. You can give cookie mixes and brownie mixes, too. And consider spices to help bring flavor ...Read more

If you shop online, opt for ground shipping instead of overnight. Yes, it’s cheaper, but it’s also better for the environment because it minimizes air shipping, which uses more fuel and has a higher carbon footprint than ground transport. Even better, if you work in an office, have your items shipped there. There's a very high likelihood ...Read more