ArcaMax

Scrap gold is a valuable material that can easily be traded in for cold, hard cash. But if you think pure gold can only come from broken jewelry or coins, think again: You might have some scrap gold in unexpected places. One unusual place is old dentures! They contain scrap gold and silver that can be salvaged easily and recycled. It’s not a ...Read more

If you have small packets of mustard in your junk or office drawer, pull them out and put them to good use. Mustard is more than just a condiment; it can also combat odors. If your reusable plastic, glass or metal containers have a lingering scent inside, you can neutralize the smell with mustard. Just squeeze a few packets of mustard into the ...Read more

It’s important to brush your teeth, but did you know your toothbrush can make you sick? A wet toothbrush can harbor cold and flu germs, picked up when you were previously ill. To prevent re-infecting yourself, take a few steps to keep your brush clean during cold and flu season. The easiest way is to drop the head of the brush in a small cup ...Read more

Many decorating blogs suggest using fishing line to hang up outdoor decorations, since it can hold a lot of weight and is nearly invisible. But that lack of visibility can be problematic, too, as the clear plastic wire can be hazardous to birds that fly through your yard. While it may be aesthetically pleasing, avoid using fishing line to rig up...Read more

When it’s time to get new pillowcases for your bed, don’t toss the worn-out cases into the trash. They are great “pockets” to repurpose in the closet to help with clothing organization and storage. When you’re switching out your seasonal clothing this winter, consider packing summertime essentials like bathing suits and shorts inside ...Read more

If you want total assurance that the vintage blanket, T-shirt or fabric you bought is sanitary, skip washing it and put it straight into the dryer. Mist your thrift store finds with a little water, then run everything on high heat for 30 minutes. This will destroy any bedbugs and bacteria, and it will help deodorize the items, too. If they are ...Read more

Do you wash your jeans regularly? It’s no surprise that overwashing denim can cause jeans to lose their shape, color and overall lifespan, as frequent laundering weakens the fibers. According to Real Simple, you should wash your jeans only every four to six wears or when they’re visibly dirty. Bath towels are another item that doesn’t need...Read more

Thinking about giving the outside of your house a fresh paint job? The color of paint you choose can have a big impact on how energy-efficient your home can be. Lighter-colored homes in warmer climates have a higher light reflective value (LRV). Pure black measures 0% LRV, and pure white measures 100% LRV. By choosing a lighter tint, you reflect...Read more

Here's an easy way to reuse plastic Bubble Wrap to help save energy at home: Use it in your freezer. Since Bubble Wrap has pockets of air that help insulate, wrapping items that need to stay frozen helps them stay ice-cold, especially if you open the freezer door regularly. Consider wrapping containers of ice cream and frozen meats in Bubble ...Read more

Have you ever accidentally put a wool sweater into the washing machine and worried you'd shrunk it? First, don't toss it in the dryer -- that will set the fibers and make it impossible to save. Instead, soak the sweater for 30 minutes in the sink with a few tablespoons of gentle soap (like shampoo). Place it on a large bath towel. Then gently ...Read more

Have you heard of the Swedish term "plogging"? It’s a combination of jogging and picking up litter. The movement began in 2016 as a way to clean up walkways and prevent trash and other debris from ending up in waterways. It also happens to be a great workout, incorporating jogging or walking, bending, squatting and carrying extra weight as you...Read more

Did you know that human hair can be composted? It’s actually a great organic material to add to gardens, compost bins or soil, thanks to its high nitrogen content. The key is to use hair that hasn’t been chemically treated or styled with products, as those can introduce unwanted chemicals into your soil. Composting it is simple: Just mix the...Read more

If you're choosing blinds for your windows and live in a hot climate, avoid metal blinds. During the day, the sun's rays can heat up the metal blinds and essentially turn them into a hanging radiator in your home. The hot blinds can also impact your thermostat, making the indoor environment read hotter than it actually is, which forces your air ...Read more

When it comes to helping wildlife, the best thing you can do is keep them wild. Viewing wild animals should always be done at a distance; never go near them, and especially do not try to feed them. Don't try to make an Instagram moment by getting your photo taken with a wild animal; they are unpredictable and could try to defend themselves. ...Read more

Forgot your reusable coffee thermos, so you grabbed a paper cup instead? It happens! But is it OK to reuse that paper cup? Turns out, it's not. Single-use paper cups are designed for just one use. They’re lined with a thin layer of plastic -- typically polyethylene -- which can begin to break down each time it comes into contact with hot ...Read more

In our ever-evolving digital age, you might wonder: Is it greener to stream a movie or to download it? It turns out downloading is the better choice. Streaming relies on energy-intensive servers and data centers, while downloading content reduces dependence on these systems, leading to lower emissions and energy usage. However, when comparing ...Read more

Are the shoes you just bought too tight? There's no need to wear them and cause your feet to suffer in the hopes of stretching them out. Instead, try this DIY shoe stretcher spray made with two household ingredients: rubbing alcohol and water. Make a mixture of 50% water and 50% rubbing alcohol and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray generously ...Read more

Household plants can be a natural and efficient way to purify the air inside your home. But if your plants get sick -- with white or black mold spores on the outside of the leaves -- they can also contribute to an unhealthy air environment. For sturdy plants, wipe down the leaves with a damp microfiber towel to pick up the mold spores; wash the ...Read more

Have you ever thought about how unclean the inside of your car really is? Many of us rarely clean the interior thoroughly, even though our car is a second home. Some independent studies have shown that cars can harbor mold, mildew, bacteria and high levels of unhealthy volatile organic compounds (mostly due to those artificial car fresheners ...Read more

One of the reasons some people insist on using a plastic straw in their beverages is that it helps prevent drinks from staining their teeth. But dentists have debunked that myth: The liquid still enters the mouth and makes contact with the enamel of your teeth. The only way to avoid your teeth being stained by the liquids you drink would be to ...Read more