ArcaMax

Before buying something new, check a resale site first. Shopping secondhand helps extend the life of perfectly good products, reduces demand for new manufacturing and keeps usable items out of landfills. Just keep one thing in mind: The biggest environmental benefit comes when a pre-owned purchase replaces something you would have bought new, ...Read more

Here's how to have a green wedding. Skip paper waste by sending digital invitations and managing RSVPs online, or choose recycled or plantable seed-paper stationery if you prefer a printed touch. Rent reusable decor, linens, dishes and glassware instead of buying disposable items, and source local, in-season flowers -- or opt for potted plants ...Read more

Booking a morning flight can be a more climate-friendly choice. The reason comes down to contrails -- the streaks of condensation aircraft leave behind in the sky. During daylight hours, contrails can reflect some of the sun's energy back into space, helping to offset a portion of aviation's warming impact. At night, however, contrails act more ...Read more

If you enjoy sparkling water, an at-home carbonator is one of the most sustainable options available. By carbonating your tap water, you eliminate the need to manufacture, package and transport heavy bottles. Studies show that a home carbonation system can offset its environmental footprint after just a few dozen uses, making it a smart choice ...Read more

Before you hit record, consider whether a photo might tell the story just as well. Video-heavy social platforms require enormous amounts of data storage and streaming power, which translates into a significant carbon footprint. Short videos can be fun and engaging, but a single photo post uses far less data and energy to upload, store and view. ...Read more

When possible, pay with a digital wallet on your smartphone instead of relying on a physical credit card. Digital payment systems use hardware you already own, helping reduce the demand for the billions of plastic cards manufactured each year from PVC, metals and electronic components. As an added eco bonus, digital wallets often make it easier ...Read more

It seems harmless: You take a multivitamin, so why not toss one into your dog's breakfast to give him all the added benefits? But the reality is that a human's multivitamin is not made for animals, and, in fact, some of the percentages of vitamins in our supplements can be toxic to pets. Additionally, chewable vitamins often contain sweeteners ...Read more

You have an old car; a charity wants it, will pick it up for free and sell it to support its good works. Seems like a win-win situation, right? Unfortunately, many nonprofits that have car donation programs are operated by for-profit towing companies. The towing companies pick up the car and sell it to dealers or as scrap metal, then give a tiny...Read more

Before wearing or packing away your boots, take a few minutes to clean off any mud and dirt. Soil can harbor bacteria, animal waste, pesticides and other contaminants that you may not want tracked into your home, car or luggage. If you're traveling internationally, clean boots are even more important. Many countries, including Australia, New ...Read more

Skip the dryer and let your clothes air-dry whenever possible. Air-drying can reduce the energy used for laundry by as much as 75%. To keep garments looking their best, turn clothes inside out if they're hanging outdoors to prevent fading. Lay sweaters and other knits flat on a drying rack to help them keep their shape. If towels or jeans feel a...Read more

Bringing your own ceramic mug for coffee or tea is a smart sustainability move, but it works best when you use it often. Because ceramic mugs require significant energy to manufacture, most need to be used at least 20 to 100 times to offset their production footprint compared to disposable paper cups. When you factor in the hot water and energy ...Read more

If you want to feed and support bees, resist the urge to give them honey. Honey from outside or unknown sources can contain harmful pathogens, including diseases that can devastate entire bee colonies. Instead, make a simple bee-safe energy boost by mixing equal parts white granulated sugar and warm water. Place a tiny drop on a spoon or flower ...Read more

Before tossing older pantry staples, take a second look -- some kitchen essentials can last indefinitely, thanks to their unique natural properties. Honey’s low moisture and acidity prevent bacterial growth; vanilla extract preserves itself through alcohol; and sugar and salt contain no moisture to support spoilage. White rice, dried beans, ...Read more

Whether you're vacationing, boating or picnicking near a lake, river or beach, resist the urge to toss produce scraps into the water. While apple cores and banana peels may seem harmless, food waste can deplete oxygen levels as it decays, fuel harmful algae blooms and disrupt wildlife by attracting animals to unnatural food sources. In many ...Read more

Sharing a bar of soap for handwashing is generally safe, hygienic and surprisingly eco-friendly. Soap works by attaching to dirt, oils and microbes, while friction and running water wash them away -- making the risk of spreading germs from a shared bar remarkably low. Research and public health experts have found that even when a bar of soap ...Read more

When you’re dining at fast-food or casual dining chains, you can minimize waste. Chains like Subway, Chipotle and Sweetgreen create far less waste by using simple paper wraps, fiber bowls and compostable materials instead of layers of plastic, foam and oversized boxes. Subway keeps it simple, with sandwiches wrapped in a single sheet of paper ...Read more

The most common culprits for fresh fruit and vegetable spoilage are natural bacteria and microbes that are all around us. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says when fruits and vegetables are exposed to moisture, these bacteria and microbes rapidly multiply and ruin fresh produce. One way to help preserve produce and to prevent food waste is to...Read more

If a room smells funny or has a strong odor, don't reach for scented candles, room sprays or plug-in air fresheners. Most fragrance products for rooms contain artificial scents and chemical phthalates that can be unhealthy to breathe in over time. The best smell is no smell at all, so try to find the source of the odor and remove it. Products ...Read more

Did you know you can cook a pot of pasta without even having the stove on the whole time? Try this energy-saving and foolproof cooking tip: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the pasta; cook at a simmer for five minutes, then turn off the stove; cover and let the pasta sit in the hot water for an additional five minutes. Check the pasta: It ...Read more

If you're new to gardening, start with vegetables that germinate quickly, resist common pests and thrive in a variety of soil conditions. Some of the easiest beginner-friendly vegetables to grow from seed include radishes, green beans, lettuce, zucchini and peas, because they sprout fast and require minimal maintenance. Large seeds like beans ...Read more