ArcaMax

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

Got an old down feather comforter or pillow, and not sure what to do with it? Since old feather-filled home products can also harbor dust, mold, mildew and bacteria, it's best not to donate them to charity. Instead, dump the contents in your garden. Since feathers for these products are just washed (not chemically treated), they break down ...Read more

When shopping online, opt for the slowest possible shipping method to get your order. When you give an online retailer more time for shipping, it allows them to use more eco-friendly methods for getting your package to you. This means making sure the package is on a truck that is close to your home anyway and consolidating your orders in fewer ...Read more

When you’re doing laundry at home, you should always wash towels by themselves. When you wash towels with synthetic fabrics (like those that make up workout clothes), the towels will absorb all the water in the wash and make it tougher for your smelly clothes to get clean. And zippers, snaps and closures on clothes can snag on towels and cause...Read more