ArcaMax

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, “the clothes dryer is one of the largest energy users in the home, often consuming as much as a new refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes washer combined.” The nonprofit suggests air-drying whenever possible, and if you need to use the dryer, make sure the lint filter is clean before use. If...Read more

As shopping has become less about getting necessities and more about acquiring more stuff, there’s a rising movement to buy fewer things. One way to reduce your shopping is to shop as a chore, not as a fun activity. Paying with cash instead of credit cards can help you think twice about whether you really need something. And for big ticket ...Read more

Did you know billions of dollars are wasted every year on unwanted gifts that end up landfilled? While it may be considered poor etiquette to show up at a party without a gift, what you bring should be carefully considered. Instead of nonperishable goods, opt for more sustainable options, like an organic fruit assortment, fresh flowers or a nice...Read more

Packing light when you travel has two benefits: It’s easier for you to get around, and it reduces your carbon footprint. When you check a heavy bag for a flight, it requires more fuel to transport to your destination. Opting for a carry-on bag instead helps save fuel, but it also helps you realize that you really don’t need tons of wardrobe ...Read more

Here’s something you can stop using: fabric softener. While it’s touted as a product to help clothes feel smoother and reduce static cling, it’s also completely unnecessary. The chemical residue that’s left on clothing can irritate skin, build up on clothes and lead to your washing machine working less efficiently over time. But if you ...Read more

The nonprofit The Wildlife Trust says there’s one simple thing pet owners can do to help lower their dog and cat’s carbon footprint. They say for pets on a meat-based diet, look for protein sources from poultry, like chicken and turkey, and avoid beef, which has the highest environmental footprint for meats. Opt for sustainable seafood ...Read more

One of the easiest ways to help combat climate change is to plant a tree. But did you know that some trees aren’t as good at absorbing and storing CO2 emissions as others? The U.S. Forest Service did a study in 2002 that researched which trees in an urban environment did the best to absorb CO2. Trees like black walnut, ponderosa pine, Douglas ...Read more

Are you looking for a new juicer to make freshly squeezed juices at home? Consider a “gear” juicer instead of the “centrifugal” style. Here’s why: A centrifugal juicer breaks up the fibers of the fruits and veggies, which means any chemical and bacterial residue ends up in the finished juice. A gear juicer presses produce without ...Read more

The “fast” culture that has inundated fashion with cheaply made garments has worked its way into the furniture business, but filling your home with cheaply made furniture is one of the worst things you can do for the environment. Avoid furniture composed of engineered woods, which look like solid wood but are made of particle board, plywood ...Read more