Throughout the week you diligently placed your used glass, aluminum, steel, plastic and paper items into your recycling bin. No junk mail got tossed in the trash. No wine bottle went astray. And you even remembered to set your bin on the curb ON pick-up day (yes!).

You have the consumer recycling procedure down pat. But does a meticulous recycler like you ever wonder what actually happens to your recycling after it leaves your bin?

Craving a space-enhancing island for your kitchen? What about an entertainment center for your living area? Look no further for your furniture needs than a forgotten dresser. With a little do-it-yourself lovin’ you can transform an old dresser into the functional furniture item of your choice.

We’ve all heard stories about people who live without spending money. You’re probably thinking, “Yeah. I know someone who lives without money. My mother’s friend’s son lives in her basement. I’m pretty sure he lives for free.” This isn't that type of story.

Carpe Diem gains clear meaning when tomorrow will never come. Many people believe that the calendar of the ancient Maya people predicts that The End Of The World is right around the corner, and on the eve of the apocalypse you are probably wondering how you will ever finish all the things you need to do before The End arrives.

Fear not! Whether you believe that the world will end on December 21, 2012 or not, there are certain tasks that need prioritizing so that you can greet the ending of life as we know with a smile and a shout, and celebrate as the world burns down.

Are your pantry shelves lined to the edge and piled high with items you’ll never use? Maybe you have some unhealthy things lurking about, too. Your pantry doesn’t have to look like you’re ready to feed the neighborhood in case of an emergency. A well-stocked pantry loaded with healthy food and convenience is just a few simple steps away.

All of us appreciate wildlife, animals and sustainable practices here, right? Without a doubt! So, naturally, we want to respect and not sully animals’ land and wildlife. In our modern times, humans and wildlife tend to come into conflict more often, which causes the following: Destruction of crops, buildings and land; Death of animals.

Thankfully, there are organizations dedicated to curbing human animal conflict.

You're a long-lived greenie, so when you order takeout, you always tell the person on the phone that no, you don't need those pesky plastic utensils. Every so often, though, your favorite delivery person lets you down, and you get another set of that useless, plastic cutlery. Fret not! There are many ways to reuse plastic utensils, and no -- we aren't including eating.

While we're all hopeful about 2012's job outlook, it's safe to state that the overall employment forecast is a bit panic educing. Employable people still have trouble finding work, full-time jobs are scarce, and "layoff" is a word some of us hear far too often. We un and underemployed people can breathe a sigh of semi-relief, though. There are some interesting organizations and programs that are bent on getting enthusiastic people alternative work options.

If it means not receiving that blender, sweater or strange-smelling candle…again…then a gift card as an alternative to the usual unwanted presents sure seems appealing. But you eco-minded consumers might not like what happens to that card after you spend all the funds.

Chances are, if you hand over a spent gift card to the store clerk it will probably get chucked in the (gasp!) trash and end up in a landfill. Rarely do stores reuse depleted gift cards. And what are you supposed to do with that piece of plastic if you keep it?

A desk muddled with papers, bric-a-brac, and random clutter makes clearing your mind difficult. Forget actually getting to work.Whether you work from home or just need a systematic spot to pay bills and check email, decluttering your home office can save you from unnecessary stress. Get ready to mark off the to-do lists and complete those everyday tasks; these five tips to an organized home office will leave you with one slick, efficient workstation.