Every day, I pen a syndicated column called “Do Just One Thing” that appears in newspapers across the country. Over the past several years, I’ve accumulated thousands of tips that not only help people live a little bit greener each day, but are smart ways to cut waste and save money as well. In each issue of this magazine, I’ll round up my all-time favorite tips. They’re clever, fun, and simple enough that I think you’ll Naturally love to try them. –DANNY SEO

#1 Cooking Right

Despite all of our digital devices, many of us still have a box with handwritten recipe cards we keep in the kitchen and pull out when it’s time to bake goodies, such as Grandma’s famous chocolate chip cookies. But paper cards can get messy and degrade over time. If you want to protect them from splatters and spills without resorting to anti-eco lamination, try hair spray. Just spray a light coating of the stuff on the cards and let them dry. It’ll give a protective coating that prevents grease, water, and food stains from destroying the cards.

#2 Absolut Saver

Let’s toast to vodka! Thanks to its high alcohol content, along with its neutral smell and taste, the libation can help neutralize odors. Spray a little vodka on things that are hard to clean like throw pillows, blankets, and mattresses to refresh them. And try this: If you applied too much perfume, there’s no need to shower again to remove the overpowering aroma. Just wipe vodka where you sprayed too much. It’ll tone down the scent as it evaporates from your skin.

#3 Tub of Tea

Do you enjoy drinking hot green tea? After you’ve brewed a cup or pot of green tea, save the used tea bag for a spa day at home. Green tea is delicious—plus a fantastic overall detox for soothing sore muscles and softening tough skin. Just toss 5 to 10 used green tea bags into a hot bath and let them steep for about 15 minutes. Then relax and let the natural power of green tea make you feel amazing.

#4 Read All About It

If you’re like me, you love getting your news from print newspapers every single morning. Sure, you can recycle old newspapers in regular curbside recycling bins, but why not donate them to charity instead? Local animal shelters are always in need of newspapers to use as bedding for cats and dogs that are up for adoption. And thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army will eagerly accept newspapers to wrap fragile items for sale inside their stores.

#5 Soft Scrub

If you’ve squeezed the last few drops of toothpaste out of the tube, grab some scissors and cut it open. You can use the residual paste inside to help with a myriad of household tasks. Stains on the carpet? Just rub the paste on top and scrub away with an old brush to help lift the stain and brighten the fibers. Watermarks or coffee stains on the kitchen table or countertop? Rub with toothpaste to make those surfaces look as good as new.