Family

Adding to your list of non-lame things to do at a nursing home, try filming a video lip-dub. They get seniors out of their daily oatmeal-sleep-more-oatmeal-more-sleep routine. Plus, they friggin hilarious.

Vampire energy refers to electricity that is drained from the outlet even when electronics are not in use. Follow these simple tips to save energy (and some money on the electric bill).

Unplug After Use

Once-a-day things should be unplugged after they are used.

• electric can-openers
• curling irons
• hair dryers

Unplug Once Charged

So many things run on battery. There's no need to keep it plugged in the wall once you've left the house.

A rain garden refers to a planted area that receives water runoff from urban areas like parking lots, walkways, driveways, etc. The water from the area goes into the ground and feeds the plants as opposed to flooding storm drains.

Start a rain garden to encourage water conservation and sustainability in your community space.

Sometimes people won't recycle because they simply don't see the bin or they don't know what goes in it. Encourage proper recycling by painting bins to make the process easier.

People like to chow down at the mall or in the park, and that waste usually gets trashed incorrectly. Start a recycling program at a popular hangout in the following ways:

Contact the Central Office

• Commercial areas like malls have a central office that a security officer can direct you to. Parks and other government spaces are run out of city hall. Call these places and let them know you and friends are volunteering to set up their recycling program.

If you're 13 or older, go to the ENERGY STAR website and sign the pledge. You can convince your family and friends to pledge, too.

A fatal traffic accident is the 10th most common type of death in the world. Improve ever driver's safety—lead a cleanout where your classmates or friends eliminate potential distractions from their cars.

Grab the Trashbags

Have everyone throw out old papers and snack foods that would keep their hands from the wheel.

Make Space in the Backseat

Electronics are the biggest distraction to drivers, so make a spaces in the backseats where drivers can safely store (and maybe even lock up):

Veterans and service members have done a lot for us and our country. Repay them back by hosting a potluck. Here are six simple steps you can follow to help honor the troops: