Man's best friend also needs protection from the sun's harsh rays. If you're planning to spend a lot of time outdoors with your dog, consider applying sunscreen to his snout. Since your dog's coat acts as a natural sun protection barrier, it's the non-fur areas -- like the snout and part of the underbelly -- that need SPF the most. But be sure to choose a sunscreen that has no zinc oxide. This chemical is toxic to animals, so check labels carefully. If you think your dog has a sunburn, give him a cool water-only bath and apply natural neem oil to the coat, which helps heal burns.

We've all seen those little jars of essential oils in the supermarket and wondered what to do with them. Try this easy and effective DIY idea to create a deodorizing and natural alternative to air fresheners: Upcycle a clean plastic container with a lid by filling it with baking soda. Add 15 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil scent, and shake the container with the lid on. Use a hole punch to perforate the plastic lid. Place the lid back on and let the natural fragrance fill the air wherever you need a pleasant scent. The baking soda will absorb odors, and the essential oils will release fragrance.

A simple and easy way to save money at the health food store is to take advantage of the bulk bin section. According to the Bulk Is Green Council, organic bulk foods cost about 89 percent less than buying the same item in packaged form. Since bulk bins do not have excessive packaging, the consumer saves money. Generally, bulk items like nuts, flours, spices, grains and other pantry staples are a greener option to buy since less packaging also means more can be transported on trucks, which means less fuel is wasted. No disposable paper and cardboard packages have to be made, so forests and the energy to make those packages is eliminated, too. But the best reason to buy in bulk? You can try something new without committing to a whole lot of it.