A greasy pizza box can be hard to recycle since the grease stains can contaminate the load of recyclable cardboard. So here's one thing you can ask for the next time you order pizza: Ask them to place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom of the box, then place the pizza on top. This helps keep the grease from seeping into the cardboard, plus it keeps the pizza hotter. And don't forget: If the aluminum foil is clean enough, just crumple it up and toss it into the recycling bin. It's recyclable!

Instead of plastic bottled water, it's cheaper to drink tap water. But how do you know if the water from whatever tap you are using is safe? If you don't have a water testing kit, try this simple test. First, fill a clear glass with water from the tap. Hold it up to a bright light or the sun, and see if it's cloudy or clear. It should be clear. If there's anything settling at the bottom of the glass or things floating, that could mean there is dirt, metals or bacteria in the water. Now smell it: If it has a foul odor, that's a sign to avoid it. While it may just be safe chlorine or sulfur, it's better to skip it.

Worried about ticks and Lyme disease in your own backyard? Instead of dousing the yard with chemical sprays or avoiding it altogether, try this one thing: Use gravel. Ticks are fond of soft surfaces like grass and leaves, not rough surfaces like wood chips and gravel. By placing a trail of gravel between your outdoor entertaining area and where ticks may reside, you create a natural barrier that keeps them far away. It's a simple, chemical-free way of keeping those bloodsuckers away from you.