There’s nothing like a fresh, juicy tropical fruit salad to start off your day, but did you know there is one type of exotic fruit you should avoid? The majority of papayas are genetically modified (GMOs). The fruit is considered a GMO because scientists restructured the genetic structure of papaya to combat the papaya ringspot virus. If you want to avoid GMOs, avoid papayas altogether. If you can’t live without them, look for certified organic ones, which can be found at health food stores. Certified organic fruits can’t be genetically modified.

Old prescription medicines should never be flushed down the toilet, since the residual effects of the medicines can contaminate both public and natural waterways. Instead, there are proper disposal containers at many national drug store chains. But did you know you shouldn't flush over-the-counter meds either? Mix them with something unappetizing like old coffee grinds and place them in an airtight container and toss it in the trash. Don’t follow the old-fashioned tip of mixing pills with peanut butter; wild animals find peanut butter tasty and could overdose if they get into your trash.

Trash removal companies like 1-800-GOT-JUNK do more than come to your house and take away the stuff you don’t want. Professional trash removal companies actually assess what you have and sort the items based on what can be donated, recycled and ultimately has to be sent to the landfill. For hard-to-recycle items like electronics and mattresses, many franchises do the hard work for you, collecting items from multiple homes and then doing one big trip to recycle them. They also have relationships with nonprofit organizations and work hand in hand with them to receive furniture, building supplies and other items you may not even know you can donate. When you are strapped for time but have stuff to get rid of, using a professional service may be the greenest way to go.