Wild animals are attracted to any sources of food and will come back time and time again looking if they find it. While we can help wildlife by using tight-fitting garbage cans and not intentionally feeding them, there are items that may be inadvertently attracting them. In addition to easy-access bird feeders and unturned compost bins, well-used barbecue grills can be tempting, too. The smell of charred meat and vegetables can entice bears and other animals. To prevent your grill from being torn apart, give it a good scrubbing and wash. When it's dry, fill it with wadded-up newspaper to help absorb odors -- just remember to remove it before you start the grill!

Over 300 million scrap tires are generated every single year in the United States, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. When your tires need to be replaced, do it with a reputable dealer that will recycle your old ones. Many tires today are being shredded and used in roadways and also being made into other products. But to limit the number of tires you replace in the lifetime of your car, try these tips to prolong their life. First, look for new tires that have longer tread life; they may cost a little more, but in the long run, you save money. Also, be sure to rotate your tires every 4,000 miles to even out wear, and balance the tires with each rotation.

Over 6 million Americans are affected by foodborne illnesses every year; one common culprit is the unsanitary sponge used to clean dishes, pots and pans. In a study in the Journal of Environmental Health, researchers took sponges and soaked them in a cocktail of raw wastewater containing fecal matter, viruses and bacterial spores. Then the wet sponges were microwaved on high for two minutes. The result? Ninety-nine percent of all the living pathogens and bacteria on the sponges were eradicated. Using the microwave to disinfect your sponges before you wash the dishes is a surefire way to protect yourself and your family. Just be sure to use a wet sponge and microwave for no more or less than two minutes for maximum results.