Planting a tree is one of the best ways to help offset global warming, since trees are like living sponges: They absorb carbon dioxide emissions and, of course, give oxygen back to the atmosphere. But not all trees are the same, and there are some leafy types that absorb more than others. Depending on where you live, there are certain "green heroes" you should consider when planting a tree. Varieties like the yellow poplar, silver maple, oaks, horse chestnut and red mulberry are powerhouses that provide shade and shelter, and are resilient in all types of growing conditions.

When you are doing laundry, be sure to pay special attention to your kitchen towels. Since they are used for myriad tasks around the kitchen -- from cleaning spills to drying dishes -- they also tend to be moist most of the time. A wet towel is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. The next time you wash your kitchen towels, consider drying them outdoors on a bright, sunny day, and not in your dryer. The ultraviolet rays from the sun will naturally disinfect the towels. Let the towels dry completely, and even leave them in the sun for a few extra hours. The longer you leave them out, the more they will be disinfected.

If you do just one thing in your home cleaning routine, dust, dust and dust some more. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (chemical fire retardants, also called PBDEs) on furniture, mattresses and electronics are designed to keep you safe in case of fire. But these chemicals can degrade over time since they are not chemically bonded to these items, so the PBDE can end up in the air and settle into dust. By investing in high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter products -- from air filters to vacuums -- and by dusting often with microfiber towels, you can collect chemical-laden dust and keep it out of your home's atmosphere.