Here's one more reason to pick the "no receipt" option when using an ATM: chemicals. In addition to saving trees by going receiptless, you also avoid the risk of getting the chemical Bisphenal-A (BPA) on your fingers. The same chemical that was once found in reusable water bottles is also used in thermal paper receipts. When you handle thermal receipts, you risk transferring the chemical to your fingers and then potentially into your bloodstream. As a known endocrine disrupter, BPA should be avoided. If you do handle thermal receipts, wash your hands and never recycle them: BPA should be kept out of recycled paper goods.

With a reduced ozone layer, exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun has made skin cancer more of a risk for all of us. Since it can be hard to tell what the actual exposure to UV rays is on any given day, the National Weather Service along with the Environmental Protection Agency has made it easy with a daily UV Index. This index (online at weather.gov) gives a forecast of what the expected risk of overexposure from the sun is on that day for wherever you are in the country. But as any health professional would say: Cover up and wear sunscreen if you want the best protection.

With California facing one of the worst droughts and water crises ever, more attention is being paid to the way we use water at home. One big culprit is the lawn. Green, verdant, lush lawns often mean an extraordinary amount of water being used to keep the grass thriving and alive. Instead of wasting water on grass, one easy solution is to look into xeriscape, which is gardening that takes advantage of rainfall retention in an area. Lush and green groundcovers like thyme, yarrow, succulents and sweet woodruff require almost no mowing or maintenance and can thrive on very little water. Every climate is different in plant choices, so ask a local nursery what works for your growing region.