There is an urban legend that colleting rainwater on your own property is illegal in many states. The reality is that, yes, in about a dozen states, it is against the law. But you have to read the laws carefully to understand that it doesn't apply to small-scale collection at home. The laws simply require water rights permits when it comes to using public water supplies (like waterways), or when it becomes water collection that's done on a massive scale. But if you have a rainwater collection system that simply collects water for your own property use, not only is it perfectly fine, you may be eligible for tax credits for installing such a system.

Many of us are avoiding petroleum jelly-based products when it comes to skin care for everything from lip balms to body creams. We've nearly become experts when it comes to reading ingredients labels to avoid it. But some brands that use petroleum jelly -- a byproduct of the oil industry -- can get around listing petroleum jelly by calling it something else. When reading ingredient labels, be sure to also look for words like "paraffin," "petrolatum" or "mineral oil," which is basically the same thing as petroleum jelly.

Recycling cardboard is one of the most important and easiest ways to reduce landfill waste and save energy and natural resources. Every ton of cardboard recycled conserves more than a full barrel of oil and over 6.6 million BTUs of energy, according to Waste Management. When recycling cardboard boxes, be sure to break them down flat and remove items like plastic wrap, plastic ties, packing peanuts and bubble wrap. If the forecast calls for rain on recycling day and you can't prevent cardboard from getting wet, don't worry. It will still be picked up and recycled. But just be sure cardboard does not have any food waste or grease; that's contaminated and cannot be recycled.