Almost all inflatable toys for the pool or beach -- like balls, rafts and floaties -- have one thing in common: They are made from hard-to-recycle polyvinyl chloride or PVC plastic. But if your old pool toys are punctured and won't inflate, that doesn't mean you have to toss them into the trash. Look for PVC repair adhesive at your sporting goods store, which can patch small punctures and holes in minutes. It's also useful on camping equipment like tents to seal tears or holes to make them water-resistant for unexpected showers.

If you're trying to avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs) when buying food at the supermarket, keep in mind that almost all fresh produce is considered non-GMO. But there are exceptions to this produce rule. There are five produce items that can possibly be grown from GMO seed: corn, Hawaiian papaya, edamame (soy), zucchini and yellow summer squash. If you do buy those, look for USDA-certified organic or GMO-free labels to ensure you're buying the produce you want.

Using a dishwasher instead of washing by hand is actually a more energy- and water-efficient way to clean up. But you can make using the dishwasher even more efficient with these two simple tricks. If your appliance has something called a "booster heater," turn down the thermostat. A 120-degree setting can save energy, and, since your dishwasher doesn't have to heat water, it'll save water and reduce the washing time. Also, opt for the no-heat drying feature, too. This will let you open the dishwasher to let it air-dry. You can use a soft towel to hand-dry to get glasses streak-free, too.