If you're welcoming a newborn baby into your home, one thing you can do to create a healthy home environment is to skip the wall-to-wall carpeting in his nursery. Synthetic carpet fibers use chemical glues to adhere to the floor. Plus, the fibers can attract dirt, lead and other toxins in addition to mold, dust mites and allergens. Go with an all-natural hardwood or sustainable flooring material like cork. Add natural-fiber area rugs, which can be easily removed for cleaning when needed, or look for modular carpet tiles, which peel right up and can be washed in the sink.

The National Wildlife Federation says the best way to attract and help wild animals thrive in your yard is to bring in native plants. These plants are well-adapted to thrive in your area based on "the climate, soils, rainfall and availability of pollinators and seed dispersers." They are also easy to maintain and grow and are welcome for wildlife species -- from birds to butterflies and small to large mammals. They fill an important role in the ecosystem. Visit nwf.org to find the Top 10 plants for your region.

It's common knowledge that a simple way to save energy in the warm months is to raise the thermostat to cut back on air conditioning. But that's not the only thing in the house that reaps the benefits of raising the thermostat: Do it to the fridge. According to utility company Pure Energies, set the freezer temperature to 5 degrees, and you'll still have an ice-cold freezer; raise the refrigerator temperature to 38 degrees, and your food will stay chilly. And remember, a packed freezer helps maintain a cold temperature naturally, which helps to save electricity.