Many schools and nonprofit organizations are turning small parcels of land or vacant lots into community gardens. Certified organic Seeds of Change is working to offer free seeds to nonprofit groups through its website, seedsofchangegrant.com. Just fill in the name of the charity and its 501(c)(3) tax status number, and Seeds of Change will send 12 packets of organic seeds (with just a small shipping fee). It's a $50 value that will help community and school gardens flourish during the summer months.

Got a dead houseplant? There's no need to toss it into the trash, where it won't have a chance to biodegrade in the landfill. In fact, even though it's dead, it can help create healthy soil in your yard or garden. Remove the dead plant and shake off the excess potting soil. Use a lawnmower to pulverize it into smaller pieces. The organic matter can be added to a compost bin or sprinkled on the yard, where it will naturally decompose in no time.

Here's a reason to use biodegradable, plant-based soaps in your bathing routine: Plants love it! The next time you take a bubble bath and use eco-friendly soap, save some of the used water for your outdoor plants. The natural phosphates that make the bubbles are natural fertilizers for plants. Fill a watering can or bucket with bathwater and water the roots of the plants.