Invited to a potluck celebration this Fourth of July and not much of a cook? Instead of bringing something unappetizing or a bottle of wine, bring something green. Offer to bring reusable plates, cups and utensils and cloth napkins. They're stylish upgrades from disposables, and they'll be a welcome addition. When the event is over, place everything into a portable cooler and wash them at home. It's the same amount of work as making food, and it's a surprising (and welcome) offer to the host.

Do you use mouthwash every morning? Here's a simple trick to get double-duty from your morning gargle. When you fill a cup with mouthwash, leave a little behind after you sip. Then place your toothbrush in the cup for about 15 to 20 minutes. The disinfecting properties of the mouthwash will sanitize your toothbrush. When you're done with that, dump the residual mouthwash into the toilet; it will also sanitize your toilet bowl. And don't forget to recycle your old mouthwash bottle (with the cap on!) in your curbside recycling when it's empty.

Sure, shopping at flea markets, tag sales and garage sales is a great way to save money and reuse items, but as green as it is to shop at these sales, there are certain items you should never buy. One item to avoid is used cookware; since Teflon and the chemical PFOA are being phased out in cookware, older pots and pans can still have it. But older cast-iron cookware is fine to buy, even if it's in worn shape. It's easy to refurbish old cast iron.