Buying soda and beer in aluminum cans is a greener option than buying plastic bottles, but care must be taken when recycling the cans. Residual liquid inside aluminum cans can intensify when they dry out; the strong smell of sugar or beer is tempting for wildlife, and the razor-sharp edges of the can's opening can harm animals. Before recycling, simply rinse out the can and crush it. And consider using a recycling bin with a tight-fitting lid instead of a plastic bucket to keep curious critters out for good.

When it comes time to wash your car, a professional car wash is the greenest choice. The Environmental Protection Agency says the automated car wash is not only the most water- and energy-efficient method, but it also disposes of wastewater properly and recycles water. But if you want to wash your car at home, do it on gravel or grass; runoff water on pavement is unfiltered, and it can pollute waterways. Allowing wastewater to filter through dirt and gravel minimizes pollution.

It's common knowledge that veggie peels, eggshells and coffee grinds are items that are easily compostable and can break down into beneficial mulch for your garden. But there are many other items that are also compostable that don't need to be tossed into the trash or down the drain. Non-dairy milks like soy, almond, rice and cashew can all be composted, too, since they are plant-based and dairy-free. If these milks spoil or go bad, just pour them into the compost and mix.