Many dog shampoos or washes are loaded with chemicals that can irritate their skin and cause even more problems. One way to avoid chemical shampoo cocktails is to make your own all-natural mix using Castile soap, baking soda and apple cider vinegar. In between washes, generously sprinkle baking soda all over your dog's dry fur, and massage it in. Brush through the hair to get out the baking soda. The alkalizing nature of baking soda won't irritate dogs' skin, and it will naturally keep their fur deodorized and smelling fresh.

The active ingredients in sunscreens need to be protected from harsh, hot and bright elements -- just like your skin. Avoid storing bottles of sunscreen in your car, golf bag or beach bag when not in use. Long-term exposure to heat and sun can turn sunscreen from a skin protector to a simple moisturizer in no time flat. Instead, when you're not having fun in the sun, keep it in the fridge. The cool, dark environment preserves the lotion, and the chilled SPF feels good on a warm, balmy day. And remember: Wear sunscreen even as temperatures drop. Your skin will thank you.

Makers of single-pod coffee makers have recently introduced a "recyclable" cup that can be tossed into the recycling bin. But what they don't disclose is that users of these cups must first peel off the aluminum foil top, empty out the used coffee grinds and then toss the plastic portion of the cup into the recycling bin. The reality is, the majority of people (even with the best intentions) will toss the whole thing -- cup, grinds and lid -- into the bin. "Recyclable" does not always mean "eco-friendly," so ditch the disposables and make coffee using a French press or drip-style coffee maker instead.