Outdoor solar lighting is both eco-friendly and convenient. Spotlights, lanterns and accent lighting harness the power of the sun to charge batteries and light up without the use of hard wiring. But to keep your solar lights shining bright, do two things. If the lights are 2 years old, the internal rechargeable battery likely needs to be replaced. Those batteries are recyclable, so be sure to drop them off at stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot to recycle. And wipe down solar panels that are covered in dirt, dust and pollen. These particles can block the sun’s rays from charging the lights. A simple wipe with a microfiber towel will do the trick.

It might be too sweet or outright bad for you, but very ripe fruit is a tasty treat for butterflies. While it’s true many butterflies like flowers, they also can’t get enough of overripe fruit. Just place all types of cut fruit like watermelon, mango, apples and bananas in a bowl or platter, and put it where butterflies can find it. They’ll feed on the sweet, sugary water and benefit from the natural minerals in the fruit. Keep in mind the fresh fruit will also attract other insects (including bees), so keep it far away from your home if that concerns you. When it’s time to dispose of the fruit, simply toss it right into the compost bin.

Do you think people who drive hybrid cars are smarter or safer drivers? Well, it turns out your suspicions about people who make an ecological choice could not only be true, the decision could be saving them money, too. People who drive hybrid cars are often entitled to a discount on their auto insurance policy for as much as 10 percent. Auto insurance researchers found hybrid car owners tend to be lower-risk drivers. Safer drivers mean fewer accidents, leading to lower premiums. Who knew a hybrid car could save you money beyond the gas pump?