When it comes to choosing a reusable shopping bag, what’s the greenest of them all? Turns out the thin (and durable) bags made entirely from nylon or polyester lead the pack. These bags are convenient because they fold up into small squares and they are machine washable, keeping them sanitary. If you invest in a nylon or polyester reusable bag, be sure to keep reusing it. It takes about 11 uses before you begin recouping the environmental savings of not using disposable plastic shopping bags.

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.