If you’re an avid or budding fisherman, one thing you can do to help wildlife when you fish is to use non-toxic tackle. Lead is a toxic metal, and many types of fishing tackle are made with solid lead; when the pieces get separated from a broken line, waterfowl like loons, swans and other birds often eat them. Fish who ingest lead are eaten by larger birds (like eagles), who then get lead poisoning from the tainted fish. When shopping for sinkers, jigs and other tackle, look for inert materials like tin, steel and nickel alloy. You can find them at any sporting goods store and online.

If you’re about to do a major home renovation project that involves demolition, you don’t need to send all of the construction waste to the landfill. Most trash haulers will work with commercial and residential clients to minimize the amount of landfill waste by recycling what they call “construction and demolition debris,” including concrete, porcelain, tile, lumber, metals, masonry, insulation and carpet. There is a fee to use the expert sorting and what is called a “diversion initiative,” but it’s a necessary cost to make sure your home remodel is green and clean.

When it comes to choosing gas at the pump, you may be tempted to upgrade your fuel for your car. But the reality is, if your car is less than 10 years old, there is no need to choose premium over regular fuel. In fact, going for the upgrade is likely a waste of money. Modern cars are designed to work with the lowest grade of gasoline available. Just double-check your car’s manual to see what grade of gas it calls for. In the long run, you’ll save money.