It’s common knowledge that planting a tree is an eco-friendly action that can help absorb CO2 emissions and release oxygen into the atmosphere. But not all trees are the same, and some absorb more pollution than others due to their genetic makeup, size and shape. For the most bang for the buck, look for trees like black walnut, white pine, scarlet oak, red pine, Ponderosa pine and chestnut trees. They are easy-to-find species, easy to grow and will ultimately be a workhorse tree in your backyard.

Paperboard cartons that hold beverages like milk, juices and even shelf-stable soups are made from layers of mixed materials, called aseptic containers, that used to be hard to recycle. Today, many curbside recycling programs accept them as the efficiency and ability to recycle them has grown. But items like takeout containers and ice cream cartons -- which feel like aseptic containers -- are not recyclable. While they look and feel the same, they are not considered shelf stable, and they are made from entirely different, nonrecyclable materials.

It seems ridiculous to bag grass clippings and put them out for trash pickup. Grass clippings are nutrient dense and perfect to help feed and keep a lawn lush and healthy. The old-fashioned way to reuse these clippings was to compost them into mulch. This method took a lot of effort to build a compost, wait for it to decompose and then spread it over the lawn. But new lawnmower technologies feature something called a “recycler cutting deck.” As you mow, it automatically re-cuts the clippings into smaller pieces, which are immediately spread across the lawn. Look for this feature the next time you’re investing in a new lawnmower.