When it comes to taking care of cats at home, kitty litter is a necessity. But you should avoid the ubiquitous clay-based kitty litter, since unsustainable strip mining techniques are used to source and harvest the clay. Instead, look for alternative products that are flooding the market, like litters made from recycled newsprint and biodegradable materials like wheat, corn and soy. And, yes, there are ways to compost used kitty litter, but it’s a bit more complicated than traditional composting. If you’re interested, you can find those instructions online.

If you hate throwing away rotten fruits and veggies or food that has expired, let technology help you cut the waste. The free app FoodKeeper lets you take note of what you have in stock in your kitchen and pushes notifications when that item’s “freshness window” is about to come up. Since some foods have a longer shelf life than others, it can be hard to keep track. But with this helpful app (created by the United States Department of Agriculture), you can cut that waste. There are also tips on food storage and what needs to be refrigerated and what can be left on the countertop.

Many of us are converting our garages into workspaces and adding things like air conditioners and heaters to make it habitable for year-round use. To make your garage as energy-efficient as possible, make sure the door is as insulated as possible. Avoid garage doors with windows; they are rarely well-insulated and can leak air very easily. Try to use “triple-layer” doors, which have foam insulation that protects from the elements. And if you use a garage-door opener, opt for one that is designed for low-energy standby mode; it won’t draw as much energy when it's not in use.