Every drop counts when it comes to saving water, so try these tips to conserve some H2O at home. If you run the faucet until you get cool water, capture the running water in another glass instead of letting it run down the drain; put it in the fridge so it’s ready for a cool drink later in the day. Never defrost food using running water; this is a major waste of resources -- especially when the microwave defrost setting or your refrigerator can also safely and quickly do the trick. And when doing laundry, match your water level to your load size; the manual should tell you how to adjust your machine for the perfect water level.

Many people have asked me: Is it OK to take down an abandoned bird’s nest? Generally, the answer is no. First, in many states it’s illegal to remove a nest, depending on the species of bird and what stage of use it’s in. It’s often hard to know the status for sure; your removal could be breaking the law. For your personal health, a bird’s nest is nothing like a decorative craft store one; it’s often loaded with parasites, bacteria and mites that can be harmful to humans. Even if a nest is absolutely abandoned, birds are notorious recyclers; it’ll get torn apart and the pieces will be used by other birds for new nests.

After you’ve enjoyed a fresh banana, what do you do with the peel? You can add it to your compost bin or boil it to make banana-peel tea, but why not try banana-peel fertilizer spray? Bananas are loaded with nutrients like calcium, potassium, phosphorous and sulfur, which plants love. To make it, dry the peels in a hot, sunny place until they are completely dry and brittle. Pulverize the peel in a blender or food processor, and add the powder to a spray bottle with water. Spray it at the base of your plants to give them an all-natural boost.