Forgoing chemical herbicides for your lawn is great for bees; the weeds that grow on lawns -- like clover and dandelions -- are very beneficial for them (and other pollinators like them, too). These short wildflowers thrive very easily and give honeybees needed nutrients. Other “weeds” like blackberry bushes can also be great flowers for bees. But if you want to get rid of wildflowers or weeds, do this: Let them come to bloom first, so bees can take advantage of them, and then cut them back before they seed. This will help you maintain weed control while helping bees and other pollinators at the same time.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A dishwasher can do more than just get your pots, pans and dishes sparkling clean. These energy- and water-efficient machines can also naturally sanitize using hot water and detergent. Use the top rack to clean things like baseball caps, kids' toys, flip-flops and light fixture covers. Even switch plate covers, fan grills and vent covers (all covered in dust, dirt, grease and debris) can go right in. Using the rinse-only cycle is the best way to wash delicate items or to test something for how it does inside a dishwasher.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ever use a “magic” eraser to clean around the house? The product seems pretty eco-friendly: All you need to do is wet the eraser and it magically removes dirt, grime and stains from almost anything around the house. But as it breaks down into smaller pieces, that means it’s leaving small traces of itself on the surfaces you touch. These erasers are made from melamine plastic, and when you scrub a tub, sink or any surface with water, tiny particles go down the drain. These plastic particles end up in our water supply and contribute to water pollution. Cleaning with rags and nontoxic cleaning products is better than high-tech erasers.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION