If you use your backyard as an extension of your home and a place for your family dog to play, be careful which landscaping plants you choose. What may seem like a pretty harmless-looking flower can actually be deadly to dogs. According to the ASPCA, hardy perennial flowers are incredibly toxic to them. These include flowers like mums, hostas, iris and yarrow flowers. And flowers that are bulb plants can also be poisonous to dogs. Gardeners know wild animals stay clear of daffodils because they’re one of the most toxic flowering plants out there. Other bulb flowers that are toxic include hyacinth, tulips, lilies and alliums.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Your desktop computer can be a serious energy hog. One way to save around $25 to $75 annually on energy costs (according to the Environmental Protection Agency) is to simply activate the power management function on your desktop. This function automatically puts your computer to sleep when it’s not in use. The EPA recommends setting your computer to go into sleep mode after five to 20 minutes of inactivity. This small step can reap huge energy savings. GE implemented power management mode for its computers and saved $2.5 million annually on energy usage alone.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Are you undertaking a home renovation project? There’s no need to send all the “old” stuff to the landfill when Habitat for Humanity can reuse it. The group’s Habitat ReStores accept all sorts of construction materials. Generally, anything in good condition that can be reused will be accepted, but the most-wanted items include sinks, toilets, bathtubs, working appliances, flooring, lighting and door handles and fixtures. Try to keep parts together to make reselling your goods easier. Learn more at habitat.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION