Would you believe you could get paid to not mow your lawn? There are many environmental programs in various states that encourage homeowners to transform part of their property into natural habitat for wildlife and birds. The general rule of thumb is if you own more than 10 acres of grassland, you might be eligible to receive financial assistance to transform it into grassland for birds. Various counties and states have targeted areas, incentives and offers, but it’s worth investigating your state’s Department of Environmental Conservation to see if you can benefit by going green.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the biggest polluters for lakes, rivers and oceans is plastic waste. The source of this waste is everything from plastic six-pack rings to personal care products. If you fish waterways, one of the most important things you can do is invest in biodegradable fishing lines and lures. This is a special type of resin that naturally degrades down in just five years, versus 500 years for conventional plastic. And while it is biodegradable, great care should be taken to never leave it in the water where you fish.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One thing many campers do at campsites is light fires. One tip to help the forests you’re visiting when camping is to never bring firewood with you if you’re traveling more than 50 miles away. Wood that isn’t native to a forest can harbor invasive species, or the eggs or larvae of these insects, and introduce them to a forest when you bring in firewood. If you want to light a fire and help the forests, always buy firewood at the campgrounds. This wood has been tested to be invasive insect-free.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION