It seems so antiquated in a day of smartphones and search engines, but millions of printed phone books are still being produced every single year. If you are receiving phone books and automatically tossing them into the trash or recycling bin, you can put an end to the delivery with just one simple step. Visit yellowpagesoptout.com and enter your zip code. The site will show you all of the directories that are or could be sent to you; it then allows you to choose one or all and opt out. It just takes a few minutes to stop delivery of something you may think is absolutely obsolete.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many of us run fresh fruits and vegetables through juicers at home to create delicious concoctions to sip and enjoy. But according to foodsafety.gov, making your own fresh-pressed or squeezed juices at home can also make you sick. When juicing at home, be sure to wash your hands before you handle any produce. This will reduce any risk of transferring bacteria. Wash everything -- including peeled fruits and veggies -- under running water. If something is labeled as pre-washed on its container (like pre-washed spinach or kale), it’s OK to juice it without washing. And always be sure any pre-cut fruits or vegetables are bought from a store where they’ve been refrigerated on ice.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Tossing confetti into the air at special events like a wedding may seem festive, but it can be an environmental disaster. Glittery or shiny confetti is often a mix of paper and plastic materials, which means it’s non-biodegradable and actual litter. For wild animals, the small flecks can resemble food and can harm them if ingested. If you must toss confetti, consider small leaves, flower petals or dried organic material like herbs or lavender. They are biodegradable and harmless to wild animals.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION