That blue windshield wiper fluid you use in your car is pretty toxic. It contains something called methanol, which is added to keep the fluid from freezing. With billions of gallons of this fluid being used every year, this is a contaminant that pollutes waterways and can hurt children and animals through accidental poisoning. Look for methanol-free formulas, which are plant-based and designed for spring/summer use. For winter use, look for brands that use a tiny trace of methanol, which is good for conditions down to minus 15 degrees.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

We know the 3 R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. But do you live by a 4th R? That’s Refuse. Recycling is important, but so is refusing to allow unwanted items in your life to begin with. Refuse that bag at the grocery store. Refuse the straw that automatically comes with a drink. Refuse a free gift with purchase or free sample you really don’t want. By refusing to accept unwanted things, you can help reduce the amount of waste created on a daily basis.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

You’ve probably vacuumed and dusted around the house before and noticed more allergens and dust seem to have been released into the air. Do this one thing to clear the air after cleaning: Turn on the AC. Turn on the “fan” setting on your thermostat; this keeps the furnace on whether you’re using it for heating or cooling. The blower then sucks air in through the vents, which means the airborne particles are sucked into the system and eventually caught in your air filter. When you’re done, turn the thermostat off and put it back on “auto” mode.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION