It’s believed that we throw away enough broken umbrellas every year to build 25 Eiffel Towers. Rather than constantly purchasing “disposable” umbrellas that break at the first gust of wind, look for greener alternatives, like umbrellas made from waterproof cork, biodegradable plant-based resins and post-consumer recycled nylon (which is still a conventional material, but at least it’s recycled). And when your umbrella does break, repair it! There are tutorials online that show how to use simple wire and pliers to fix almost any damaged umbrella.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The nonprofit organization Arts and Scraps serves thousands of kids in the Detroit area and helps them reimagine materials and “think, create and learn.” Twenty-eight tons of materials (that would otherwise be landfilled) get repurposed and reimagined every year! The list of items they need is long, but it includes things like Styrofoam peanuts, broken crayons, scratched-up CDs, shopping bags, wine corks, plastic/silk flowers and empty potato chip “cans.” To learn more and find out where to donate, visit artsandscraps.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it rains, toxic substances can make their way into our waterways. For instance, when storm water flows across hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt, it picks up all of the chemicals that may be on those surfaces and brings them down the storm drains. To prevent toxic runoff, consider placing gravel along the border of your driveway or sidewalk so the toxins in storm water have a chance to settle before they get into waterways.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION