One of the healthiest and greenest swap-outs you can make for your family pets is to switch the type of bowl they eat and drink from. While a plastic bowl may be cheap and durable, it can get scratched up easily; those scratches can harbor illness-causing bacteria, plus the plastic is difficult to recycle. Instead, invest in stainless steel bowls. They are durable, easily recyclable and can be sterilized with just warm, soapy water, or even tossed into the dishwasher.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you'd like to protect your vegetable garden from birds, there is one festive alternative to netting that actually works: Raid your Christmas ornaments. Hanging up ball ornaments on plants like tomatoes and cherry trees can fake birds out. Birds will see the ornaments (use the indestructible plastic-looking ones, not the delicate glass ones) and peck at them, then fly away when they realize they're not food. It may not be 100 percent foolproof, but it's one small measure to help stay a step ahead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you have garden or houseplants with a small infestation of insects like aphids? To easily get rid of them, mix a simple all-natural solution. Fill a spray bottle with regular tap water, 10 drops of liquid soap (like dish soap or hand soap) and a little bit of vegetable oil. The soapy solution acts as a deterrent for insects, and the oil helps the mixture stick to leaves. It's perfectly safe for plants but excellent at repelling pesky insects.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION