When filling up at the gas station, avoid the temptation to “top off” the fuel tank when the pump automatically clicks off to indicate that your tank is full. Many of us top off to round up a gas purchase to the closest dollar, but you risk overfilling your tank and spilling gas. In the summer months, the heat can turn spilled gas into vapor, creating airborne chemicals like benzene. These contaminants pollute the air and can end up in your respiratory system.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many of us are looking for alternatives to paraffin candles because they are petroleum-based and can add pollutants to the air when burned. One natural alternative -- palm oil -- may seem like a greener choice because it’s completely plant-based. But it’s not sustainable. Most palm oil (which is from the palm tree) is grown on clear-cut land that was once rainforest. This old, diverse rainforest land is home to endangered animal species. It’s best to avoid palm oil altogether to help preserve at-risk rainforest land from deforestation.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Older appliances in the home that are still working well and don’t seem to need to be replaced are still not as efficient as they were the first day you plugged them in. You can see exactly how energy-efficient (or inefficient) your refrigerator or television really is by plugging it into an energy consumption reader. The device -- one brand is called a Kill-a-Watt -- connects to the appliance and displays on a screen its true energy usage. These readers cost about $25 to buy, or you can borrow them for free from your local library.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION