When it comes to shopping for fruits and veggies, there are some green “all-stars” worth noting. Onions, for example, are virtually always pesticide-free, can be grown in almost any climate (so buying local is easy for everyone) and don’t require refrigeration for storage. Some other all-stars include avocados, apples (which require very little water to be grown), lettuce, peas, potatoes (pesticide-free, high-yield) and cabbage.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Adding blinds to your windows is a simple way to block out the sun’s rays and help keep your home cool during the very hot summer months. But there is one type of blind you should avoid for maximum cooling efficiency: metal blinds. While metal blinds do block light, they also heat up and can essentially act like a radiator in your home. Blinds made from fabric or bamboo, or cellular shades that have pockets of air to double-insulate the blinds, are better solutions.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ever wonder why it’s so important to stay on designated hiking trails when visiting parks? It’s simple: Soil compaction has a major impact on the environment. When thousands of people step on the same soil, it compresses the soil and reduces space in between particles. Un-compacted soil is living soil, where microbes thrive and water and nutrients are held for plants. The less compacted the soil, the healthier the environment. So sticking to a trail path helps preserve the biodiversity of whatever park you’re visiting.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION