Balloons may be festive, but they pose a risk to wildlife and even our electrical grid when accidentally released into the atmosphere. Modern balloons are made of Mylar and coated with a metallic finish. This shiny finish conducts electricity and can cause problems when balloons contact electric lines. In worst-case scenarios, they can cause power lines to short-circuit, resulting in blackouts. As for wildlife, Mylar balloons never biodegrade after they deflate, and animals often mistake the shiny material for food.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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