Here's something you probably didn't know you could compost: pencil shavings. The thin wood shavings with residual graphite (pencils today are lead-free) are perfectly fine to toss into the compost bin. Mix them with all sorts of degrading organic matter, and they'll break down into beneficial mulch for your garden in no time. You can even sharpen pencils over houseplants and just rake the shavings right into the soil.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

On average, we spend up to one-third of our lives in bed, so it makes sense to make the bedroom as clean and green as possible. The easiest switch is with bedding. When shopping in the store, you may see bedding with promises of being wrinkle-free. But these sheets are coated with chemicals that contain formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing carcinogen. Instead, look for all-natural bedding made from cotton, linen and other natural fibers. And if you can, go organic.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The next time you’re invited to a party where you know there will be lots of leftovers, be the hero who thought ahead and bring reusable food containers. Even a roll of aluminum foil can be helpful to wrap up leftovers and make handy take-away pouches. Plus, clean used aluminum is fully recyclable. And if you’re invited to a picnic or potluck-style party (and maybe you’re not the best cook), offer to bring reusable containers and utensils for everyone to use, take home and wash at the end.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION