Did you know that waste haulers typically do not accept appliances, batteries, electronics, pesticides and paint in regular curbside pickup? For many of these items, it is illegal to dispose of them in your trash. What to do? Contact your local waste pickup provider and ask them to do a "special handling" pickup for your items. By simply making a call and arranging for this kind of pickup, you can ensure that these items are disposed of safely. And never, ever try to “hide” these items inside trash bags and bins; special pickup items can pose safety hazards for workers if not handled properly.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The next time you fly, consider choosing an airline that only offers all-coach seating. It’s a surefire way to save money on your roundtrip flight, and it also means the plane you’re flying in is the most fuel-efficient of all planes heading to whatever sunny destination you’re visiting. The reason is simple: When you remove the larger first- and business-class seats, additional coach-style seating can be configured on the plane. More seats means better fuel economy per person flying. This, in turn, cuts down on the carbon emissions per passenger on the flight. Consider an all-coach flight an upgrade for the environment!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you lather up in the shower, do you use liquid body wash or a humble bar of soap? Bar soap is far more environmentally friendly than liquid body wash that comes in a plastic bottle. In fact, liquid uses 20 times more packaging than a bar of soap, which is usually simply wrapped in a piece of paper. And bar soaps have come a long way: Today, high-end and all-natural cosmetic companies are formulating bar soap that helps exfoliate, nourish and moisturize your skin and even replaces shampoo, conditioner and body wash as an all-in-one product. Making the switch to bar soap can save packaging and help save money, too, all while decluttering your shower.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION