Did you know conventional chewing gum is made with a plastic base to keep it chewy? This makes it non-biodegradable and a threat to wildlife who mistake it for food when your chewed-up gum ends up in the trash or on sidewalks. If you like gum, look for a natural alternative instead. More brands are returning to plant-based ingredients like vegetable-based glycerin, chicle (a tree sap) and rice flour to make all-natural and fully biodegradable gum.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Fresh flowers are always an appreciated gift, but something so natural can also come with an eco-disastrous dark side. “Exotic” blooms mean one thing: They come from faraway places, like the bases of volcanoes in Ecuador or the hillsides of Colombia, which means they traveled a long way to get to the recipient. To avoid flowers that have more frequent-flyer miles than you do, think local. Locally grown flowers and plants or baskets full of local organic fruit are more sustainable and just as beautiful.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Sure, it makes sense to store milk, eggs and fresh fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. But have you thought about storing things like oil and flour? Products that have oil in them are temperamental and can easily go rancid when left in warm conditions or when sunlight regularly beams onto the jar or container. Canola, safflower and olive oil should be stored in the refrigerator to help them stay fresh longer. And whole-grain flours (which still have trace oils and bran in the flour) also do better when stored in a cool, dark place like the refrigerator.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION