The Natural Resources Defense Council estimates a typical refrigerator accounts for around 10 to 15% of an entire household’s energy usage every single month. If you’re going away for an extended period of time, one of the best things you can do is power off your refrigerator. After it’s emptied out, simply flip the switch in the circuit breaker box to shut off the power. If this isn’t possible, the next-best thing is to increase the fridge temperature to 42 degrees. That’s cool enough to preserve food and get maximum energy efficiency.

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Are you thinking about starting a backyard vegetable garden this year? Not all crops have to start from seed. In fact, you can grow vegetables from old produce that’s already in your refrigerator. The base of lettuces, for example, can be placed in a shallow dish of water to re-generate roots. In a few days, that base can be transplanted right into the garden, and it’ll regrow into a whole head of lettuce. Celery, ginger root and fresh herbs can be regenerated this way, too.

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When it gets warmer outdoors, it’s a good idea to transfer indoor plants outside to take advantage of warm temperatures, rain and sunlight. But be sure to place them in a shady, protected spot for a few weeks first. The plants will have acclimated to the low-light, low-humidity environment found indoors, and moving them outdoors to bright sunlight and heavy rain can shock them. Letting them slowly adjust to their new environment will ensure they thrive outside all summer long.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION