One of the easiest ways to help combat climate change is to plant a tree. But did you know that some trees are better at absorbing and storing carbon dioxide emissions than others? The U.S. Forest Service did a study in 2002 that researched which trees in an urban environment were the best at absorbing CO2. Trees like black walnut, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, red oak, bald cypress, and red and white pines topped the list. These trees are also easy to maintain; trees that demand the use of gas-guzzling equipment like trucks and chainsaws for maintenance can only erase any eco gains.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you take vitamins and supplements? One tip that’s often shared is to store these health products somewhere cool, like a refrigerator, to maintain their freshness. But while cool and dark are ideal conditions, a refrigerator has too much moisture and can quickly deteriorate these items, which need to be protected from excess moisture, heat and light. Rather than kitchens and bathrooms, spaces like bedrooms and inside pantry closets are ideal locations for storing vitamins and supplements.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of the oil refinery industry and has myriad uses. And while the jury is still out on the safety of the product for personal care, if you have a jar, there are other uses for it, too. One helpful tip is to dab the jelly at the edges of glue bottles before you put the cap back on. It’ll create a lubricated surface that will prevent the cap from sticking, so you can open it easily the next time you need glue. This tip works great on nail polish bottles, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION