Are you trying to give up single-use plastics like straws and water bottles? That's a great first step in helping to lessen dependence on plastic, but you may want to consider giving up another single-use plastic: chewing gum. Though it acts like a food product, chewing gum is actually a mix of synthetic rubber, which is essentially plastic. And when you spit it out, it goes into the landfill, or worse, it dries up and is mistaken for food by wild animals. Good alternatives include all-natural gum brands that use chicle as their “chewing” base.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It may be 90 degrees outside, but here’s a plan-ahead tip for the cold winter months: Invest in an electric snowblower rather than a gas-powered one. New electric snowblowers utilize rechargeable batteries that power the mechanisms inside. There’s no gas tank to fill, and no greenhouse emissions are released when used. This is perfect for small-scale jobs, too. Of course, the greenest removal is a shovel and broom, but if you need a snowblower, go electric.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Are you looking for a new juicer to make fresh-squeezed green juices at home? Consider a “gear” juicer over a “centrifugal” style juicer when shopping. Here’s why: A centrifugal juicer breaks up the molecules of the fruits and veggies, which means any chemical and bacterial residue ends up in the finished juice. A gear juicer presses produce without disrupting the molecules, which means more chemicals end up in the pulp and not the juice. But whatever you choose, always wash your produce; even organic produce has residual dirt and bacteria on it that can make you sick.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION