Do you chew gum to help keep your breath fresh? You might want to think again. Almost all gums have something called a “gum base” that makes them chewy, and it turns out it’s a mix of plasticizers, fillers, resins and other unknown chemical substances. This also makes chewing gum non-biodegradable. To keep your breath fresh naturally, try this: Drink lots of water. Keeping yourself hydrated helps maintain saliva production, which keeps your mouth healthy and fresh because your saliva has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If your home has a septic tank, it's important to have it regularly maintained. Tanks that are not inspected and pumped every two or three years (depending on usage) can be susceptible to breakage or failure. Not only will a failing septic tank cost you thousands of dollars to replace and restore, but it can also leak pollutants into our waterways, causing groundwater contamination. According to the EPA, avoid putting dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, paper towels, latex paint and any harmful household chemicals down the drain.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you want to prevent wasps and hornets from building nests on your house? Instead of reaching for chemical insecticides, just fill a spray bottle with soap and water, then spray away. This simple method works because the soapy mixture clogs the breathing pores of insects and also creates a slick surface that can break down the nest. The residual soap on the surface also makes it slippery enough to prevent a new nest from being built in its place.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION