Buying organic and natural personal care products is the right step toward living a greener life, but it can also cost a little more. Before going to the store to stock up, check out sites like RetailMeNot.com, RedPlum.com and SundaySaver.com, all of which can help you find the best deals at national chain stores and offer coupons that can be redeemed at over 100,000 stores. Combine coupons with retail chains' customer loyalty programs and you can save big on your favorite eco brands.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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