Did you know billions of plastic toothpaste tubes are used globally every year, and nearly none are recycled? It's because it's nearly impossible to recycle these tubes, since most curbside recycling programs don't accept them (the only recycler is a mail-in program that's expensive to participate in). When shopping for toothpaste, there are alternatives to plastic. Look for natural brands that package in aluminum tubes. They work just like plastic tubes and are designed to get every drop of paste out, but are fully recyclable, just like regular aluminum cans in your recycling bin.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

You may make a wish when you throw a penny into a pond, but you're only creating illness for the fish that live in there. When you throw spare change like pennies and quarters into a fountain or pond, the copper inside the coins can harm the fish. The copper interacts with their blood cells and increases mucus production in their gills, which makes it more difficult for the fish to breathe and absorb oxygen. When they struggle to breathe, they gasp at the surface of the water for oxygen and ultimately could die. So if you want to make a wish, do so, but keep the coins in your pocket.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Leftover foreign currency -- whether it's Japanese yen or Mexican pesos or Canadian dollars -- doesn't have to live stashed away in a junk drawer at home. Collect all of your mixed foreign currency -- coins and bills -- from any country and donate it to UNICEF. Their Change for Good program takes your foreign currency and uses it to fund programs to support children all over the world who do not have access to education, food and clean water. Send your money to Change for Good Program, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 125 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038. Include your name, address and email so they can send you a receipt for your donation for tax purposes.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION