Here's another reason to take shorter, less hot showers (other than to save water and energy): They are better for your skin. When you take a long, scalding-hot shower, it actually can lead to the natural oils on your skin being stripped off. This can cause your skin to become dry and itchy instead of feeling clean and fresh. The ideal temperature is a lukewarm setting and a showering time of about five minutes. A lower-temperature shower will take less time for the water to get to the ideal temperature, too, which saves even more time and water.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you have a hard time remembering to water your houseplants, here's a little trash-to-treasure idea that can help them live a little longer. When you repot your houseplant, add a few broken-up natural wine corks to the soil. The corks are both biodegradable and highly absorbent, meaning they'll retain water in the soil like a sponge. But unlike most sponges, which are not natural, these will break down over time. And when they do hold onto excess moisture, they'll gently release it into the soil, helping to extend the time between waterings.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Turns out bar soap isn't just kinder for the planet than bottled body wash (because of less packaging); it's also better at getting you really clean. When taking on dirt, grime, odor-causing bacteria and oil, bars soaps do a better job because they are formulated with oils that help break it all down. The bar soap lather rids your body of the bad bacteria and dirt, but it also leaves the good bacteria on your skin, which helps protect your natural microbiome and fend off bad bacteria. When shopping for bar soaps, look for ones made with shea butter and natural exfoliants that remove dead skin cells.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION