Taking a hike through our parks is a wonderful way to get exercise and see the beauty of Mother Nature. But according to the American Hiking Society, there are some simple rules to follow to ensure that your next trek is a green one. First, focus on using the trails and avoid walking on vegetation and grass; even if there's a mud puddle, walk through it and get dirty to avoid widening the trail. And leave with no souvenirs. That means no picking wildflowers or leaves, and no picking up rocks, as they may be a vital part of an ecosystem that's invisible to you.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

You may have heard that honeybees -- which are important in the pollination of flowers that help keep our food supply stable -- are dying. As more and more bees are disappearing and a clear answer is still unknown, there are small things you can do at home to help our bees. The easiest: Let your lawn grow with dandelions and clover flowers intact. While many of us think a deep green, weed-free lawn looks great, the reality is that bees need wildflowers to survive. Leaving them intact and your lawn herbicide-free will go a long way to help our busy bees.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Not only is microwave popcorn expensive (about 37 cents per serving), it also is wasteful and potentially dangerous: The nonstick coating inside the bag contains PFOA, a likely carcinogen, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Instead, buy popcorn kernels from the bulk bin at the supermarket. It's significantly cheaper, and you can pop it on the stovetop in about the same amount of time it takes to microwave popcorn. Plus, you can make as little or as much as you want!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION