If you use a laptop computer every day, there are some easy steps you can take to make sure it's running as efficiently as possible. First, whenever you're not using external devices like drives and printers, unplug them. When they are plugged into your USB port, they draw a lot of power. Unplug the charger if your battery has sufficient life; leaving it plugged in not only wastes energy, but it also can degrade the life of your battery. And always totally shut down the computer when you're done; leaving it on standby or sleep mode still consumes power.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A recent study by the scientific journal PLOS One discovered that a typical load of laundry creates plastic microfibers that are released into waterways and eventually into the ocean. The plastic microfibers (from synthetic fabrics) are invisible to the naked eye, but they contribute to destruction of ocean life and ecosystems. And it turns out nearly 28 million pounds of these microfibers make their way into our oceans every day. To help, do two things: Wash clothing only when you need it, and run your washing machine for a shorter period of time at a cooler temperature. Using cold water for 30 minutes as opposed to hot water for 85 minutes resulted in a 30% reduction in microfibers produced.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

For many, backyard fun may include filling up balloons with water and having a water balloon fight. But when the balloons burst, fragments from the inflatables can end up being dispersed all over the yard. These rubbery pieces are often left where wild animals can mistake them for food and ingest them. Even the materials in so-called "biodegradable" balloons can take up to four years to properly degrade, which leaves plenty of time for wild animals to find and ingest the pieces. Instead of balloons, consider water guns, which provide all the fun and none of the waste.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION