When you're chopping your own firewood at home, it's typically from dead or dying trees. And often with dead trees come invasive species like the emerald ash borer, which is a highly damaging species of insect. There's a simple way you can help prevent the spread of invasive species: Don't let your firewood leave your property. Moving just a few logs to gift to others or use on a camping trip can spread invasive species farther. It takes just one infected log to have a devastating impact.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you've just moved into a new home, you might wonder what to do with the cache of now-empty cardboard boxes. Sure, you can flatten them and either save them for future moves or recycle them, but you can also give them to someone to reuse. The easiest solution is to post on a website like Craigslist or FreeCycle that you have free moving boxes to give away. But you can also let your real estate agent know, and they can connect you with someone in the neighborhood who may be moving, too. Local nonprofits like Goodwill are also in need of boxes to move things.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

While outdoor cushions are designed to withstand the elements, they can also get dirty and develop surface mildew. Before you reach for bleach to clean them (which can discolor the fabric), try something cleaner and more effective instead: a power washer. The pressure of a power washer is enough to blast the grime, dirt and mildew off the cushions. When clean, lean the cushions against a sunny wall so they can dry out thoroughly.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION