According to the Humane Society of the United States, a large number of pets have died as a result of toxins from flea treatments, so finding safe and natural ways to prevent and kill fleas is important for the furry members of your family. Prevention and common sense can go a long way. Vacuuming carpets, rugs and furniture where your pet lives along with washing his bedding in hot water regularly can capture and kill fleas. And real lavender essential oil can also help for dogs: Add some to a natural flea soap and let the mixture sit on the coat for 10 minutes during bath time. Rinse and repeat.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Have you ever gone to check out at a retail chain like a drugstore and been given a receipt that feels like a mile-long waste of paper? The nonprofit organization Green America recently campaigned and convinced one of the largest chains –- CVS -- to give consumers the option to skip receipts and receive them digitally instead. Since 2019, over a million customers have helped save 49 million yards of receipt paper. To save paper, sign up for digital receipts at the stores where you shop.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know that wall-to-wall carpeting can hold up to eight times its weight in trapped dirt, dust mites, chemicals and pesticides? While it may not be green to replace it with hardwood floors, you can be mindful what goes on in rooms with wall-to-wall carpet. First, make a habit to not wear shoes in carpeted rooms; chemicals and dirt from shoes can get trapped in the carpet. Second, if you get your home treated by an exterminator, ask them to not spray directly onto the carpet, or -- even better -- to avoid wall-to-wall carpet areas entirely. Insecticide chemicals can settle in carpets and remain there for many years, accumulating each time you have the home treated.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION