With the holiday season around the corner, many of us will be out looking for the perfect gift or shopping online to save time. The good news is that online shopping does have a smaller carbon footprint than driving to a store. But shipping can negate those environmental savings. First, avoid the fastest shipping option; overnight shipping results in much higher greenhouse gas emissions than ground shipping. And don't buy things with an "if I don't like it, I'll just return it" mindset. Buying carefully and responsibly, making sure that what you order is what you really need, can have a big impact.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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