Take a look at your cookware today. Is the bottom flat, or is it slightly warped from use? If your cookware isn't perfectly flat, it can be an incredibly inefficient way to cook. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a "warped-bottom pot could take 50% more energy to boil water" versus a flat one. And when it comes to baking, choose glass or ceramic dishes. They heat up faster than metal, which means you can bake, roast and cook things at temperatures 25 degrees lower.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When shopping for paper for your home printer, there is a huge difference between paper that's made from 100% post-consumer material versus virgin stock. For example, did you know it takes 24 large trees to produce one ton of virgin paper? One ton of recycled paper takes 1.1 tons of waste paper to manufacture; that's 1.1 tons of paper diverted from landfills, re-pulped and remade into new paper. Plus, 100% post-consumer recycled paper requires 75% less water than virgin paper to be made. Recycled is clearly the greenest choice.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you're in the market to buy a new mattress, don't fall into the trap of buying a matching box spring or foundation support if you don't really need it. Ask if your existing foundation support is in good enough condition to not void the warranty of your new mattress when you put it on top. If it is, you'll not only save a few hundred dollars, but it's also one less thing that gets tossed to the curb when you replace your bed. Less waste and more savings!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION