Terra cotta pots are great for container gardening and are an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic pots (plus they look better in your garden or patio). But terra cotta pots can break, so instead of tossing those shards in the trash, use them to improve your garden. In rainier climates, mix the shards in the soil under the eaves of the house where rain water can build up on stormy days. It will help with drainage, since terra cotta absorbs water, and you won't see the shards, since they are mixed in the soil.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many of us enjoy the convenience of online shopping, especially the time-saving benefit of not having to drive from store to store looking for exactly what you need. When choosing shipping options, opt for the United States Postal Service (USPS) whenever possible. By sending items through USPS, you're using an existing fleet of delivery trucks that go through your neighborhood on a daily basis anyway. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions with one easy step. Plus, the USPS option is often the cheapest, so you save money, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many of us are incorporating salmon into our diets as a high-protein addition for a healthier lifestyle. But not all salmon fillets are the same, since many varieties can contain high levels of chemicals and contaminants. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon have been found by scientists to be high in heart-healthy omega-3s and low in contaminants, and they are caught sustainably through tough Alaskan regulations and government monitoring of the fishing industry. Farm salmon, on the other hand, are "grown" in tightly packed pools where diseases are prevalent, so they are often fed high amounts of antibiotics.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION