Is there anything more enjoyable in the spring and summer months than grilling dinner outdoors? It's a great way to enjoy the warmer weather and turn a chore into a real joy. When choosing a grill, you might wonder which is better for the environment: propane or charcoal. According to the Environmental Impact Assessment Review, the answer is propane. This is all due to the production that goes into making charcoal, which creates significant CO2. If you want charcoal, opt for bamboo varieties, which emit little smoke and are made from renewable sources.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Now is a good time to start planning a backyard vegetable garden by sketching out a plot and choosing your seeds. Not only is gardening fun, but growing food for yourself can also save you about $800 a year in produce costs. For the best success at growing vegetables, go for the easiest types to cultivate at home. These include lettuces, green beans, spinach, cucumbers, squash, radishes and tomatoes. And while you're working on your small plot of farmland, also plan for a backyard compost pile so you can feed organic matter back to your plants.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's no surprise that washing your car at an automated commercial center saves water. In fact, the Car Wash Association estimates automatic car washes use significantly less water than washing at home: just 45 gallons per car versus 80 to 140 gallons wasted at home. But if you must wash your car at home, do one thing: Park your car on gravel or in a grassy spot instead of on the driveway. The soapy water will then get filtered through the ground and help recharge groundwater sources.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION