Did you know the color of your cookware could affect your health? According to the Food and Drug Administration, enamel cookware in hues of red, yellow and orange is often made with toxic substances like cadmium and lead. The good news is, all enamel cookware made in the United States today is free of these chemicals. So, when in doubt, buy American-made, or steer clear of those colors when buying enamel cookware made in other countries.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Simple repairs on major kitchen appliances can save you money, extend the life of expensive equipment and obviously reduce waste to landfills. But sometimes it's better to replace than to repair, for safety reasons. A microwave oven is a staple in most kitchens because it's fast and energy-efficient, but if your microwave is over 10 years old, radiation can actually leak from worn-out gaskets around the door. Get a new microwave and be sure to have your old one recycled.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's tempting: Your favorite sweatshirt is in the dirty laundry pile and you really, really want to wear it, so you consider running it in the washing machine all by itself. Do just one thing: Wear something else from your closet. Running a washing machine with a small load is a significant waste of water, energy and money. When you consider the fact that your washing machine uses about 13,500 gallons of water per year, small runs can contribute significantly to excess waste. Always run full loads and use cold or cool water whenever you can.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION