If you live in an older home that was painted with lead-based paints, don't reach for the vacuum when paint begins to chip and peel off. While it may seem like a logical idea to use a vacuum to avoid touching the chips, contamination can occur when you open the vacuum to empty out the canister. Powerful vacuums can turn paint chips into dust, and when the canister is opened, those dust particles can contaminate the air in your home. Instead, clean up the lead-based chips using a dustpan and broom, then throw them away in the trash.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know with the growth of online shopping, the amount of cardboard generated for just a year of deliveries in New York City could fill the Empire State Building 50,000 times? The simplest way to help cut back on packaging waste is to avoid buying single items online that require a box, packaging material and fuel to get to you. Instead, fill your virtual shopping cart over time and try to get multiple items together in one box. Or better yet, buy from a local business and try to buy online only when you absolutely must.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

How many times have you forgotten about something in your refrigerator, and by the time you remember it, it's spoiled and you have to toss it out? Before running to the grocery store to pick up food, try to use what's in your fridge for a meal. Make it a challenge: Do the "clear the shelf" game, where you have to completely empty out a shelf to make a meal. It's easy to come up with crowd-pleasing meals like soup, stir fries or a frittata. You'll save money and cut down on food waste.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION