The old-school thought on disposing of old prescription medication was to flush it down the toilet. But that method has been proven unsafe, as studies have shown that flushed drugs can pollute our waterways and even contaminate drinking water. Instead, many communities now have drop-off points where you can properly dispose of old medication. But did you know you should take care in disposing of over-the-counter products like cough syrup, pain relievers, cold medicines and leftover vitamins, nutritional supplements and unused pet medications as well? All of these can be toxic if poured down the drain; they should be properly disposed of whenever possible.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Of the 6 million tons of trash that makes its way into the world's oceans every year, about 80% is plastic. The major threats to aquatic wildlife, including food packaging like six-pack rings, cling wrap and plastic sandwich bags, are often inadvertently dropped at the coasts by beachgoers. Even if they're deposited into a trash receptacle, a strong gust of wind or an overflowing trash bin can lead to litter on beaches that ends up in the water. Bring your trash home to properly dispose of it, or, even better, take everything in reusable packaging.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you're warming up by the outdoor fire pit, do this: Save the ashes. One cord of wood can produce about 50 pounds of ashes, and those ashes have a number of beneficial uses around your property. If you grow tomatoes, sprinkle ashes around your plants and rake them into the soil; tomato plants love the natural calcium in wood ashes, and they will thrive. You can also spread the ash as a border around the garden; it acts as a natural barrier to slugs and other pests that can damage your crop.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION