Yes, an old-fashioned garage sale is the most environmentally friendly way to find a new home for your old things and make a little cash. While selling previously loved items online is good too, selling in your community eliminates the need to package and ship items to the new owners. To have a successful sale, do it on a Friday or Saturday, and choose the first weekend of the month, when more people have discretionary cash. Set the date at least one month ahead to allow time to price everything and promote your sale.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Outdoor lighting in your garden can create an enchanting paradise at nighttime, but it's also very disconcerting to nocturnal creatures, who can get confused by the ambient light. If you must have lights, opt for solar-powered lanterns that cast a soft glow when the sun sets and will automatically turn off when the internal rechargeable battery is used up. Or put your outdoor lights on a timer so they'll automatically turn off at a regular hour. By keeping your yard as dark as possible, you'll create an environment perfect for giving many wild animals a safe, comfortable and protected place to call home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

In warmer months, many of us will open windows in our home to flush out airborne toxins. This cross ventilation works wonderfully on a breezy day to help improve your indoor air quality. While you're at it, do the same for your home away from home: the car. Park your car outside and open all the windows to flush out the odors and toxins building up inside. Remove floor mats and vacuum them well; leave them out in the light so the sun's rays naturally deodorize them. Finally, open the trunk and declutter to lighten the load and improve your car's fuel efficiency.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION