The majority of litter at beaches isn't caused by litterbugs -- it's from lightweight, single-use products packaged in wrappers and empty plastic bottles that fall out of trash cans or are blown away by gusts of wind. If you have trash from your day at the beach, don't use the trash receptacles there; take your trash with you. Bring it back home or to a hotel where refuse can be properly disposed of. There are even smartphone apps to help you locate the closest recycling bin, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Sadly, it's not uncommon to see a landscaping sprinkler system running at full power during a rainstorm. However, it's not the mark of a wasteful homeowner; it's because the sprinkler system is on an automatic timer. To fix this problem (and save water and money), have a rain sensor installed to your sprinkler system. The sensor determines whether enough rainfall has occurred to skip an irrigation cycle. If the sensor detects enough rain, it breaks the electrical connection to your sprinkler system so it won't turn on. It's easy to install and makes your sprinkler system more efficient.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Instead of using harsh paint stripper to remove paint from your hands or a nonporous surface, try this natural method instead: Use olive oil and salt to loosen dried paint and gently lift it away. Start by dabbing the area with a small amount of olive oil, then sprinkle salt on top and use it as a gentle exfoliant. Add more oil and wipe away, then use a little soap and water to wash the oil mixture off. The oil helps "lift" the paint away from the surface and the salt speeds up the process.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION