Recycling scrap metal is good for the environment, but it can reap you some cash, too. There are scrap metal yards all over the country that pay cash for metals ranging from aluminum to steel to copper, all at different prices. Besides the obvious sources of scrap metal, there are also overlooked sources like damaged gutters, broken lawnmowers, metal shelves, outdoor furniture, old bicycles, appliances (full of copper wire) and even empty and clean paint cans. You might have cash lying around that you can get just by cleaning your garage!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The National Audubon Society wants to make it easy to help you identify native plants for your ZIP code that birds will absolutely love. It’s part of a campaign to get 1 million native plants for birds planted in the United States. All you have to do is visit Audubon.org and enter your ZIP code; the database will suggest trees, shrubs and flowers perfect for your yard and list the types of birds each plant variety will likely attract. You can even buy the plants from the Audubon Society to support their work.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When decorating the outside of your house for the holidays, avoid artificial garlands or wreaths and fake sprigs of red berries. If it looks real to you, it’s also going to look very real to wildlife who think the fake berries and evergreens are a source of food and shelter. A bird could easily ingest small pieces of your decor and suffer illness or even death. Instead, stick with real and natural items, or place your artificial decor close to your home (like on your porch or front door) and nowhere near trees or open spaces.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION