According to the Humane Society of the United States, more than 1,600 pets have died as a result of toxins from flea treatments, so finding natural ways to prevent and kill fleas is important. Prevention and common sense can go a long way. Vacuuming carpets, rugs and furniture where your pet lives and washing their bedding in hot water regularly can capture and kill fleas. And real lavender essential oil can also help for dogs: Add some to a natural flea soap and let the mixture sit on their coat for 10 minutes during bath time. Rinse and repeat.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, of the 47,000 hotels and motels in the United States, about $2,196 is spent per room each year on energy costs. That equates to about 6% of all operating costs for a hotel. When staying at a hotel, follow the same mindful habits you do at home: When you leave a room or check out, turn off the thermostat or significantly lower or raise it based on the time of year to save energy. If you notice a leak in the bathroom, report it to the front desk. And if you use the hotel gym, turn off the TVs when you're done to cut energy waste. Lower energy usage helps keep hotel costs (and rates) down, creating a win-win all around.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

We've all done it: You drop someone off in front of a store so they can run and grab something quickly while you sit in the idling car. If the errand is less than 10 seconds, that's fine; any more than that, and the Environmental Defense Fund says you're wasting more fuel and money than if you just turned your engine off and then restarted it. Next time, do just one thing to help the environment: Park the car and turn off the engine to save money. And in the cold winter months, when you warm up the car? Any more than 30 seconds is wasting fuel.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION