Do the math: There are nearly 250 million cars on the road in the United States, and all of that windshield washer fluid adds up. Turns out the majority of these fluids are made of methanol, which is so toxic that just 2 tablespoons can kill a child if ingested. With so many cars spraying to clean their windshields, the accumulation of droplets on roads ends up in waterways and in our environment. Take the time to buy biodegradable fluid that's methanol-free the next time you refill your car's reservoir.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

With nearly anything available to purchase online and have shipped to your home, you might want to reconsider ordering items that come packaged in dry ice. While fresh-churned ice creams, seafood and other items that need to stay frozen when shipped are tempting, the disposal of dry ice -- solidified carbon dioxide -- is problematic. Pouring it down drains can cause pipes to freeze and burst. And the container, gloves and anything else that's used to hold or handle it needs to be disposed of at a household hazardous waste site. Buy local instead, and skip icy-cold foods altogether in your online shopping.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The start of the school year often brings donation drives to give kids the essentials they need to excel at school. But the winter months are a critical time to donate things like binders, pencils, pens, folders and notebooks, too. The need for the right supplies persists nearly year-round, not just at the start of the school season. Local charities also continue to need seasonal items after their big donation drives, especially in cold climates -- so keep donating your winter coats, hats, mittens, new warm socks, blankets and towels.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION