Researchers at the University of Quebec at Chicoutimi recently conducted a study to figure out the absolute greenest way to produce a cup of coffee at home. They found that brewing coffee through a traditional coffee maker with a disposable paper filter has the highest carbon footprint, due to the waste of the filter, the energy to heat up the water and the likelihood that not all of the coffee will actually be consumed. To green your routine, invest in a reusable metal filter, and brew smaller amounts. And instant coffee (there are some good ones out there) was the clear winner for producing the least waste.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

With spring around the corner and the harsh winter months behind us, many of us have bags of unused de-icing salt sitting in the garage. Left unattended through the spring, summer and fall months, the salt can clump and become useless by the time winter rolls around again. The simple solution? Toss charcoal briquettes into the bag and tightly seal it. The briquettes will absorb excess moisture and help keep the salt loose and crumbly to use next winter.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you wear disposable contact lenses? Yes, those one-a-day-style contact lenses are problematic for the environment. It's believed as many as 20% of wearers flush their old lenses down the toilet, which means they end up in wastewater treatment centers and eventually break down into microplastics in natural waterways. Instead, dispose of your lenses in the trash, where they have less of a chance of getting into lakes, rivers and oceans. Or take the greenest step: Wear eyeglasses.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION