Soaring utility bills in the winter are enough to keep many people awake at night. So how about just one thing you can do to cut your energy costs in the cooler months AND get a great sleep? According to the National Sleep Foundation, a room temperature of 60 to 67 degrees is ideal for the most comfortable sleep. That means lowering your thermostat for eight hours of rest not only can help you sleep better, it also can save you money. What a win-win!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Who knew that one of the best ways to refresh the air isn't with chemical-loaded spray air fresheners, but with a plant? The sansevieria plant -- also known as the snake plant -- is a succulent that NASA discovered could absorb more than 107 air pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen monoxide. It's also incredibly easy to grow, needing little water and light. And unlike most plants, it continues to produce oxygen at night, too. It's a real winner to keep in your home!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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