When it comes to shopping "green," it's a good idea to look for products made from recycled materials. But when it comes to toilet paper, you may want to think twice about buying recycled. Recycled-content toilet paper is typically made of paper fibers from sources like old copy paper, junk mail and magazines that are shredded, pulped, de-inked and reprocessed. But paper receipts of the "thermal" variety can sometimes make it into the recycling waste stream and subsequently end up being used in the manufacture of recycled toilet paper. These receipts are coated in the chemical BPA, a known endocrine disrupter. To avoid BPA in recycled toilet paper, look for unbleached, virgin product instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Is your propane tank for your backyard grill no longer refillable or simply broken? Most refillable propane tanks last about seven years. When it's time for replacement, they are typically not accepted by normal trash haulers for recycling or landfill, but they are recyclable. Most household hazardous waste (HHW) collection sites (or HHW events in your community) will accept them for proper disposal. Major brands like AmericaGas and Blue Rhino will accept the tanks for recycling, and the local retailer where you purchased your tank may take them back, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it comes to beer, is it better to go with canned or glass-packaged brews? The answer is aluminum. While both materials are easily recyclable, the likelihood that an aluminum can put into the recycling stream will actually get recycled is much higher than glass. And while it does take more energy to make cans, they are infinitely recyclable, lighter to transport and worth more to recyclers. And of course, drinking from the can or bottle is a greener alternative to single-use cups.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION