If you've ever found the smell of gas annoying while at the filling station, you're not wrong to be irritated: It's not only obnoxious, but it could be toxic. The fumes you smell are likely benzene and toluene fumes, which can lead to health problems. When pumping gas, the proper way to fill up is to insert the nozzle into your gas inlet and use the "hold-open latch," which snaps into place on the nozzle handle and allows the gas to flow continuously without the need for you to hold the nozzle. Stand a few feet away to avoid the fumes, and be sure to not top off the tank, which can release additional fumes into the atmosphere.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Some of us might avoid light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs when lighting our homes because we're afraid that the light will feel cold and clinical. But LED bulbs are highly energy-efficient, and finding the right bulbs can make all the difference in keeping your home warm and inviting. When shopping for LED bulbs, key words to search for are "warm white" or "soft white" on the packaging. But more important, look for the Kelvin rating -- a metric to measure color temperature -- on the packaging. LED bulbs that are 3,000 Kelvins or less cast a yellow light; any higher, and it'll likely be a cooler, bright white light.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's no surprise that the least eco-friendly fabrics are the ones that are human-made. These include polyester, acrylic and rayon, because they are made from synthetic materials and can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill conditions. But the list of least-sustainable fabrics also includes a natural fiber: conventional cotton. The reason? The tremendous amount of insecticide and water involved in manufacturing cotton. And the amount of chemicals used to make cotton T-shirts and jeans is worse. If you love cotton, go with organic.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION