Aluminum cans are a greener option than plastic bottles, since metal can be recycled almost limitlessly, but care must be taken when recycling them. The smell of residual liquid inside aluminum cans intensifies when they dry out; the strong scent of sugar or beer is too tempting for wildlife. The razor-sharp edges of the cans' openings can also harm wild animals. Before recycling, simply rinse out the inside and crush the can. A recycling bin with a tight-fitting lid instead of a plastic bucket is best for keeping curious critters out.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you use a laptop computer? One way to help prolong the life of the rechargeable battery is to make sure it isn't plugged into a power source all the time. While leaving the computer plugged in isn't detrimental to your laptop, the excess heat that's created can wear down the battery, and extra wear on the battery means its lifespan is shortened. So plug your laptop in when you need extra power or to recharge the battery, and unplug it when the battery is full.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

There are more than 40 million acres of lawn in the United States, and it's simply grass that provides very little in the form of food or shelter for wildlife. If you take just a small portion of your lawn and plant native plants, it can go a long way to support wildlife like birds. Food sources like nectar, berries and seeds can come from indigenous plants, and even insects can be a food source for birds. Your local nursery can help you identify the right plants to turn a little patch of grass into a mini sanctuary.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION