Traditional binders you find at the drugstore or office supply store are typically made from hard-to-recycle plastic; they tend to break easily and just end up clogging landfills. Look for two alternatives that are more eco-friendly: all-aluminum and kraft paperboard. Both alternatives are fully recyclable and have a cooler look, too. Plus, they are easy to find in stores and online. When you need to recycle them, the aluminum ones can go right into the recycling bin, and it's easy to separate the metal clips from the paperboard ones for recycling.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

According to the Humane Society, an estimated 8 to 12 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are euthanized every single year in the United States. This is why it’s important to adopt instead of buying a purebred dog from a breeder -- to help find homes for animals in need. But did you know they are likely to be healthier, too? Since shelter animals are most likely mixed breeds, they have lower risks for genetic disorders like cancer than purebred dogs.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

We all know flying on an airplane is probably the least green way to travel, but sometimes you just can’t avoid it. When choosing a flight, consider one extra option: the type of plane you’re flying on. The rule is pretty simple: The newer the aircraft, the lower the emissions. Planes like the Airbus A320neo and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner use less fuel per passenger than their predecessors. In fact, airplanes today are about 80% more fuel-efficient than planes from the 1970s.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION