Do you ever order multiple sizes of the same item online just to find the right fit? While it may be convenient, it’s a disaster for the environment. All that extra shipping -- both to your home and back to the retailer -- significantly increases carbon emissions. Plus, for some companies, it’s actually cheaper to landfill returned goods than to process and resell them. Want to get the right size the first time? Check the sizing charts and read customer reviews to see whether an item runs small or large.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ever wonder how to recycle an old bicycle? The metal frame of the bike is pretty easy to recycle. Most bikes have aluminum or steel frames, which are commonly accepted scrap metal materials at recycling yards. But what about the wheels? One company, Bike Furniture Design, will gladly take all of the wheels, handlebars and other unusual, hard-to-recycle components off your hands. They upcycle the materials into cool, stylish pieces of furniture. Learn more at bikefurniture.com.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the worst ways to waste gas when driving your car is to accelerate quickly when the red light turns green. When you use your foot like it's a solid piece of lead, all you really gain in time savings is a few seconds. Slowly accelerating and getting to the desired speed saves gas, and you will get to your destination in just about the same amount of time. Also, when you need to pass a car, try to do it when going downhill, not up. Passing a car while going uphill is a major gas guzzler.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION