Many people raise chickens in their backyard as a hobby or to enjoy a steady supply of fresh eggs. It's well known that chickens will eat almost anything fresh, including vegetable trimmings and even discarded eggshells. However, you should avoid feeding them avocado skins and pits, because they contain a toxin called persin, which can cause heart failure and other serious health issues. Onions and garlic won't usually kill chickens, but they contain compounds that can lead to anemia. Finally, rhubarb leaves are extremely toxic and can be fatal; they are an absolute must-avoid.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you collect paper items like magazines, junk mail and newspaper in a shopping bag for recycling, be careful which type of bag you use. Shopping bags that are made from glossy paper or have plastic handles are not good options; they are hard to recycle and need to be sorted into a different paper category at the recycling facility. Instead, consider brown paper grocery bags, or just bundle the papers together with natural string like twine.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you want to attract more birds to your yard, there's no need to have bird feeders full of seed everywhere. Instead, eliminate all chemical insecticides from your backyard. According to the National Wildlife Federation, our feathered friends love to hunt and eat insects because it's their primary source of protein. When a yard is treated to eliminate insects, it's a less attractive environment for birds to visit. Turn your yard into a wildlife habitat and you'll not only go green, but you'll save the money you would have spent on costly (and unnecessary) spray treatments.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION