Do just one thing

RECYLABLE PILL BOTTLES

Do you take vitamins and supplements that come packaged in small glass bottles? Often these bottles are in colors like dark brown or blue, which help protect the contents of the bottle from the deteriorating effects of ultraviolet light. These bottles also are recyclable in your curbside recycling bin, if they meet one additional requirement: The bottles must be bigger than a credit card. Anything smaller should not go into the recycling bin, because glass bottles that small can easily fall through the cracks of recycling sorters and will go to waste.

PARK UNDER SHELTER

When temperatures dip below freezing, your car uses extra fuel to function, losing around 10% of its fuel efficiency in comparison to the warmer spring and summer seasons. To improve efficiency when winter weather is at its coldest, try parking your car in a more sheltered place, like a garage, to keep the engine warmer when not in use. And when driving, use luxury elements like heated steering wheels, seat warmers, defrosters and regular heating at a minimum; optimal use of those amenities significantly helps to save fuel.

HOT (WASH) TOWELS

It’s common knowledge that the cold water setting on your washing machine is a smart choice to help decrease wear and tear on your laundry, reduce the shedding of microplastics from garments made from synthetic materials, and to save energy, too. But there are times when choosing a warm or hot setting makes sense. When it comes to towels and bedding, most experts recommend a hot setting to help lift stains and kill bacteria. And since most towels and bedding are made with natural fibers (if you aren’t already, opt for natural fibers when shopping for these items), there is no concern about the shedding of microplastics.

WOOD DECKING OVER CONCRETE

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, one of the biggest culprits of water pollution is water runoff from homes. How does it happen? Impervious surfaces like cement direct excess water onto roads and into rivers, and the runoff picks up toxic chemicals, dirt, trash and disease along the way. Choose wood decking over concrete, interlocking bricks and paver stones for walkways. Wood decking allows water to drain into the soil, where it can be absorbed into grass and gravel areas. And if you can redirect downspouts away from driveways and onto grassy areas, that also helps prevent unnecessary water runoff.

CORN GLUTEN FOR LAWN

It’s not hard to maintain a lush, green lawn without the aid of chemical herbicides or fertilizers. One of the easiest ways to remove and prevent invasive weeds like dandelions is to use a chemicalfree alternative called corn gluten. Not only does it kill weed seeds, but it’s also so safe that after application, pets and people can play on the lawn. Corn gluten is a byproduct of cornstarch and corn syrup production and is nonpolluting, so homes near waterways like lakes and streams won’t risk polluting water by using it.

SAVE DYING HOUSEPLANT

Yes, it’s possible to save a dying houseplant with a few easy tricks. If you’ve underwatered the plant (the soil feels like a brick), submerge it in a sink and let it absorb water from the bottom up; watering from the top allows the water to pour down the sides of the soil block and not end up where it’s needed. Cut off the dead leaves and stems and place the plant in a sunny or shady spot, depending on what the plant needs to thrive (a good thing to research online). Finally, don’t fertilize it right away; that will only shock the plant. Wait till it starts to rebound, then use a water-soluble fertilizer to bring it back to life.

SOAKING PANS

Many of us soak our cookware in water for several hours or overnight to loosen baked-on food to make clean up easier. While that does work to loosen grime, it also can warp the pan over time, making it defective and difficult to use. To protect your cookware investment, allow your frying pan to cool to room temperature, then immerse it in water for several minutes. That should be enough soaking time to make cleanup easier without risking any damage to the pan. And if you need a little extra help, sprinkle baking soda for abrasion and scrub away.