When you see frying pans, kitchen utensils and even knives labeled as "dishwasher-safe" on the packaging or online, be sure to look at the fine print. Yes, they are technically dishwasher safe, but only if you use limited cycles and not the full automatic cycles most of us choose. If separating your real dishwasher-safe items from your partially dishwasher-safe items sounds like a hassle, just do the next-best thing: Wash what you suspect isn't dishwasher safe by hand. Use your dishwasher (which is water- and energy-efficient) for more durable items like plates, cups and glasses, and protect your pricey pots, pans and knives by scrubbing them by hand.

If you buy organic for only a handful of fruits, do it for apples, blueberries, grapes and strawberries. According to the nonprofit advocacy organization the Environmental Working Group, it found 98 percent of the apples tested contained detectable levels of pesticides. Conventionally grown blueberries had more than 42 types of pesticide residue on them. Grapes tested for the highest amount of pesticides, with more than 64 types in the testing. And in just one strawberry, it found a whopping 13 pesticides. Since many fruits are like sponges that absorb whatever is sprayed on them, even washing most of these fruits can still lead to the ingestion of chemicals. Go organic with these if you can.

Solar-powered garden lights are an easy and ecological way to add illumination to your yard, porch or sidewalk without using any electrical wiring. Since they are powered by an integrated solar panel that charges during the day and turns on when it becomes dark outside, make sure you place them in strategic spots for maximum efficiency. Be sure to place them away from competing nighttime light sources like porch and streetlights. When other light sources turn on, the solar light sensors will react to it and either decrease the light output or not turn at all. Also, be sure to wipe down the sensors from time to time. Pollen and dust can prevent the lights from recharging during the day.