When spending time in an airport, look for beverages in recyclable containers like aluminum cans and plastic bottles when you're thirsty. If you can't find recycling bins, bring your drink with you on the plane. Most airlines now have recycling programs that collect old newspapers, magazines, cans and bottles. They sort and separate in-flight and divert trash away from landfills.

You may have seen the beauty of another country or farmland by foot, but your hiking boots could actually be a source of contamination or be responsible for bringing non-endemic species into the United States. When you travel abroad, be sure to have your hiking boots cleaned before you head to the airport. These boots have deep treads, which can be filled with contaminated soil, seeds and other items that create a "biosecurity risk" if they accidentally get introduced to the biodiversity of the U.S. United States Customs is actually flagging people who wear hiking boots home, so be sure to scrub them clean or face an inspection or worse, be forced to toss them.

We all recycle, but there are ways to make it easier and more efficient. Labels on glass bottles and jars do not need to be removed; in fact, they help keep the bottles intact and prevent breakage. When glass is recycled, the labels are removed or burnt off during the melting process anyway. When recycling cardboard boxes, if you set the flattened boxes out at night and it rains, no need to worry. Wet cardboard is still recyclable. Finally, make room in your recycling bin by crushing aluminum cans. They are still recyclable, and it frees up space for bulkier recyclables.