In the winter months, your backyard decor and products may be hidden under layers of snow, but they can be deathtraps to wildlife. Items like garden hoses, tomato cages, hammocks, stakes, volleyball nets and clotheslines may disappear under the white stuff, but they can snare animals who are walking through the snow. Deer who rub against trees can get caught in netting and become trapped. So be sure to pack up and put away anything that might be dangerous to create a safe habitat in your yard.

Do you still send out printed cards for the holidays? Instead of buying them from a store, why not support environmental charities at the same time? Environmental, humane and humanitarian organizations like the National Wildlife Federation, the Humane Society of the United States and UNICEF all sell printed cards through their online shops. A portion of the sale goes to benefit the charity's work, and your card will also contain advocacy messaging that you can send to your recipient. It's an easy way to support good causes and get lovely printed cards, too.

As you're raking leaves and getting your garden ready for winter, think about leaving dead flowers and plants intact. Dead stalks and seedheads may look unattractive, but they can be a much-needed source of food for birds. As the snow covers the ground, these dead flowers will poke though. Even leaving ferns intact can be a source of food for wild animals. Black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, sunflowers, marigolds and zinnias are all perfect flower candidates to leave alone in the garden.