If your dog wears a nylon or fabric collar, why not supercharge it and give it some natural flea-fighting properties? Simply put four drops of all-natural cedarwood oil on the dog’s collar, and throw it into an airtight container, like a glass jar or a plastic sandwich bag, overnight so the oils can slowly and naturally saturate the fabric. The slightly fragrant collar is a natural deterrent to fleas, and it’s a safe way to use essential oils with your dog, since you’re not applying the oil directly to his coat. The collar should last around two to three weeks before you need to repeat the process.

If you compost at home, you might be wondering if waxed paper is compostable. On the surface, it feels natural, and paper and wax are both natural materials. But sadly, the answer is no. Unless you are composting soy bean-based waxed paper, you’re likely using a petroleum-based product. Almost every waxed paper is coated in paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. And it’s this petroleum byproduct that makes conventional waxed paper both non-compostable and non-biodegradable. You can find soy bean wax-covered paper in some health food stores if you do want to make the eco switch.

One of the easiest ways to keep your home cooler in the hot months is to be smart about your lighting choices. Super energy-efficient lightbulbs that are either CFL or LED create significantly less heat -- or none at all -- than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 10 to 15 percent of the electricity incandescent bulbs uses is to generate light; the remaining 85 to 90 percent creates heat. Keeping those light fixtures on heats up the house. Reducing heat sources in your home will help your home feel cooler and use less electricity in the long run.