We’ve often heard about ditching body wash in plastic bottles for more eco-friendly (and often gentler) bar soaps that can do the job without the waste. But have you thought about ridding your shower of plastic shampoo bottles in favor of shampoo bar soap? Liquid shampoos are up to 95 percent water, which means one bottle doesn’t go a long way in keeping your scalp clean. Shampoo bars are super-concentrated and will outlast liquid shampoo 3-to-1. You save money and do your part to reduce the demand for plastic packaging. And one more nice benefit? It’s TSA-friendly to bring a shampoo bar onto a plane.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you have backyard soccer or volleyball nets set up for a little recreational activity, always be sure to take them down after the last match. It’s very easy for wild animals -- birds, deer, possums, snakes, etc. -- to get tangled up in the nets. In their struggle to get out, the situation often gets worse, sometimes resulting in the death of the animal. The best approach is prevention: Bring out the nets and have a good time playing games, but always put them away when you’re done.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many decorating blogs suggest using fishing line to hang up outdoor decorations since it can hold a lot of weight and is nearly invisible to the eye. But that can be problematic, too: The nearly clear plastic wire can be hazardous to birds that fly through your yard. While it may be aesthetically pleasing, avoid using fishing line to rig lights, wreaths and other outdoor decor. Birds can entangle themselves in it, or worse, die when they fly directly into the taut wire.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION