Are you still getting bills in the mail? It may not seem like much, but all of those paper bills for your car lease, utilities and credit cards generate over 2 million tons of carbon pollution every year, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. It’s easy to curb this waste; ask to switch to e-billing so invoices and statements come to you via email instead of snail mail. Often, companies will reward your green act with savings, rewards or gifts, so going green can have extra incentives, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Just because a product or its packaging has a recycling symbol on it doesn’t mean it is easily recyclable. The question you have to ask is this: Is the item recyclable within your community or in your curbside recycling program? If it isn’t, it does not matter if it has the symbol. Items like Styrofoam cups are marked with a No. 6 recycling symbol but are nearly impossible to recycle, so even if you toss them into the recycling bin, they’ll end up in the landfill anyway.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you’ve purchased a new washing machine, listen up: Don’t use DIY laundry detergent for your machine. While handmade detergents are a good all-natural alternative, they have a tendency to clog modern-day washing machines. With household appliances becoming more high-tech, that means untested detergents can cause internal havoc. Using a DIY detergent can also void the warranty of your washing machine. Instead, look for commercial brands that are highly concentrated and made with plant-based ingredients. And use your DIY detergents for handwashing purposes only.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION