In addition to a swimsuit and sunscreen, consider adding these eco additions to your carry-on bag when you travel. A lightweight reusable tote bag can come in handy when you're shopping so you can skip disposable bags. A reusable water bottle can be used during the whole trip to help skip plastic bottle usage; refill it at airports, in hotels and even at restaurants. And consider bringing a multi-use bar soap that works as a shampoo and body wash so you don't use mini amenity bottles. Break it up into small pieces so you'll always have a fresh piece wherever you go.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know your water heater can also take a vacation? Maybe it can't visit a faraway destination, but it can be set to use less energy when you place it on "vacation" or "away" mode. In some homes, a water heater can account for as much as 25% of your home's overall energy usage. And as always, raise or lower your thermostat depending on the season; according to the Department of Energy, set it to 85 degrees in the summer and 50 degrees during colder months.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When visiting our national parks, there are a few easy tips you can use to help keep them pristine and make your impact as light as possible. First, always stick to the marked trails; when you go "off-trail," you risk crushing vegetation and creating other unintentional damage. Also, consider visiting when it isn't peak season for park visitation; a high influx of people can strain the landscape and overall infrastructure of the park.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION