Even if there are recycling bins at parks or other outdoor recreational areas you are visiting, consider taking your recyclable trash home with you instead. Wild animals can't tell the difference between trash cans and recycling bins, so they'll root through them no matter what. Glass and plastic containers that once held snacks can be tempting to animals, possibly causing them to get stuck inside with no way to escape. Taking these containers home is a good way to help keep animals safe.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

You may have heard that you should not store ripe tomatoes in the refrigerator; store them at room temperature right on the kitchen countertop instead. But what do you do if you have a bumper crop of ripe tomatoes? To extend the shelf life of a ripe tomato, go ahead and put it in the refrigerator. The chill will prevent it from ripening more. When you're ready to enjoy it, bring it out of the fridge and let it warm back up to room temperature. It'll taste like you just picked it from the garden.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you're in the market for a leaf blower to do some cleanup around the yard, consider battery-powered instead of a gas-guzzling blower. New long-lasting lithium ion battery-powered lawn and garden products are readily available at any home improvement store. These rechargeable batteries hold a longer charge (plus, the batteries are recyclable when you need to replace them down the road). So instead of emitting smelly fumes from gas-powered blowers, you can now clean and be green when doing yardwork.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION