Getting takeout food usually results in a small mound of trash you have to throw away after your meal. If you can't dine in, here are a few simple ways to reduce your impact. Start by refusing a bag if you're getting one item; you can use a rubber band to keep the container closed. Decline single-use condiment packets, utensils, straws and napkins. And look for foods that come in low-waste recyclable takeout containers, like burritos wrapped in aluminum foil, or a pizza in a cardboard box (ask for a sheet of aluminum foil under the pizza to prevent any spillage onto the cardboard).

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When buying cleaning products, try to use ones that are unscented or fragrance-free whenever possible. Many products will have fragrances like "April fresh" or "lavender fields," formulations that are artificial fragrances added to help mask the chemical odors of the product. People with chemical sensitivities can be harmfully affected by artificial fragrance, so it makes sense that a truly clean home is one that smells like nothing at all.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a leaky pipe can waste about 10,000 gallons of water per year, which is enough to fill a large swimming pool. In the cooler months, take the time to inspect your outdoor faucets for any leaks. Better yet, turn off the water valves to the outdoor faucets and unhook the garden hose so there's no water whatsoever in those pipes. This will also help prevent them from bursting in case they freeze, preventing a costly repair come springtime.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION