Nobody likes a dusty home, but if there's one place you should be extra sure to clean, it's under the bed. This is where "dust bunnies" typically collect, and this massive concentration of dust is more than just dirty, it can be toxic. A study by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation found chemical toxins, including things like phthalates, flame retardants, heavy metals like cadmium, lead and mercury, and a whole host of other chemicals, in dust samples collected from bedrooms. When you consider that you sleep near this collection of dust for six to eight hours a night, it makes sense to vacuum or mop under the bed as frequently as you can.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

We all know that using soap and water plays a vital role in staying healthy and preventing the spread of diseases. But often soap in other parts of the world is either expensive or impossible to find. The charity Clean the World is working with hotels -- from big chains to small bed-and-breakfasts -- to recycle discarded bar soaps into new soaps to give away. You can share this information with your local hotel, motel or inn and encourage them to join and give. All they do is fill a box with soap bars and attach a prepaid UPS label. Learn more at cleantheworld.org.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here's a simple idea to help prevent food waste: Hold off on going to the grocery store for as long as you can. The reality is, you probably have enough in your pantry and fridge to make a perfectly good meal. On average, about 30% to 40% of the food we purchase goes to waste. That fills up landfills and also wastes money. Skipping a day or two between grocery store runs is a simple way to use up what you have. And a quick tip: Don't go on an empty stomach; it'll help prevent impulse purchases.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION