Reusing items is a simple and meaningful action that is one of the greenest things you can do. But when it comes to disposable plastic utensils like forks, knives and spoons, it's best to use them once. While it's tempting to rinse a plastic utensil and reuse it, they really aren't designed for repeat use. When you wash plastic, microscopic spaces are created that can harbor food particles that eventually will turn into bacterial growth. So if you must use plastic utensils, use them once, but try to opt for reusable ones -- like stainless steel -- whenever possible.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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