If you use chemical fertilizers for your gardens and landscaping, it's important not only to remove your shoes before entering your home, but also to wash your clothes and shower immediately after application. If that sounds like too much hassle, do the alternative: Skip fertilizers. Instead, choose native plants that naturally thrive in your climate. They don't need fertilizers and are drought-resistant as well, making them an easy-to-maintain option to beautify your yard.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Motion sensors for lights are easy to install and can help save electricity when people forget to hit the switch on their way out. These sensors are great in places like a laundry room or workshop, where lights tend to be left on accidentally for long periods of time. They are also a great solution if you rent out your home on sites like Airbnb; tenants are even less likely to turn off lights. New sensors are a breeze to install and will pay for themselves over time.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Warmer weather usually means small renovation projects around the house that involve paint, varnish and other adhesives. When shopping for these items at the hardware store, look for ones that emit zero or very low volatile organic compounds (VOC) into the air. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these common home renovation items are the second-largest source of VOC emissions among consumer and commercial products. Choosing zero- and low-VOC options helps keep your home a healthy place to live.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION