To save money and help lessen the demand on the energy grid in your city, don’t run the dishwasher or washing machine between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m. These are considered peak hours, when electricity demand is at its highest, which also means it’s more expensive. Instead, run your appliances before or after, and try to stick to using less energy-intensive appliances to prepare meals. Making this one switch can help reduce your utility bill, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Did you know it’s illegal to take sand from beaches in Hawaii? It’s also illegal to purchase sand online if it’s taken from Hawaii. The reason is an uptick in erosion, causing Hawaiian beaches to shrink. It’s easy to understand why this sand is for sale: It’s colorful and unusual, and it comes from a breathtaking destination. If you do see sand for sale online, report it to help get the listing removed. And always remember: Even small amounts of sand in your shoes and bags should be shaken out and left on the beach.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It may still be warm outside, but here’s a plan-ahead tip for the cold winter months: Invest in an electric snowblower. New electric snow blowers utilize rechargeable batteries, so there’s no gas tank to fill, and there are no greenhouse emissions released when it’s in use. This is also the perfect solution for small-scale snow removal. Of course, the greenest snow-removal system is a shovel and broom -- but if you need a snowblower, go electric.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION