Many of us are bringing along our own reusable bags now when we shop, but do you know which type of reusable bag is best for the environment? There are lots of choices out there, ranging from natural fibers to nylon and coated waterproof bags, but it turns out simple cotton bags are the best. They are strong, sturdy, machine washable and ultimately biodegradable, since they are made from plant fiber. Opt for recycled cotton -- or even better, organic -- if you can.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When hitting the road for a trip, it sometimes can feel like your dining options are limited to fast-food joints and rest stops along the way. But it’s possible to find local, sustainable and even organic food on your journey. The Eat Well Guide is an online tool that allows you to input two location points -- where your trip is starting and where it will end -- and shows you healthy dining options along the way. Or, if you’re visiting a city and want greener cuisine options, you can enter a single address to find the closest listings. Visit EatWellGuide.org to begin your culinary journey.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

While we know filtered water is good for drinking, have you thought about it for your pet goldfish? Tap water can have high levels of chlorine and ammonia, which is often used in water treatment plants. This can affect the PH levels of the water, which affects the quality of living for fish. So using filtered water in fish tanks can go a long way toward giving our aquatic friends a healthy, long and happy life.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION