When you’re moving from your old home to a new one, it’s easy to get caught up in amassing a lot of single-use cardboard boxes, Bubble Wrap and packing supplies to transport your things. For a lighter carbon footprint, look for used sturdy boxes from a liquor or grocery store, use laundry baskets you already have, or see if you can borrow reusable plastic crates from a local restaurant or retailer. Limit use of plastic Bubble Wrap and be creative with the use of dish towels, bath towels, T-shirts, bedding and other soft things to protect fragile items. And look into moving companies that rent reusable bins you can use instead of cardboard boxes.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

With nearly 10 million cut flowers sold every day, knowing where flowers are grown for your bouquets and arrangements is important. Most flowers come from faraway places like Africa, South America and Europe, where fields of colorful blooms are grown in monocultures that are far from eco-friendly. A new directory called Slow Flowers has over 850 farmer and florist members who use domestically grown “farm to vase” materials. Learn more at slowflowers.com.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics says that just a small fraction -- 7.5% -- of commuters carpool to work. There are lots of reasons why carpooling is beneficial for the environment and your wallet. On average, drivers save $450 a year on gas by sharing a car. Carpooling also eliminates unnecessary wear and tear on your car. But the big benefit is that you get to your destination more quickly with designated HOV lanes that are set aside for cars with multiple passengers.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION