It may seem harmless, but it’s actually illegal to take rocks out of national parks. With millions of people visiting our parks annually, if everyone took a small natural souvenir home, it would have a devastating effect on the park. If caught, not only have you committed a federal crime, but it also can result in a hefty fee. And even stacking rocks in parks is frowned upon; it disrupts the natural biodiversity and creates an eyesore. After all, the true art is what Mother Nature has already created.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

During the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s estimated that food waste increases by 25%, on top of the 30% to 40% of our food supply that Americans throw away on average. To reduce this, think of holiday meals as you would any meal, rather than as all-you-can-eat feasts. Encourage guests to bring take-home containers with them, or offer reusable containers for them to borrow. And think about reducing other waste by deploying reusable flatware, glasses, dishes and napkins instead of disposable.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It’s estimated nearly 30 million live Christmas trees are sold every year in the United States, which means a lot of people are shopping for holiday decorations for the tree. Instead of buying new, why not consider thrifting for antique or vintage pieces? Or make DIY snowflakes and other paper decor using scrap paper or items from the recycling bin. Even natural items like dried fruit, pinecones and cinnamon sticks are good biodegradable alternatives to adorn the tree.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION