If you love to craft with kids, it’s important to stock up on supplies that are free of harsh chemicals.Many products like ink pads, markers and craft paints can contain asthma-triggering chemicals or have high levels of volatile organic compounds. The basic rule of thumb is, if the product has a smell, it’s likely chemical-based. How do you avoid these products? Look for labels that say “nontoxic” or “water-based” for the cleanest options. And search online for ways to make DIY paints, play dough and even slime using all-natural ingredients.

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If you’ve purchased a new washing machine, listen up: Don’t use DIY laundry detergent for your machine. While handmade detergents are a good all-natural alternative, they have a tendency to clog modern washing machines. With household appliances becoming more high-tech, untested detergents can cause internal havoc. Using a DIY detergent can also void the warranty of your washing machine. Instead, look for commercial brands that are highly concentrated and made with plant-based ingredients, and use your DIY detergents for hand-washing purposes only.

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Does your kitchen or bathroom drain have an unpleasant odor? Instead of dumping chlorine bleach down the drain to neutralize the odor, try this nontoxic solution: regular salt. Sometimes decomposing organic matter like food scraps can get stuck on the sides of pipes. The salt helps dislodge the stuck-on waste and acts like a mini scrubber for your pipes. It’s an easy, inexpensive option that’s safer for your plumbing and the environment. Simply pour about 1/2 to 1 cup of salt down the drain and turn on the tap to try this tip.

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It’s time to ditch plastic bowls and plates — no matter how durable they seem — in favor of glass or ceramic. Over time, plastic dinnerware can release millions of microplastics into your food. This can happen when you microwave meals, wash items in the dishwasher or use plastic plates for highly acidic foods. In fact, just three minutes of microwaving has been shown to release more than 4 million microplastics at a time. If you must use plastic tableware, stick to cold foods — never microwave it — and always wash by hand.

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If you want to attract more birds to your yard, there’s no need to have bird feeders full of seed everywhere. Instead, eliminate all chemical insecticides from your backyard. According to the National Wildlife Federation, our feathered friends love to hunt and eat insects because it’s their primary source of protein. When a yard is treated to eliminate insects, it’s a less attractive environment for birds to visit. Turn your yard into a wildlife habitat and you’ll not only go green, but you’ll save the money you would have spent on costly (and unnecessary) spray treatments.

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If you collect paper items like magazines, junk mail and newspaper in a shopping bag for recycling, be careful which type of bag you use. Shopping bags that are made from glossy paper or have plastic handles are not good options; they are hard to recycle and need to be sorted into a different paper category at the recycling facility. Instead, consider brown paper grocery bags, or just bundle the papers together with natural string like twine.

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Many people raise chickens in their backyard as a hobby or to enjoy a steady supply of fresh eggs. It’s well known that chickens will eat almost anything fresh, including vegetable trimmings and even discarded eggshells. However, you should avoid feeding them avocado skins and pits, because they contain a toxin called persin, which can cause heart failure and other serious health issues. Onions and garlic won’t usually kill chickens, but they contain compounds that can lead to anemia. Finally, rhubarb leaves are extremely toxic and can be fatal; they are an absolute must-avoid.