How clean is too clean when it comes to recycling? According to Waste Management, there's no need to scrub your recyclables sparking clean, especially in communities that have severe droughts. Instead, use a spatula to scrape the inside of cans and jars clean. The rule of thumb is that the recyclable container just needs to be empty. A glass jar half-full of jam is clearly not recyclable, so use it up or scrape it out before recycling. A little residual film on the inside from laundry detergent, salad dressing and even peanut butter is fine and will not contaminate a load of recyclables.

With cold weather here, you may have a small cottage, weekend home or even a spare bathroom that rarely gets used during the winter months and may not be adequately heated. If you want to prevent pipes and toilets from freezing and bursting, do this to winterize them: Buy a bottle of nontoxic propylene glycol antifreeze solution (the kind sold for RVs) -- not the regular antifreeze used in cars (which is toxic). Pour a small amount of the antifreeze down the drains and toilet. It will protect your plumbing and fixtures all winter long. Come spring, just flush and turn the water back on.

In many communities, waxy containers that hold milk and juice are now recyclable. The waxy material is called aseptic, and the containers are often made with a high percentage of paper and plastic with a scant amount of aluminum. New recycling innovations have made these recyclable and desirable to recyclers. But what about hot paper cups used to hold coffee or tea? These should not be placed in the recycling bin. Unlike aseptic cartons, these are different: The waxy coating inside does not break down when pulped and should never be put in the recycling bin at home. Good news: Retailers like Starbucks are beginning to collect them and have placed special recycling bins in stores to collect and recycle those cups.