When you pull out mounds of invasive weeds from your backyard garden, what do you do with them? You can compost them, but when you spread the compost, will you also spread weed seeds? The greenest solution is to bag them in black plastic trash bags and THEN compost them. Placing the weeds in a black bag and allowing them to bake in the sun is a simple way to kill the seeds by scorching them, called "solarizing." After a few days, simply empty the bag into the compost, and you’re good to go.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Are you curious if your tap water is safe to drink? The Environmental Working Group has launched the EWG Tap Water Database, so now it’s easy to find out if there are contaminants in your city’s drinking water. Just type in your ZIP code, and you’ll see a complete list of contaminants found in your water supply. The report also outlines if these levels are safe or too high, if a contaminant is at a legal level and what independent scientists think about it for public safety. Learn more at ewg.org/tapwater.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here’s an interesting fact: Honey never expires. The reason why has to do with the water content -- with just 17 percent water content, it isn’t moist enough for bacteria or fungi to thrive. And even with 17 percent water content, only a very tiny fraction of that is actually “available” for microbial growth. What does harm honey is light and heat, which can change its color, taste and aroma. If you have honey that has crystalized, it’s totally fine to use. Just zap it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up, and you’re good to go.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION