It’s become common knowledge that using an energy/water-efficient dishwasher is better than scrubbing and cleaning dishes by hand. But not everyone has a new state-of-the-art dishwasher at home, so what do you do to minimize the waste? You can fill a small plastic tub in the sink with warm soapy water and let your dishes, utensils and glasses soak. Then rinse them clean after you’ve given them a good soak and scrub. Using a plastic tub helps protect more delicate items, such as dishes and glassware, from chipping against the hard surface of the sink.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you turn on your oven to make a roast or a lasagna, it takes a significant amount of energy (gas or electric) to transform a large, cold box into a heating machine. To be as energy-efficient as possible, consider the concept of loading up the oven whenever you bake or roast something. Since the oven is getting hot, roast veggies, potatoes or even a batch of cookies in addition to your main meal. Make meals for the week and store them in reusable containers for instant lunches and dinners. And as always, never open the door to check on meals when you can use the oven light to peek inside instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you use your backyard as an extension of your home and a place for your family dog to play, be careful which landscaping plants you choose. What may seem like a pretty harmless-looking flower can actually be deadly to dogs. According to the ASPCA, hardy perennial flowers are incredibly toxic to them. These include flowers like mums, hostas, iris and yarrow flowers. And flowers that are bulb plants can also be poisonous to dogs. Gardeners know wild animals stay clear of daffodils because they’re one of the most toxic flowering plants out there. Other bulb flowers that are toxic include hyacinth, tulips, lilies and alliums.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION