Do you want to help your local animal shelter beyond just writing a check? One way you can help is to be a transporter for animals. Many organizations that pull at-risk animals from kill shelters need volunteers to pick them up. They also need drivers to take adopted animals to vet appointments or adopt-a-thons during high-occupancy months. You can also take an adopted dog or cat to its new foster home. Just making a shelter aware of your travel plans can help connect the dots so they can coordinate where you’re going to help an animal in need.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Tuna is the third most popular seafood in America, right behind shrimp and salmon. And most of that tuna is bought in the canned variety. When shopping for canned tuna, look for brands that use “pole caught” or “troll caught,” which are methods that do not use nets and do not have bycatch like sea turtles, sharks and even seabirds. The nonprofit Monterey Bay Aquarium also has a “Seafood Watch” approved marker used by brands that follow its recommendations for fishing. Just look for the mark to find sustainable tuna when you shop.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When we think about saving energy in the kitchen, we often don’t think about the smaller things, such as coffee grinders, blenders, toasters, coffee makers and microwave ovens. These smaller appliances are a regular part of our lives and can use up loads of energy over time. Instead of keeping them plugged into outlets (where they still draw power even if they aren’t being used), plug them all into a power strip. This accomplishes two things: One, you can flip the switch on the power strip to turn off all power to the small appliances; and two, if there’s an electrical surge, your appliances are safe from being damaged.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION