Two bulk-bin staples that can help you cut back on packaging and save money are dried beans and lentils. But using them means soaking them overnight before you can enjoy them. One way to speed up the process is to soak dried beans or lentils in water and zap them in the microwave. Just fill a bowl with beans and cover with water and a tiny bit of baking soda. Microwave for 10 minutes and let them soak in the hot water for 40 minutes in the microwave. Just like that, the beans will be ready to use for whatever you want to whip up for dinner.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It seems so antiquated in a day of smartphones and search engines, but millions of printed phone books are still being produced every single year. If you are receiving phone books and automatically tossing them into the trash or recycling bin, you can put an end to the delivery with just one simple step. Visit yellowpagesoptout.com and enter your zip code. The site will show you all of the directories that are or could be sent to you; it then allows you to choose one or all and opt out. It just takes a few minutes to stop delivery of something you may think is absolutely obsolete.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Many of us run fresh fruits and vegetables through juicers at home to create delicious concoctions to sip and enjoy. But according to foodsafety.gov, making your own fresh-pressed or squeezed juices at home can also make you sick. When juicing at home, be sure to wash your hands before you handle any produce. This will reduce any risk of transferring bacteria. Wash everything -- including peeled fruits and veggies -- under running water. If something is labeled as pre-washed on its container (like pre-washed spinach or kale), it’s OK to juice it without washing. And always be sure any pre-cut fruits or vegetables are bought from a store where they’ve been refrigerated on ice.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION