When you look at empty packaging to recycle, you might think because you see the recycling symbol on it, it’s acceptable to toss into the recycling bin. But not so fast. There are no rules on what items can and can’t have the recycling symbol on them. Technically, anything is recyclable; the real question is, does your community accept this item to be recycled? So, if you see a plastic tube or an unusually colored glass bottle, don’t just throw it in the recycle bin because it has the symbol. Instead, check with your local waste hauler to see if the specific item is or isn’t recyclable.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

We live in a high-tech digital world, so it’s important to stay healthy by keeping your tech products germ-free. Traditional spray cleaners do not work on these products, since they can cause damage to them. Instead, dab a microfiber towel into some rubbing alcohol and use that to wipe down the screens on phones, keyboards for computers, and anything else that you’re constantly touching. This will do two things: kill germs and illness-causing bacteria, and clean off grime or smudges on the products. This is also a smart thing to do after you’ve overcome a cold, to avoid re-infecting yourself.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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