Are those gift boxes that have the thin plastic “window” on the front recyclable, or not? The good news is yes, they are. But you have to do just one thing to prepare them for recycling: Peel off the plastic sheet (it’s usually barely adhered), then flatten the box for recycling. The paperboard boxes are recyclable in most curbside programs. Leaving the plastic on can be a problem for recyclers, since it can muck up the recyclables during the pulping process.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here’s one more all-natural thing to keep by your kitchen or bathroom sink: a small bottle of essential oils. If you want to avoid the chemicals in antibacterial gels or liquid hand soaps, natural oils can help disinfect, and they smell great! Oils like tea tree, peppermint and rosemary have natural antimicrobial properties that can help you stay germ-free and healthy. Just wash your hands and add a drop or two to the palms of your hands, then rub and smell the healthy goodness.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it’s cold outside, one way to help reduce heating costs is to close air registers in rooms that are rarely occupied so the heated air can be redirected to rooms you do use. But if you end up closing more than 50 percent of the registers in your house, your good intentions could literally backfire. This can complicate the flow resistance system of your HVAC, which can lead to complications and costly repairs. Instead, count how many registers you have and only close up to 20 percent of them to save energy and avoid damage to your system.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION