Delicious, creamy yogurt is often packaged in hard-to-recycle plastic containers (marked with a No. 5 on the bottom). If your community doesn’t accept this type of plastic for recycling, you can seek out a special recycling bin at stores that do take them. But you can also upcycle them into seed starters. All you have to do is poke a small hole in the bottom, fill the cup with potting soil, add seeds and mist. You can even add a clear lid back on top to create a mini greenhouse.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you love to clip coupons, you can use your clipping skills to help our troops overseas. Manufacturer coupons are collected here in the United States and shipped overseas and distributed to families on military bases. Even expired coupons work! Overseas families can use the coupons up to six months past the expiration date. The most-desired coupons are for food, baby supplies and common household goods. Obviously, coupons for local businesses should be avoided. To learn more, visit couponcabin.com.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It can be hard to clean things like coffee grinders, small blenders and other kitchen tools that help puree and grind up things. Since soap and water can’t always be used, try the next-best thing: Throw in some dry white rice. The rice breaks down into a starchy powder that picks up leftover debris, and since the bran oil has been taken out of the rice, it won’t leave any residue. Just add a few tablespoons, blend away and voila! It’s all good.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION