If you have used appliances that are still in working order, you can donate them to the Salvation Army to help someone in need. The organization will come and pick up your appliances, and you’ll also get a write-off for tax deduction purposes. Items they will accept typically include window air conditioners, washers and dryers, stoves, microwaves, refrigerators and modern-style televisions. To find out if a Salvation Army near you can pick up, visit satruck.org.

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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.

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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