Most dentists agree you should brush your teeth for about two full minutes to get your pearly whites perfectly clean. But if you’re a multitasker who brushes your teeth in the shower, you should reconsider that morning ritual. The reason? You’re standing in the shower for two full minutes, wasting water while brushing your teeth. That’s a waste of about 4 gallons of water every time you shower, which can equal hundreds of gallons of H2O down the drain every year.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION