When you’re buying a new mattress, think twice whether you really need the matching box spring or foundation support to go with it. Modern-day bed designs -- or platform-style beds -- provide the support your mattress needs for even wear. If your bed design uses wood slats and requires a box spring, you can use your existing box spring with your new mattress. While store associates may say this voids your warranty, bedding manufacturers will honor your warranty if something goes wrong. Be sure to ask for a discount on your purchase if you’re buying just a mattress.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

There’s one more thing that’s just as important as refilling your bird feeder: disinfecting it. A bacterial disease called salmonelloisis is usually caused by dirty feeders, and it can kill small birds. The disease occurs when fecal matter (from birds) is mixed with bird seed, causing birds to get sick. To keep our feathered friends healthy, simply soak your bird feeder in hot water with a 10 percent bleach solution. Then rinse, dry and refill those feeders.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

The recycling initiative “Blue Jeans Go Green” is a program that collects old jeans and recycles them into eco-friendly insulation for homes. To date, more than a million pieces of denim clothing have been diverted from landfills through this program. If you’re involved in a community project -- whether it’s with your local Habitat for Humanity affiliate or if you’re working on a civic building -- you can apply to get free recycled denim insulation. Simply go online to bluejeansgogreen.org. The program is available for both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION