Here’s an astonishing environmental fact worth repeating: Americans throw away over 138 billion straws and stirrers every single year. Ordering beverages with the phrase “with no straw” is a simple way to cut down on plastic straw waste. But what do you do about your morning cup of joe? You can pre-fill your reusable cup with whatever you need (sugar, creamer) and then pour the coffee on top so it automatically mixes it. While it sounds simplistic, if everyone did this, we’d seriously cut back on billions upon billions of straw and stirrer waste.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Can you compost what’s in your vacuum dirt canister? It depends. If you use your vacuum on hardwood or solid floors and on natural-fiber carpets, it’s likely fine to dump the canister full of dust, debris and fibers right into the compost. But if you used it to clean wall-to-wall carpet (like nylon), it’s not safe for composting; adding those synthetic fibers to your compost can contaminate it. As always, when in doubt, toss it out.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

What condiments are safe to keep out on the counter, and what must go in the fridge? Generally speaking, if it has dairy, veggies or fruit in it, it must be refrigerated, and this includes things like vinaigrettes and the popular Asian sauce ponzu (because it contains citrus). Soy sauce, vinegars, oils, hot sauce and even peanut butter can be kept out, but never use the same knife to spread jelly and peanut butter onto a sandwich, as this can lead to cross-contamination and bacterial growth. Use separate knives, or always keep the PB and the J refrigerated.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION