Have a little leftover club soda or sparkling water? Don’t toss it down the drain; give it to your houseplants instead! Yes, the bubbly water is hydrating for thirsty plants, and the fizzy stuff can help them thrive. The carbon dioxide and minerals in carbonated water are beneficial to plants. When the roots of the plants drink up the water, it helps them grow and repair. Obviously, regular tap water is fine for plants, but a little leftover fizzy water is something they’ll love from time to time, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It’s always a good idea to wear a safety helmet when you’re riding a bike. But it’s best to own a new one, rather than giving in to the temptation to buy a used helmet or use a very old one. A used helmet does not come with a previous owner’s history; if it’s been part of a crash, it can have cracks and damages inside that make the helmet useless. Old helmets deteriorate over time due to wear and environmental damage, and they often don’t meet current safety standards. While an old helmet is better than wearing nothing at all -- a helmet can reduce head injury by as much as 85 percent -- do yourself a favor and upgrade to a newer, safer helmet.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the most effective ways to protect the life and battery longevity of your smartphone is to simply regularly power it down. Think of it this way: Would you leave your computer on for weeks or months at a time without ever turning it off? Many of us leave our phones on, charging or on standby for weeks at a time. This can take a toll on your phone’s speed and effectiveness. Think of your phone as a mini-computer and treat it the same way. Powering down at least once a week can have a big impact.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION