Wooden plates and small serving boards are a popular way to serve food at home. They are durable and made from all-natural materials, which makes them a sustainable choice, but scratches and small cracks can harbor germs over time. To clean them, never put them in the dishwasher; lengthy exposure to water and heat can make the cracks worse, since it can expand the wood. Instead, hand wash them thoroughly in warm soapy water, then use a little hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar to sanitize. Rinse, and you’re good to go.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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