Here’s a Do Just One Thing fact you might already know: A greasy cardboard pizza box is not recyclable, since the grease has contaminated the cardboard. But did you know you can do one thing to prevent the grease from penetrating the box? All you have to do is ask for a sheet of aluminum foil to be placed on the bottom of the box and on top of the pizza. Not only does this prevent contamination of the box, it also keeps the pizza hotter, longer. And you can rinse off the aluminum foil, ball it up and toss it in the recycling bin, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Keeping an extra car that is barely used can be a real money waster. The cost of registration, insurance, gas and monthly payments (if you don’t own the car outright) averages to about $10,000 a year in unnecessary expenditure. Plus, any maintenance to make it run smoothly adds to the money-wasting pot. Your spare car can make spare change: Sell it for extra money, and enjoy the savings. For city dwellers, a great alternative is the use of ride-share programs that allow you to rent on an as-needed basis.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Nocturnally migrating birds need nearly pitch-black conditions to make their way through the nighttime sky. With many of us turning our backyards into an extension of the house, it can seem like a fun, decorative idea to hang string lights and illuminate the yard. But these outdoor lights can distract and confuse birds in flight. Instead, try two things to help: Either be diligent about turning off all unnecessary lights at night, or limit the number of lights. Hanging lights (like string and cafe-style lights) are the worst offenders.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION