Fresh ginger root is becoming a popular kitchen staple in many homes. If you find yourself with leftover root, there’s no need to toss it in the trash or compost; you can actually grow a new plant from it. Just fill a small pot with potting soil mix and place the root inside, then cover with more soil and water. In a few days, a small plant will sprout, and in just a few weeks, you’ll actually have a healthy ginger plant. And yes, you can harvest the root in a few months and have ginger root you grew yourself right at home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you collect recyclable paper like magazines, junk mail and newspaper in a paper shopping bag, be careful which type of bag you use. Shopping bags that are made from glossy or shiny paper or have plastic handles are not good candidates; they are hard to recycle and need to be sorted out at the recycling facility. Instead, consider brown paper grocery bags, or just bundle the papers together with natural string like twine.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

One of the healthiest and greenest swap-outs you can make for your family pets is to switch the type of bowl they eat and drink from. While a plastic bowl may be cheap and durable, it can get scratched up easily; those scratches can harbor illness-causing bacteria, plus the plastic is difficult to recycle. Instead, invest in stainless steel bowls. They are durable, easily recyclable and can be sterilized with just warm, soapy water, or even tossed into the dishwasher.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION