If you sprinkle Epsom salts into the bathtub to help relieve sore muscles, save a few tablespoons to help give your plants a boost, too. Epsom salt is made up of hydrated magnesium sulfate, which is a mixture of magnesium and sulfur. Plants love these minerals, and giving them Epsom salt helps boost the color of their leaves and creates stronger and bushier flowers. Just add two tablespoons of the salt to 1 gallon of water, allow to dissolve and water away.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When you’re picking up food items to donate to your local food bank or shelter, keep one rule in mind when buying things like pasta sauces, nut butters and other jarred items: Avoid glass. Because containers of food are often transported to multiple locations, glass containers can shatter. And because safety is a priority for both the recipients and volunteers, many food banks will reject food donations packaged in glass. Instead, look for shatter-proof plastic containers for these items.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When traveling in Central America or the Caribbean, you may find hair accessories, bracelets and trinkets made from tortoise shell. Often, tortoise shell accessories are made from synthetic materials and not from the endangered Hawksbill sea turtle. But with synthetics looking as good as the real thing, how can you tell the difference? First, hold the item up to the light: Is it transparent in the light areas? Is it highly flexible? If so, it’s likely real tortoise shell. Look for alternatives made from coconut shell and horn for the same look and feel.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION