When you have used coffee grinds in your coffee maker, what do you do with them? They are compostable and can be a great nutritional boost for your garden. But if you have a dog at home, you can also take advantage of the flea-repelling properties found in coffee. At your dog’s next bath time, massage used coffee grinds into its coat, then rinse. The residual scent of coffee not only smells nice, it also repels fleas and other biting insects. Added benefit: Your dog’Hyour dog’ss coat will be softer and shinier.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When it’s time to get new pillowcases for your bed, don’t toss the worn-out cases into the trash. They are great “pockets” to repurpose in the closet to help with clothing organization and storage. When you’re switching out your seasonal clothing this winter, consider packing summertime essentials like bathing suits and shorts inside pillowcases; they’ll be able to breathe but still be protected from dust and insects. When it’s warmer outside, place a few sweaters inside pillowcases to protect them. You can store accessories and shoes in them, too.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you drink coffee every morning, sip on this: Always buy organic java. Almost all coffee is grown outside the United States, and some of it is farmed in countries with lax environmental regulations. When you purchase certified organic coffee, it means the beans were grown according to strict U.S. environmental regulations. And while conventional produce can be washed to remove pesticide residue, coffee beans really can’t be washed prior to brewing. So organic also means no residual chemicals will end up in your hot cup of coffee.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION