If you have a bunch of bananas at home, do just one thing: Separate them. Fruits and veggies emit ethylene gas into the air. Ethylene is a natural, odorless gas that speeds up the ripening process. When you have a bunch of bananas together, you create a supercharged vortex of ripening gas that can make the bananas (and whatever produce is near them) ripen faster. Simply breaking them apart reduces the concentration of gas and can help add a day of freshness to your bananas and other delectable fruits and veggies.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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