Using a dishwasher is one of the most water- and energy-efficient ways to get your dishes clean. It’s greener than washing by hand, and it also usually delivers a more sanitized finish on cups, utensils, plates and more. But did you know your dishwasher needs to be cleaned every few months, too? To keep your appliance in its best shape, simply fill a large bowl with white vinegar and place it inside, right side up. The mild acid will help neutralize odors and germs as it is dispensed. Then sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom of the dishwasher and run it empty; this will give the interior one last clean. These two steps will leave your dishwasher sanitized and ready for your next load of dirty dishes.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you forget to bring a reusable coffee cup to the shop, at least do this: Ditch the cardboard sleeve. It’s estimated over 58 billion cardboard sleeves are added to cups every year and instantly tossed into the trash when the hot cup of java is finished. The reality is, a hot cup only stays hot for a short period of time. So eliminating the sleeve is at least one tiny way to reduce your footprint when you forget to bring your reusable thermos to your favorite coffee shop.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Sure, if you have a small gift to give, a piece of scrap paper makes an easy gift wrap. But what about something larger? Consider wrapping it in something useful by using a double-duty gift. Take two pillow cases and double-wrap a gift; just tie a knot with the excess fabric, and voila! A beautifully wrapped gift. Tea towels and bath towels are also easy to use in lieu of paper to wrap a present; use safety pins to tuck them neatly into a wrapped gift. And you can upcycle the fabric bags that shoes or bedding sets come packaged in; they often have a zip closure that makes wrapping a breeze.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION