Who knew? If you have just one shoe from a pair and you’re unsure what to do with it, you can donate it to your local Goodwill store. Not every item donated to Goodwill is re-sold in their stores. The charity has a waste recycling program that turns castoffs into cash. Goodwill stores often have an “orphan shoe” program where they match one shoe with a similar stray shoe and sell the pair together. It’s fine to give just one shoe in your bag of donations.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Sure, the greenest way to wrap a present is not to use gift wrap at all. But if you want to wrap a gift, do the most eco-friendly thing: Choose recyclable paper. When buying gift wrap, avoid paper that has shimmer, shine, metallic flecks or glitter on it. These sparkles make the paper non-recyclable. Instead, look for what’s called “unlaminated” paper or just straightforward printed gift wrap. Paper with a matte finish is recyclable and can be tossed into the paper recycling bin along with regular office paper recycling.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When buying dog toys, keep in mind that your pooch uses its mouth to chew, tear and play with the toy. It’s important to find toys that are free of harsh chemicals that can make dogs sick. The best way to avoid a toxic toy is to simply smell it at the store. Does it have a strong chemical smell? Is it dyed in bright, deeply saturated colors? When you rub it against your skin, is there dye transfer? If its packaging promotes stain-resistant or fire-retardant features, the toy is likely made with formaldehyde. And always watch your dog to avoid choking and other problems when it plays.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION