Sure, it makes sense to store milk, eggs and fresh fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator. But have you thought about storing things like oil and flour? Products that have oil in them are temperamental and can easily go rancid when left in warm conditions or when sunlight regularly beams onto the jar or container. Canola, safflower and olive oil should be stored in the refrigerator to help them stay fresh longer. And whole-grain flours (which still have trace oils and bran in the flour) also do better when stored in a cool, dark place like the refrigerator.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Just one manufacturer of disposable pens sells close to 9 billion of them every single year. Plastic pens are nearly impossible to recycle, and the majority end up in landfills. If you have a collection of dried-up plastic pens, you can send them to an artist called The Pen Guy who uses them to make large-scale collages that vary from abstract to whimsical patterns. He takes a wide variety of writing implements, including ballpoint and felt-tip pens, regular and dry-erase markers, and mechanical pencils. To learn how to donate, just visit his website at penguyart.com.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Freezing conditions outside may not be ideal for enjoying the great outdoors, but they are perfect for eradicating potential pests from your household items. Simply lay a tarp outside and cover it with items you can’t launder easily, like pillows, throw blankets, toys, shoes and books. The harsh temps will kill bed bugs, dust mites and any other pesky critters lurking inside. Large items need as much as four days to properly freeze, so if you have the opportunity to take advantage of an extended cold spell, consider a secure location like an unheated garage or shed for this winter detox project.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION