Do you reuse large shopping bags to organize recyclables, then place the filled bags out on the curb for pickup? It seems like a win-win: You’re recycling and you’re reusing a bag! But shopping bags are a hassle for recyclers. They are often made from glossy or colorful paper or plastic that’s hard to recycle. And they often tip over, tear or need to be manually loaded into the truck on recycling day. All too often, recyclables in these bags go straight to the landfill. What to do? Use a recycling bin or brown paper grocery store shopping bags -- which are always recyclable -- instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

A dirty windshield can make driving not only difficult, but dangerous. If you can’t make it to the store for windshield wiper fluid, here’s how to make your own DIY version in a pinch. Mix 4 cups of water with 3 cups of vodka and a few squirts of liquid dishwashing soap. Pour the mixture into your car’s windshield wiper fluid reservoir and use as normal. The mixture will work to clear your windshield until you can pick up new fluid.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Activated charcoal is a super absorber of toxins, chemicals and odors. It’s made from all-natural materials like coconut husk, and it’s affordable, too! While there are myriad uses for it for DIY beauty recipes, you can also use it when doing household tasks at home. When you can’t open your windows to ventilate a room when painting, for example, just place a large bowl of activated charcoal in the middle of the room. It’ll absorb odors and other volatile organic compounds in the air.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION