Does your family love cooking competition shows? Here’s a fun way to bring that TV fun into the kitchen and help prevent food waste. Put together a variety of remainders from your refrigerator and pantry. Think broken taco shells, small bits and pieces of things like cheese and veggies, and whatever condiments are left at the bottom of jars. Then challenge everyone to come up with a fun recipe using just these ingredients! It’ll make for a fun family night, and you’ll use up all of those scraps.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you're like me, you love getting your news from printed newspapers every single morning. You’re probably aware that you can recycle old newspapers in regular curbside recycling bins, but did you know that you can donate them, too? Local animal shelters are always in need of newspapers to use as bedding for cats and dogs up for adoption. And thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army will eagerly accept newspapers, which they use to wrap fragile items for sale inside their stores.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Forty percent of all homeowners will suffer through water damage in their home sometime in their lifetime, and it all can be prevented. Whether it’s a burst pipe, an overflowing toilet or a broken appliance, nothing is worse than discovering excess water has been flowing in your home for hours, days or weeks. New devices in the marketplace now attach to your main water line and can do all the monitoring for you. One brand -- Flo by Moen -- syncs to your phone, and not only can it shut off the water if a leak is detected, it can also help you manage your overall water consumption. Knowledge is power and prevention is key, so consider a smart water device to help you save money and protect your home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION