Do you keep the cords for personal electronics, like GPS devices or your phone, plugged into your car’s USB ports overnight? Even when you turn your car off, these cables and cords can still draw a trickle of energy from your car’s battery. Over time, this can drain the battery and, in the worst cases, cause it to die. For some personal electronics, leaving them continuously plugged in can decrease their lifespan. Make a habit of unplugging your devices and their cords when you’re not driving.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

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