It’s common knowledge that you should do a light rinse of recyclable containers before putting them in the recycling bin. But did you know you should skip the rinse when it comes to any containers that have a soapy residue? Think about bottles that once held laundry detergent, shampoo and hand soap. These should not be rinsed. Why not? The residual soap can help clean plastics during reprocessing at the recycling plant! Simply toss these items into the bin without a rinse!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

When creating the fairy tale wedding of your dreams, it’s possible to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the wedding gown -- something that is worn only for a few hours, just once in your lifetime. Get more dress for your money by thinking "once wed." The online store OnceWed.com has a marketplace featuring almost-new wedding gowns being re-sold at a fraction of the price. Dresses from in-demand designers like Vera Wang and Monique Lhuiller can be found at up to 90% off their original retail price. Use the money you saved to honeymoon at a five-star eco-resort after the wedding.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Have you ever heard of leaving your dryer lint outdoors so birds can pick it up and use it to feather their nests? This is really a no-go tip when it comes to helping our feathered friends, because dryer lint contains chemical detergents and synthetic fibers that can irritate birds and their chicks. Instead, if you have untreated dried grass, hair clumps (also undyed and untreated) or just twigs and moss, those are the best things to leave out to help the birds.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION